No matter if you are into luxury, exotic, muscle or import vehicles, the Japanese car culture loved around the world can turn anyones head in an instant. These classic and modern JDM vehicles are hugely popular in the tuning, modification, and racing scenes. These cars have cult followings and are icons of street racing, drifting, time attack, and car culture worldwide.
One thing that has been said is that European vehicles are designed to last as long as the maintenance schedules are followed. Japanese vehicles are designed to last with users completely abusing them, which is why we see many imports on the road for decades beyond what is expected, even when racing and drifting them.
1. Nissan GT-R R34
– Nickname: “Godzilla”
– Why it’s loved: AWD grip, twin-turbo RB26DETT engine, massive tuning potential
– Scene: Street racing, time attack, drag, and JDM royalty
– Fun fact: Illegal in the U.S. until recently due to import restrictions
(Pictured below, the 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 used in “Fast & Furious” The first movie of the international movie franchise.)
2. Toyota Supra MK4 (A80)
– Engine: 2JZ-GTE (famous inline-6 twin turbo)
– Why it’s loved: Bulletproof engine, huge power builds (1,000+ hp not uncommon)
– Scene: Drag racing, roll racing, dyno queens
– Famous for: *Fast & Furious* legend – Another Paul Walker aka Brian O’Conner vehicle
(Pictured: 1994 Supra MK IV with twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE 3.0-liter inline-6 and 4 speed transmission.)
3. Mazda RX-7
– Engine: Twin-turbo rotary (13B-REW)
– Why it’s loved: Light, agile, high-revving, gorgeous design
– Scene: Drifting, time attack, show builds
– Unique factor: The only rotary engine on this list
(Pictured 1987 Rx-7 Turbo 1.3-liter, twin-rotor, twin-turbocharged rotary engine)
4. Nissan Silvia S13 / S14 / S15
– Why it’s loved: Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, easy to slide
– Scene: Drifting, especially grassroots and pro drift events
– Engine swaps: Common to drop in SR20DET, RB, or even LS engines
5. Honda Civic (EK9, EG6, or newer Type R)
– Why it’s loved: Lightweight, cheap to modify, rev-happy VTEC engines
– Scene: Street racing, time attack, autocross
– Fun fact: Often underestimated, but deadly fast when built right
6. Subaru Impreza WRX / STi (GC8, GD, etc.)
– Why it’s loved: AWD, turbocharged boxer engine, rally-bred
– Scene: Rally, touge, street racing, winter builds
– Famous for: WRC heritage and iconic Subaru rumble
7. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo 6–9, especially Evo 8/9)
– Why it’s loved: Turbo AWD beast, razor-sharp handling, rally-bred
– Scene: Street racing, track, hill climbs
– Fun fact: Evo 9 has one of the best 4-cylinder engines ever—4G63T
8. Toyota AE86 (Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno)
– Why it’s loved: Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, pure driving feel
– Scene: Drifting, touge, Initial D fans
– Pictured below: Cartoon which made the AE86 famous in the “Initial D” anime.
9. Honda S2000 (AP1/AP2)
– Why it’s loved: High-revving 9,000 rpm engine, precise handling
– Scene: Track days, canyon carving, time attack
– Fun fact: One of the highest power-per-liter naturally aspirated engines ever (F20C)
(Pictured below from Fast & Furious, where Ricky Yune as Johnny Tran was racing in Race Wars)
10. Nissan 350Z / 370Z
– Why it’s loved: Affordable RWD platform, decent power, easy to mod
– Scene: Drifting, track, stance builds
– Aftermarket: Tons of support from both JDM and US brands
Whether you are aspiring to own one of these cars, restoring one or have purchased one from another collector. We want to know what your garage setup is! Send us an email, share your story. We are looking for people to interview and share with our community, everything from your garage setup to your vehicle and your journey with your vehicle.
Find out more about our services at Lux Garages here: www.luxgarages.ca/services