Japanese Icons: Carhuna’s Top 5

These cars defined an era and continue to influence automotive culture worldwide. The 1990s and early 2000s were particularly significant for JDM, giving rise to legendary models known for their speed, precision engineering, and modifiability. Let’s explore some of the greatest JDM icons. We love anything JDM here at Carhuna, and you can find examples of a few of our favourites in the Carhuna classifieds. 

Honda NSX

Introduced in 1990, the Honda NSX combined supercar performance with Honda’s reliability. Its 3.0-litre V6 engine produced around 270 horsepower. With a lightweight aluminium body and input from Ayrton Senna, the NSX achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph, rivalling European supercars.

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34)

The Nissan Skyline GT-R series is central to any JDM discussion. Launched in 1989, the R32, nicknamed “Godzilla,” featured a 2.6-litre RB26DETT twin-turbo engine with about 276 horsepower. The R33 and R34 models followed, improving aerodynamics and all-wheel-drive systems. The R34, debuting in 1999, could hit 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 165 mph.

Toyota Supra (A80)

The fourth-generation Toyota Supra (A80) is another JDM legend. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine was officially rated at 276 horsepower, though real figures were often higher. Capable of 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds, the Supra gained fame for its tunability, allowing enthusiasts to significantly boost its power output.

Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

The third-generation Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), launched in 1992, featured a 1.3-litre twin-turbo rotary engine, rated at 276 horsepower. Weighing around 2,800 lbs, the RX-7 offered a balanced, agile driving experience, and its sleek design and unique rotary engine have made it a long-standing favourite among purists.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI was a rally icon. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine, it also produced 276 horsepower. With advanced all-wheel-drive and rally-derived suspension, it could reach 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, excelling on both tarmac and dirt.

JDM cars like these showcase Japan’s blend of style, reliability, and performance, continuing to excite and inspire automotive enthusiasts worldwide, keep an eye on the Carhuna Auctions & Classifieds to find your next JDM hero from the land of the rising sun.