Having a fun car doesn’t mean you need to spend droves of cash – here are our top picks for interesting, head-turning Japanese options.
In some cases, you don’t exactly have to spend a lot of money on a car for it to turn heads during your daily commute or weekend cruise. Traditional classics can cost a fortune in several cases, and depending on their age and inherent nature, can require a considerable bit of wrenching just for basic usage. On the other hand, there are still plenty of Japanese cars out there from the 1990s and 2000s that are swiftly becoming classics in their own right.
On top of which, it’s not uncommon for a lot of these cars to possess far more dependability than your average 1960s muscle car, but remain cool enough to stand out within the vast herd of everyday traffic. Some of these cars are traditional USDM cars that still retain a staggering prowess on the streets, sometimes more so in the modern world than when they were first launched. Others can be JDM models with an enhanced sense of distinction not typically found with cars originally sold in the US. These types of oddities can be a tremendous amount of fun, plus they won’t set your wallet back too much, either, but they can make you feel like a million bucks. Let’s take a look.
10 Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja gave the United States its first ute since the discontinuation of the Chevrolet El Camino, but sadly, was only built for a few years before low demand ended production.
Simply put, the Subaru Baja is basically just a Legacy with an exposed pickup-style bed at the rear. The dimensions of which are far too small to be as practical as a full-size truck, but the Baja remains an interesting choice for the road less traveled.
9 Suzuki Cappuccino
This little Suzuki is tiny enough to make a Miata look like a Cadillac, but the secret to its fun factor is its inherent lightness.
Horsepower is almost non-existent, however, as this roadster is still a Kei car and built to restrictions that limit it to a mere 63 horsepower. Still, the Suzuki Cappuccino’s simplicity makes it a cheap JDM import that’s certain to turn heads everywhere.
8 EP3 Honda Civic Si
Pretty much any version of the Honda Civic Si is going to be a great commuter with extra power on tap, but legendary reliability to back it up.
The EP3 platform of the Civic Si is an especially good choice, as it’s a reasonably priced hatchback that provides plenty of fun behind the wheel. An added bonus is the fact that the EP3 is the only Honda Civic from its generation to be sold in the United States on a hatchback platform, giving owners both performance and practicality in the process.
7 Mitsubishi Delica
The Mitsubishi Delica is an intriguing JDM van that’s seeing a surge in popularity in the United States. Ever since it became eligible for importation, the Delica has been winning enthusiasts’ hearts cross-country.
The main allure of the Mitsubishi Delica is the ability to contain so much inside such a tight package, as well as offering an array of creature comforts (including glass roof options for some variants). A common feature on the Delica was 4WD, making these little vans more than capable of mild off-roading for an interesting weekend getaway.
6 Toyota MR2 Spyder
The last generation of the Toyota MR2, the Spyder, is a simplistic sports car on a mid-engined platform that can provide an interesting alternative to the Mazda Miata.
Although lacking in the horsepower department, these cars are incredibly lightweight and still provide decent acceleration, plus phenomenal handling. Buyers beware, though, as the Toyota MR2 Spyder came equipped with versions of the Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine, which is notorious for oil consumption. As always, schedule a pre-purchase inspection and research thoroughly before committing.
5 W20 Toyota MR2
The second-generation Toyota MR2 is quickly becoming a collectors’ piece, although several still exist for a reasonable sum.
Altogether, the Toyota MR2 combines timeless styling with a mid-engined platform that’s sure to get attention. Toyota’s legendary reliability of the 1990s is another huge plus, making the MR2 one of the safer choices on this list.
4 Acura RSX
Although the Acura Integra seemed to fade away after the 2001 model year, the Acura RSX instantly became its successor for 2002. In fact, the RSX actually carries the Integra nameplate in several countries outside the United States.
In essence, the Acura RSX is an honest hot-hatch, with plenty of reliability and decent performance. Type S versions pack 201 horsepower, adding even more pep to this sporty front-wheeler, although prices can be considerably higher than the base versions.
3 Mazda Miata
Why mess with success? The Mazda Miata has spent over three decades providing phenomenal handling and cheap thrills to enthusiasts, and it still continues today. On top of that, it’s one of the few Japanese sports cars from the 1990s and 2000s that hasn’t seen a drastic increase in value, mostly due to the staggering amount of them still on the roads.
The Miata support community is also vast and plentiful, offering plenty of tips and advice to anyone seeking an entry-level sports car on the cheap, as long as you don’t mind only having two seats.
2 Toyota Sera
For those scrambling to put the ridiculous sums commanded by the Autozam AZ-1, the Toyota Sera offers a much more reasonable alternative for a fraction of the cost.
Furthermore, its butterfly doors and copious amounts of glass are more than enough to turn this simple compact into a fun package. Still, the best part of this Toyota is that, unlike the similar Autozam, the Sera isn’t a Kei car, but a full compact that can run with everyday traffic. With several versions selling for less than $9k, it’s easy to see why these are becoming so popular in the US.
1 Honda Acty
The Honda Acty was never officially sold in the US, although they’ve been popping up in heavy numbers ever since importation laws permitted them to enter the country. These tiny pickups can be had for a steal, with several already imported into the country and priced under $8k.
The Honda Acty is basically a utilitarian Kei truck, built to perform light duty in a crowded environment. Don’t expect much in terms of creature comforts, but these little trucks can be huge amounts of fun on the cheap, although you might want to think twice before taking one on the highway. With their foreign nature and toy-like appearance compared to the contrast of North American traffic, the Acty is definitely an attention-getter and an easy way for enthusiasts to make their presence known at the next cars and coffee meet.
Sources: Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Duncan Imports
