10 Classic Japanese Cars: The Most Iconic and Popular Vehicles Worldwide
The Japanese automotive industry has produced some of the most iconic and beloved cars worldwide—vehicles that were once affordable and accessible but have since evolved into coveted classics. From pioneering sports cars like the Toyota 2000GT and Datsun 240Z to high-performance legends such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, these models embody the perfect blend of reliability, engineering precision, and thrilling driving dynamics. Today, collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay premium prices for well-preserved examples, often far exceeding their original MSRPs.
What makes these Japanese cars so special? Many introduced groundbreaking technology, dominated motorsports, or gained cult followings through pop culture and the tuning scene. Whether it's the lightweight Acura Integra Type R, the rotary-powered Mazda RX-7, or the indestructible Toyota Supra, each has left a permanent mark on the automotive world. Let’s explore ten Japanese cars that have officially earned classic status—highlighting their historical impact, performance significance, and, of course, how their values have skyrocketed compared to their original prices. They’re no longer just old imports; they’re automotive treasures.
To provide the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used in this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.
10. Toyota 2000GT
1967–1970
The Toyota 2000GT holds a pinnacle position in Japanese automotive history—a rare, hand-built grand tourer that once directly challenged Europe’s finest sports cars. Designed in collaboration with Yamaha, its flowing body lines and masterful engineering embodied Japan’s newfound ambition. It debuted in 1967 with a sticker price of around $7,150, putting it in the same league as the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911S.
Fast forward nearly six decades: Only 337 units of the 2000GT were ever produced, yet it commands astronomical prices at auction. Recent sales have clustered around $1 million to $1.1 million, with pristine examples fetching as much as $2.5 million. Today, a well-preserved, near-original 2000GT averages about $1.05 million.
Such staggering appreciation—from under $7,000 new to seven-figure valuations—reflects the car’s rarity, distinctive styling, and the market’s reverence for Japanese heritage. Collectors prize original documentation, matching numbers, and provenance, such as celebrity ownership. The 2000GT isn’t just a classic—it’s a blue-chip collectible rivaling Ferraris and Aston Martins.
Performance Specs
Engine
2.0L inline-six
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Horsepower
150 hp
Torque
130 lb-ft
0-60 mph
8.4 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
135 mph
9. Datsun 240Z
1970–1973
The Datsun 240Z fundamentally reshaped perceptions of sports cars: a long hood, independent suspension, and a robust 2.4L inline-six engine delivered performance rivaling European competitors—yet it cost just $3,500–$4,000 when new.
Today’s market reflects this legacy. Examples in "excellent" condition now trade between $50,000 and $60,000, while concours-grade models surpass $100,000. In the UK, restored early 240Zs command £50,000 (~$62,000), while average-condition examples hover around £15,000 (~$18,000).
The 240Z’s transition from selling thousands to becoming a coveted "proto-JDM" icon symbolizes its growing reverence. Collectors prize original L24 engines, manual transmissions, and early S30 styling. Its enduring influence in pop culture and motorsports only adds to its timeless appeal.
Performance Specs
Engine
2.4L inline-six
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Horsepower
151 hp
Torque
146 lb-ft
0-60 mph
8.0 sec
Transmission
4-speed manual
Top Speed
125 mph
8. Mazda RX-7
1978–1985
Mazda's first RX-7 brought the rotary engine into the mainstream, combining lightweight agility with near-exotic character at an MSRP of approximately $9,700.
Decades later, average-condition RX-7s trade around $12,000, while concours-ready examples command up to $44,500. Exceptionally preserved, low-mileage first-gen models have reached $56,500.
Appreciating from sub-$10k origins to record-breaking $50k+ valuations, these cars are now treasured for their rarity, smooth personality, and growing classic status. Mazda's unique rotary demands devoted care - scarcity combined with enthusiast devotion suggests values should continue climbing.
Performance Specs
Engine
1.1L rotary
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Horsepower
100 hp
Torque
105 lb-ft
0-60 mph
9.2 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
115 mph
7. Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
1989–1994
The R32 Skyline GT-R, nicknamed "Godzilla," pioneered all-wheel-drive performance with its RB26DETT twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. At its 1989 launch, it retailed for approximately ¥4.5 million (equivalent to $35,000-$45,000 at the time).
Today in Japan, pristine examples command ¥15-30 million ($100,000-$200,000), depending on mileage and condition. In the U.S., where these models became legal under 25-year import rules, unmodified, low-mileage versions can exceed $150,000.
A perfect, showroom-quality R32 GT-R may fetch over $200,000, fueled by nostalgia, motorsport heritage, and its entrenched iconic status in gaming and anime culture. The GT-R name now commands genuine respect - and serious money.
Performance Specs
Engine
2.6L twin-turbo inline-six
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Horsepower
276 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.6 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
156 mph
6. Lexus LS400
1989–1994
The Lexus LS 400 debuted quietly yet shattered luxury car benchmarks. Launching in 1989 as Lexus entered the American market, this flagship sedan carried a ~$36,000 price tag with silky V8 power and build quality rivaling Mercedes and BMW.
Today, early LS 400s trade between $8,000-$15,000, with some pristine low-mileage examples occasionally exceeding $20,000. This represents modest overall depreciation while collector interest slowly grows.
Why classic? As Toyota's luxury statement, the LS 400 emphasized quietness, reliability and obsessive craftsmanship - now recognized as vintage virtues. Its understated elegance and over-engineered brilliance make it a sleeper classic finally awakening to collector potential.
Performance Specs
Engine
4.0L V8
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Horsepower
250 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
7.9 sec
Transmission
4-speed automatic
Top Speed
155 mph
5. Honda NSX
1990–2005
The Honda NSX introduced mid-engine reliability with supercar performance - featuring an all-aluminum body, VTEC engine technology, and F1 racing expertise from Ayrton Senna. Priced between $60,000-$70,000 when new depending on configuration.
Today, early NSX models command $150,000-$250,000, while iconic Type R versions typically exceed $300,000. Pristine pre-facelift examples with pop-up headlights and low mileage have surpassed $400,000.
The NSX didn't just give Ferrari owners a taste of Honda engineering - it now stands alongside classic European imports as an equal. With values quadrupling and climbing, this Japanese supercar shows no signs of slowing down.
Performance Specs
Engine
3.0L V6
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Horsepower
270 hp
Torque
210 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.7 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
168 mph
4. Toyota Supra Mk IV
1993–2002
The Mk IV Supra stands as one of the most recognizable high-performance sports cars ever made. Its 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine and immense tuning potential made it legendary in the modification scene. The new Supra Turbo carried an MSRP around $40,000.
Prices have skyrocketed in recent years: base non-turbo models now average $20,000-$30,000, while turbocharged versions typically command $80,000-$100,000. Unmodified, low-mileage examples often break six figures, with rare configurations exceeding $150,000.
What began as a fast but affordable GT car has become a collector's icon thanks to its bulletproof durability, performance ceiling, and cultural status cemented by The Fast and the Furious franchise and video games.
Performance Specs
Engine
3.0L twin-turbo inline-six
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Horsepower
320 hp
Torque
315 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.6 sec
Transmission
6-speed manual
Top Speed
155 mph
3. Subaru Impreza WRX STI
1994–2000
The original WRX STI was born from rally racing and lived for speed - packing all-wheel-drive grip, turbocharged power, and a pure, driver-focused experience. Mid-90s retail prices ranged from $27,000 to $35,000 depending on spec and market.
Today, collector interest is rapidly growing. Early STI models typically sell between $25,000-$40,000, while stock Rally Blue with gold wheels examples easily exceed $50,000. Limited editions like the Type RA or Type R are particularly coveted.
With its rally pedigree and analog driving experience, the WRX STI has become a sought-after Japanese classic. It's a modern muscle car built for mountain roads that collectors are now chasing too.
Performance Specs
Engine
2.0L turbocharged flat-four
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Horsepower
276 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.2 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
145 mph
2. Acura Integra Type R
1997–2001
The Integra Type R represented Honda's masterpiece of lightweight performance, featuring a hand-built engine, limited-slip differential, and aggressive weight reduction. Priced at approximately $23,000-$25,000 when new.
Well-preserved Type Rs now typically sell for $30,000-$45,000, with ultra-low-mileage, unmodified examples exceeding $50,000. Original Championship White examples command the highest premiums.
The Type R has achieved legendary status through its razor-sharp handling and unmatched front-wheel-drive precision. Despite steadily appreciating values, many consider it still outperforms vintage European competitors at similar price points.
Performance Specs
Engine
1.8L inline-four
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Horsepower
195 hp
Torque
130 lb-ft
0-60 mph
6.6 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
140 mph
1. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
1999–2001
The Evo VI elevated the Evolution lineage with improved aerodynamics, enhanced cooling, and WRC-winning prowess - particularly the legendary Tommi Mäkinen Edition. New Evo VIs retailed for approximately $32,000-$35,000.
Today, clean original Evo VIs sell for $30,000-$50,000, while Tommi Mäkinen Editions typically command $70,000 or more. Demand has surged with relaxed U.S. import laws, driving values upward.
With rally roots, turbocharged performance, and rare certification, the Evo VI has become a performance enthusiast's classic. It represents one of the last analog all-wheel-drive icons before the digital age arrived.
Performance Specs
Engine
2.0L turbocharged inline-four
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Horsepower
276 hp
Torque
274 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.4 sec
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
150 mph