The Top 15 Most UNDERRATED 90's JDM Cars
The 1990s was a golden era for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars, with iconic models that have since cemented their place in automotive history. While the likes of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 have rightfully earned their fame, there are many other JDM gems from the '90s that deserve more recognition.
In this article, we'll dive into the top 15 most underrated 90's JDM cars - vehicles that may have flown under the radar but possess unique designs, impressive performance, and significant cultural impact. Whether you're a diehard JDM enthusiast or simply appreciate the artistry of automotive engineering, these underrated icons are sure to pique your interest.
1. Honda Beat
The diminutive Honda Beat may not have the raw power of its larger JDM counterparts, but this mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive kei car is a true driver's delight. Designed by the legendary Pininfarina, the Beat's whimsical styling and nimble handling make it a beloved choice among enthusiasts who value the pure joy of driving.
2. Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Nissan's answer to the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Pulsar GTI-R was a homologation special that packed a turbocharged punch. With its all-wheel-drive system and potent SR20DET engine, the Pulsar GTI-R was a force to be reckoned with on the rally stage and the street.
3. Toyota Sera
The Toyota Sera was a unique and futuristic-looking sports car that never quite gained the same level of popularity as the Supra or MR2. However, its distinctive gull-wing doors and sleek, aerodynamic design have earned it a devoted following among JDM enthusiasts who appreciate its avant-garde styling.
4. Mitsubishi FTO
Mitsubishi's FTO was a front-wheel-drive sports car that offered an engaging driving experience and a striking, curvaceous design. While it may have been overshadowed by the more powerful Lancer Evolution, the FTO's nimble handling and refined aesthetics make it a hidden gem in the JDM pantheon.
5. Mazda Cosmo
The Mazda Cosmo is a true icon of the JDM world, being the first production car to feature a rotary engine. This sleek and sophisticated grand tourer was a technological marvel in its time, and its unique design and smooth, high-revving Wankel powerplant have cemented its status as a cult classic.
6. Subaru SVX
Subaru's SVX was a bold and unconventional grand tourer that combined all-wheel-drive performance with a striking, futuristic design. Its distinctive window-within-a-window styling and powerful flat-six engine made it a standout in the JDM market, though it never quite achieved the same level of popularity as the Impreza or Legacy.
7. Nissan Silvia S14
The Nissan Silvia S14 is often overshadowed by its more famous S13 and S15 siblings, but this sleek and stylish sports car deserves more recognition. With its well-balanced chassis and potent turbocharged power, the S14 Silvia was a formidable performer on the track and the street.
8. Toyota Starlet GT Turbo
The Toyota Starlet GT Turbo may have been a humble hatchback, but it packed a serious punch thanks to its turbocharged 1.3-liter engine. This nimble and affordable JDM icon offered impressive performance and handling, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize driving dynamics over outright power.
9. Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
While the Honda Integra Type R (DC2) has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the greatest front-wheel-drive sports cars of all time, it's still often overlooked in favor of the more famous Acura/Honda NSX. However, the Integra Type R's razor-sharp handling, high-revving VTEC engine, and timeless design make it a true JDM legend.
10. Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Mitsubishi's Galant VR-4 was a formidable rally-inspired sedan that combined all-wheel-drive performance with a sleek, understated design. While it may have lacked the sheer power of the Lancer Evolution, the Galant VR-4's balanced handling and turbocharged punch made it a force to be reckoned with on the road and the track.
11. Nissan Stagea
The Nissan Stagea was a unique and versatile JDM wagon that offered a compelling blend of practicality and performance. Powered by the same turbocharged inline-six engine found in the Skyline GT-R, the Stagea was a true wolf in sheep's clothing, with the ability to outpace many sports cars while still providing ample cargo space.
12. Toyota MR2 SW20
The Toyota MR2 SW20 is often overshadowed by the more famous AW11 and ZZW30 generations, but this mid-engined sports car deserves more recognition. With its sharp handling, responsive steering, and peppy turbocharged power, the MR2 SW20 was a true driver's car that offered an engaging and rewarding driving experience.
13. Mazda 323 GTR
Mazda's 323 GTR was a homologation special that brought the company's rally-bred performance to the masses. With its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive system, and lightweight construction, the 323 GTR was a formidable competitor on the road and the track, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of Mazda's more famous sports cars.
14. Subaru Legacy GT-B
The Subaru Legacy GT-B was a high-performance variant of the company's midsize sedan, offering a unique blend of practicality and performance. Equipped with a turbocharged flat-four engine and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system, the Legacy GT-B was a sleeper sedan that could hold its own against many dedicated sports cars.
15. Nissan 180SX
The Nissan 180SX may not have the same level of fame as the Silvia, but this affordable and tunable sports car has a dedicated following among JDM enthusiasts. With its pop-up headlights, turbocharged power, and drift-friendly rear-wheel-drive layout, the 180SX was a true icon of the 90's tuning scene.
Why These Cars Deserve More Recognition
These underrated 90's JDM cars deserve more recognition for several reasons. Firstly, many of them feature unique and innovative design elements that set them apart from the more mainstream sports cars of the era. From the gull-wing doors of the Toyota Sera to the distinctive window-within-a-window styling of the Subaru SVX, these vehicles showcase the creativity and attention to detail that characterized the JDM scene.
Secondly, many of these underrated models offered impressive performance capabilities that rivaled or even surpassed their more famous counterparts. The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R, for example, was a formidable rally car that could hold its own against the Subaru Impreza WRX, while the Honda Integra Type R was a front-wheel-drive masterpiece that could outhandle many rear-wheel-drive sports cars.
Finally, these underrated JDM cars have a significant cultural impact, serving as icons of the tuning and enthusiast communities. Models like the Nissan 180SX and Toyota Starlet GT Turbo have become beloved staples of the drift and street racing scenes, inspiring countless enthusiasts to seek out and modify these hidden gems.
Conclusion
The 1990s was a golden era for JDM cars, and while the most famous models have rightfully earned their place in automotive history, there are many other underrated gems that deserve more recognition. From the diminutive Honda Beat to the versatile Nissan Stagea, these underrated JDM icons offer unique designs, impressive performance, and significant cultural impact.
By shining a light on these lesser-known but equally captivating vehicles, we hope to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts to explore the rich and diverse world of 90's JDM cars. So, whether you're a diehard JDM fan or simply appreciate the artistry of automotive engineering, be sure to keep an eye out for these underrated gems – you never know what hidden treasures you might discover.