The Fast and Furious franchise starting in the early 2000s is what really propelled JDM cars and culture into the spotlight. Vehicles such as the Toyota Chaser, Mazda RX-7, and Toyota Supra all hold legendary status in the JDM sphere. The influence of these 90’s JDM cars is still felt in today’s age, with many of the mid-to-late 90’s cars holding up and even appreciating despite their age. ![]() Japanese vehicles offered the affordability and low price point of domestic American cars, along with performance stats that matched European cars. These Japanese sports cars offered the perfect blend in what the American market loved about their domestic cars, as well as European exotics. American muscle cars and expensive European exotics made up the majority of vehicles owned in this market.Īs the ’80s came to a close and the ’90s began, Japanese used cars began entering the American market. While Japanese-made sports cars were taking off in Asia, the American market didn’t have access to these cars. ![]() There was also the Yakuza, the famous Japanese mob, who began modifying their vehicles, namely Toyota Crowns in a style now known today as the “VIP Style”. The Kanjozoku were a group of people who raced exclusively with Honda Civics. It was then that motorsports and a fascination with these cars began to spread like wildfire.ĭuring the mid-’80s, groups and cultures were starting to take off in Japan, with the group known as the Kanjozoku. What makes these cars so special to have an entire culture dedicated to these cars? History of the JDM SceneĪlthough the JDM scene and culture cannot be traced back to a specific date, it was during the 1980s that Japanese manufacturers began manufacturing incredible sports cars, like the Toyota AE86. However, the JDM scene represents more than just cars and their ability to be modified – It’s a lifestyle, community, culture, and experience. Although throughout time, the features and characteristics of these cars have changed and evolved, their ability to be modified hasn’t. These vehicles have been an extremely popular breed of cars for generations, particularly for car enthusiasts and modifiers. ![]() Just looking at the acronym, it simply means “Japanese Domestic Market” cars. ![]() There are now some cool JDM cars that are over 25 years old, or turn 25 in 2022, allowing you to import them.Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast or just a passer-by, there’s no way you haven’t heard the term “JDM” before. Unfortunately, while some iconic Japanese cars did make it to North America, like the Evo and the Subaru WRX STI, most of them remained only for Japan, and for years, enthusiasts have wanted to get their hands on them. Then, in the early 2000s, The Fast and The Furious made things abundantly clear for Japanese automakers: people wanted these icons back. Even if there were a few classic JDM cars we wouldn't touch. But this wasn't a permanent thing, because also in the late '90s, there was Gran Turismo, which reignited the love for Japanese cars in a lot of people, and even introduced them to some new ones. Then the automakers started bringing over their sports cars, but their popularity started to wane towards the end of the '90s. Japanese cars first arrived in North America as a response to the oil crisis, and due to the fact that they were smaller, almost as practical, and much more fuel efficient, many consumers quickly flocked to them, abandoning their traditional Americans sedans and wagons in the process. There are few things that get most car enthusiasts quite as excited as JDM cars.
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