In 2026, the 25-year import rule now allows vehicles from 2001 onward. As far as JDM vehicles are concerned, the majority of iconic and notable models were produced before the turn of the century, meaning we have nearly the entire catalog of JDM greatness now available at our fingertips.
Thus, you may be wondering, which are the best JDM cars to import in 2026, and what are their costs? Fear not, as we have compiled a top ten list for this exact purpose. Instead of focusing on the most hyped JDM cars, such as the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, you will find that we provide a deeper, more informed selection of available options. Stick around as we break down each entry one by one in order of ascending price. Let’s dive in!
1991 Honda Beat
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $7,681
First up on our list is one of three from the Holy Trinity of Kei Cars, the 1991 Honda Beat. This adorable two-seat mid-engine roadster offers unlimited fun behind the wheel thanks to its high-revving inline-three engine. Equipped with individual throttle bodies and peak power arriving at 8,100 RPM, the Honda Beat’s engine is as close as it gets to the feeling of a Honda sports bike with four wheels.
Although our average price expectation is not a perfect representation of what you may find on the market, several examples sold last year within the $5,900 to $11,000 range. The majority of these recently sold Honda Beat models all went for $7,800 or less, providing an ideal gateway drug into the JDM market.
1999 Toyota Aristo V300
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $8,895
The 1999 Toyota Aristo V300 is a JDM car that often doesn’t get the respect it deserves stateside. The Aristo reached the U.S. market as the Lexus GS300. Yet, the most important part of the JDM Aristo we didn’t receive was the legendary 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine. The naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE is available here and in Japan; in the U.S., it appears as the GS300 (Aristo S300). Yet, the only way to get a 2JZ-GTE without buying an MKIV Toyota Supra is the Toyota Aristo V300.
The Classic.com average combines S300 and V300 sales, so the figure may not reflect V300-only values. However, within the last year, three low-mileage Aristo V300 models sold within the $10,000 to $15,000 price range, providing the perfect path to owning one of the most tunable and durable engines ever made.
Suzuki Cappuccino
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $10,002
Another one of the Kei Car Holy Trinity is the 1991 Suzuki Cappuccino, a two-seat roadster that can function as a coupe, targa, or full convertible. Unlike the Honda Beat, the Cappuccino offers a turbocharged inline-three engine that is known to respond well to modification. If you want a driving experience that makes a Mazda MX-5 Miata feel like a boat, look no further.
Within the last year, ten Cappuccino models sold in the U.S. within the range of $8,520 and $14,300. Could you buy a first-generation Mazda Miata for less than a Cappuccino? Probably, but this little JDM coupe is way more fun and has way more street cred.
1994 Toyota Celica GT Four
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $14,853
The Toyota Celica GT Four is a rally legend that we never got to experience in its full form here back home. The 2.0-liter 3S-GTE inline-four engine that powers this 5-speed manual-equipped AWD coupe is known as one of the best Japanese tuning platforms, even today. The WRC Edition, limited to 2500 units, was the road-going homologation special that allowed Toyota to enter Group A during the 1995 season.
While the WRC Edition is cool for its collectability, a standard GT Four is much cheaper, and all the WRC-specific features can be added for less cash in the aftermarket. Only four of these GT Four models sold last year, two standard models and two WRC Editions, within the price range of $13,000 to $21,800.
1991 Nissan Figaro
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $16,232
If you want a JDM car that will be an absolute showstopper no matter where you go, look no further than the 1991 Nissan Figaro. With only 20,000 models produced for one year, the diminutive Nissan Figaro is a rare and cool convertible — and there aren’t too many of those. Imagine the size of a Fiat 500, but even shorter. If you want to talk about neo-retro, the Nissan Figaro is the pinnacle of this design concept. Styled to look more 1950s than 1990s, the Nissan Figaro is truly a special vehicle both inside and out.
Take a look at the interior, and you will feel like you are in a classic Bentley or Cadillac rather than a 1990s Nissan. 16 different Nissan Figaro models traded hands last year, with the average price range being between $8,000 and $29,000. That is a large range, all things considered, demonstrating that condition and mileage still play a big part in the overall price.
1991 Nissan Skyline GTS-t
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $19,948
While going for the iconic R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R may seem like the obvious choice, most enthusiasts overlook the 1991 Nissan Skyline GTS-t. This variant offers the turbocharged RB20DET inline-six, the 2.0-liter predecessor to the twin-turbocharged RB26DETT found in the GT-R. Because of the well-known tunability of the RB20DET and the GTS-t being RWD as opposed to AWD, the Skyline GTS-t is a common platform for drifting and modification.
Only two Nissan Skyline GTS-t models have been sold within the last year in the U.S., according to Classic.com’s data, with the first selling at $20,600 and the second at $22,000. Compared to an R32 Skyline GT-R, you are paying about half the price. While the RB20DET may not be nearly as potent as the RB26DETT in stock form, a little modification can go a long way.
1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version VI Type RA Limited
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $23,906
While the Subaru Impreza 22B STi is undoubtedly the most legendary 1990s Subaru ever made, few individuals will ever have a chance to see one of these rare beauties, let alone own one. We have to say that just about the next best thing to the iconic 22B STi is the 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version VI Type RA Limited. While not quite as special edition as the 22B STi, Subaru only produced 2,000 Version VI Type RA Limited models, each of which is individually numbered and identifiable through a plaque affixed to the center console.
Version VI is the final evolution of the first-generation STi model, and the Type RA variant is highly desirable for rally homologation features like its close-ratio gearbox. Classic.com’s data includes all variants of the first-generation STi, so it may not be an exact representation of only the Version VI Type RA Limited. For example, a standard 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STi sold for $9,900 in February 2025, while two Version VI Type RA Limited models sold late last year at $20,750 and $20,000, respectively.
1997 Toyota Chaser Tourer V
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $26,468
One of the cars that we desperately needed, but never received as a USDM model, is the Toyota Chaser. A big part of that reason is that Toyota’s X chassis cars, which include the Chaser, were the primary recipients of the coveted 1JZ-GTE inline-six. While the flagship 2JZ-GTE engine was only available in two select models, the 1JZ-GTE was readily available across several Toyota X chassis cars, like the 1997 Toyota Chaser Tourer V. The final generation of the Chaser Tourer V is also known as the JZX100.
The JZX100 is considered the most desirable of all the variants as it offers the most potent and upgraded version of the 1JZ-GTE, featuring a single-turbo configuration and VVT-i. Classic.com’s data for the Chaser Tourer V is very limited, but for reference, the most recently sold 1997 Toyota Chaser Tourer V was in August 2025 for $30,000.
1999 S15 Nissan Silvia
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $27,099
The 1999 S15 Nissan Silvia is one of the last true forbidden fruits that we now have full access to stateside. While the S13 and S14 variants of the Nissan 240SX were readily available in USDM form, we never got any variant of the final generation, the S15 Nissan Silvia. The S15 Silvia is the last of its era of Nissan sports cars and certainly one of Nissan’s best designs of all time. The turbocharged Spec-R model is the most desirable, but the naturally-aspirated Spec-S is just as sought after.
While the engines in both are great, neither is exceptional compared to other JDM offerings of the era. Instead, the look and chassis are the true stars of the show and demand a premium. As a result, the S15 Silvia is one of the most popular platforms for modification. Last year, the cheapest S15 Spec-R sold for $16,250, while a low-mileage S15 Spec-R went for $33,600 on the high end.
1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V
Classic.com Average Sale Price: $34,014
The 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V is arguably the greatest Mitsubishi sports car ever made, and we never even got it across the pond. Crafted over years of trials and tribulations in rally racing, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution had an unreal run of form throughout the 1990s as one of the most dominant racing cars ever produced. The body kit found on the Evolution V model is the stuff of legends, and the EVO V’s looks alone are enough to make you giddy with JDM nostalgia. Yet, the performance of the EVO V is also second-to-none, no matter whether you opt for the RS or GSR variant.
Despite being the priciest model on our list, two Lancer Evolution V models sold for $25,500 in September 2025. Those two Evolution V models were also the lowest-priced sales of the last year, despite the average higher prices of JDM EVO models. With only about 7,500 examples produced, the inventory of these rare beauties is diminishing every year. If you see a potential EVO in your future, you’d better start saving now!
Sources: Classic.com, Bring A Trailer