In the ’90s, the success of Japanese sports cars such as the Toyota Supra paved the way for more cars of the same class. It was a time when affordable sports cars were more in-demand than today, but still, between the mid-2000s and today, many great Japanese sports cars were produced, and you can buy them today.
Car enthusiasts all over the world, especially those who were around in the ’90s, were excited to welcome back some iconic sports cars from back in the day, such as the part-BMW Toyota Supra and the new-generation Skyline-GTR. Today, we have compiled a list of some of the coolest-looking Japanese sports cars from the last 15 years.
Personally, we love the Lexus LFA, but we don’t love its price, and on the more affordable side, the MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ are some great choices. So, without further ado, let’s get straight to it!
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15Lexus LC500
Although criticized for being a little impractical due to a lack of storage space and a terrible infotainment system, there is no denying how cool the Lexus LC500 looks. Its looks are reminiscent of a concept car, and the LC500 offers a smooth, fun drive. Also, there is the LC500h, a hybrid version of the sports car.
142020 Toyota Supra
What do you get when BMW and Toyota team up to produce a sports car? You get the 2020 Supra, the successor to the legendary sports car originally released in 1978.
This playful little sports car comes equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged l6 engine able to produce 335 horsepower, and it manages to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 4.1 seconds.
13Mazda MX-5 Miata
The original MX-5 Miata was first released in 1989, and since then, it has become one of the most legendary affordable Japanese sports cars out there. In fact, it is easily one of the best cars you can buy for that price. In mid-2006, it changed its design, offering a power-retractable hardtop, making this car even cooler than it already was.
12Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX consistently makes “best sports cars” lists, and it’s not surprising when you consider the fact that it’s one of the most practical performance sports cars in the world. It’s a good-looking car without trying too hard. No wonder it’s appeared in The Fast and the Furious movies a total of four times already!
11Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA is an awesome-looking Japanese sports car, and if you get a black one, don’t be surprised if people mistake you for Bruce Wayne. To keep its weight low, it contains many elements made with carbon fiber such as the steering wheel, the frame, and the hood. Unfortunately, it has a price tag of $375,000, nearly as much as an Aventador.
10Nissan Skyline GT-R
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is easily one of the most iconic cars that Japanese automakers have ever produced. According to Wheels, it is the best handling car they’ve ever driven, and Top Gear considers it to be the only true contribution by the Japanese to sports cars. Also, Jeremy Clarkson once claimed it was one of the best cars in the world.
9Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
When you think of iconic Japanese sports cars from the ’90s, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution immediately comes to mind. It was last produced at the end of 2015, as the Japanese automakers – just like many other car brands out there – are mainly focusing on SUVs. It’s a beast on the track, and although unlikely, we hope to see this car resurrected one day.
8Mazda RX-7
Just a simple Google search is enough to understand just how legendary the Mazda RX-7 is, a beautiful car that many have dubbed the best Japanese sports car ever. It was first released in 1978, and it paved the way for more Japanese sports cars, helping to define the overall class.
7Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is an absolute beast on the track, and it manages to go toe-to-toe with cars that cost double the price. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2010, but it still remains one of the most sought-after Japanese sports cars in the world. It comes equipped with an engine that’s able to produce around 245 horsepower, and it has almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
6Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a coupe that’s insanely fun to drive, and its design is sure to turn heads too. In simple terms, the BRZ is easily one of the most affordable and pure sports cars out there, and it is fun to drive as well as practical, which isn’t always the case with sports cars. Compared to the Miata, for example, it has much more room on the inside, as well as more cargo space.
5Honda NSX
When you first look at the NSX, it doesn’t remind you of your typical Honda. No, not at all. It looks like a very modern sports car, with a design reminiscent of the Audi R8, especially from the sides. It is a powerful car, managing to keep up with the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Mercedes AMG-GTR. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2005.
4Toyota 86
With its low hood and arching roofline, the Toyota 86 looks like a real sports coupe, and it is easy on the eyes without a design that screams “come race me.” It is much more practical than some of its competitors, as it has good storage space and enough space in the back to seat two comfortably.
3Honda Civic Type R
To finish off our list, we felt like we couldn’t omit the amazing Honda Civic Type-R. It is an all-time great that is constantly being improved on year after year. It was voted the “best affordable driver” by Autowheels in 2017, and it set a record for the fastest lap by a front-wheel-drive car at Nordschleife.
2Acura NSX
The 2020 Acura NSX is a modern-looking (even a little futuristic) Japanese sports car that is sure to turn heads wherever you go. It comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine that makes it super quick, as it manages to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.1 seconds.
1Nissan 350Z
Nicknamed the “Ladybird” due to its design, the Nissan 350Z often divides opinions on whether it is a good car or not, but this is simply because purist car enthusiasts can’t help but compare it with its predecessor, the iconic, legendary Nissan 370Z. But can anybody deny how cool you will look behind the wheel of the 350Z?
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