We always want what we can’t have. The grass is always greener on the other side. Take your pick of cheesy jealousy one-liners, but there’s no denying the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) gets to have fun with cars we wish we could have. Whether it be for emissions, safety, or some other regulatory metric, some vehicles are simply not exported as global items.
Because each country has differing laws/regulations, this means that some vehicles will be produced in their home countries with features or designs that might seem odd at first glance. Once you take another look, you might realize that some of the automotive forbidden fruit from Japan can actually be fairly novel since they may not have to abide by outside international rules. While most automakers are fairly diligent about making sure their products are offered globally or at least in multiple markets, not everything makes it past the borders.
Over the years JDM manufacturers have produced some extremely quirky models, as well as extremely impressive ones. While some have become available to us via the 25-year importation rule, there are still tons out there we wish we could get our hands on now. Here are 10 exciting JDM cars that never made it to the States, but are absolutely worth exploring.
10 Mitsubishi Colt CZC
It’s horrible, confusing, odd, and absolutely glorious. The Mitsubishi Colt CZC is the work of genius. A hardtop convertible, manual sporty-ish compact is something that might not need to exist, but we are sure glad it does. In many ways, it is a car that provides solutions to many drivers’ needs.
If you have the needs of operating a vehicle while living in a large urban environment but want a convertible whilst doing it, then the Mitsubishi Colt CZC might have been the choice for you. This car emerged as the hard-top convertible craze became popular. Now though, the trend is back to soft top convertibles, for the time being.
9 Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota
Yes, we might get the GR Corolla here in the States, but overseas the GR Yaris is something of an international hero. Helping launch the GR name to create international fame, the homologated GR Yaris is the original Toyota three-cylinder hot hatch of the moment.
Many say we only received the GR Corolla because of the massive outcry for a GR hot hatch, a trend that was spurred by the Yaris, while others claim the GR Corolla was always meant to expand the GR portfolio. Either way, we are glad both exist even if we can’t have the homologated compact JDM racer.
8 Honda Jazz
It may not be the sportiest car, but the Honda Fit, from a couple of generations back, was our version of the Jazz. The latest generation never made it State-side, and we wish it did. The Jazz’s adorable styling and practicality make it a funky option. There are plenty of drivers here who appreciate the funky option and would gladly drive something that distinguishes itself from the rest of the Econo-boxes.
Although the Jazz does not possess a particularly tech-filled cabin, it does stick to the recipe of a spacious cabin and funky styling, around a space-efficient exterior. The Jazz has a unique style while offering some playful color combinations.
7 Honda E
It’s been a while since Honda announced their quirky ice-cube shaped “E” compact. Although we don’t get the silly Honda E here in the States, it’s definitely a car worth appreciating from afar. A minimal exterior meets a tech frenzy interior, all in a tiny, boxy EV package. With a range of 222 (137.94 miles) kilometers from its 35.5 kWh battery, the urban-focused Honda E has enough range to move folks around a large city, but stubborn drivers in the US will surely demand a higher range capacity.
The E is a dedicated rear-wheel driven car, a clever packaging strategy which Honda says is aimed at eliminating torque steer. With four dashboard-mounted screens, two inboard for driver information and infotainment purposes while the remaining outer screens act as rearview mirrors (something still not yet legal in the U.S.), the Honda E is not lacking in the tech department. The E also features a virtual assistant.
6 Mitsuoka Galue 204
Some things don’t make sense, and that’s OK. The Mitsuoka model is to take existing (reliable) vehicles and create a new skin entirely. Essentially Mitsuoka was a coach-builder and taking modern designs, throwing them out the window in favor of old school organic designs was their style. Take the Galue 204 which appears to be a Toyota Corolla that has the front end of an interpretation of a Bentley/Rolls-Royce, but with the rear end of a 1990s Cadillac DeVille.
It’s a strange thing, no doubt, but definitely unique. This is automotive copy culture at it’s finest. Mitsuoka has been busy recreating a classic version of the Chevy Corvette, a Morgan look-alike, and even a re-bodied Toyota Rav-4 made to look like an old Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
5 Lexus LM
Luxury van life is prominent in some Asian countries, and it’s a niche segment that should be more present in other markets. Lexus IS launching the new LM van with luxurious amounts of space for all the VIP passengers. Often reserved for slightly more exclusive transportation, luxury vans like the LM can be seen transporting government officials, wealthy families, or groups of people touring.
The stately appearance of luxury vans like the LM simply outshine those more pedestrian, everyday minivans we have to settle with. Our minivans are nothing to be ashamed of as they have vastly improved over the decades, but the LM and its competitors are another step up in refinement.
4 Honda S660
At just over half a liter, it’s difficult to comprehend how a car could even get around with such a small engine. The secret to Honda’s S660 is revs! With a redline of nearly 8,000 RPM, the S660 zips its way down the road with a special buzz. This is a modern example of Japans famous Kei cars. These are vehicles that must meet an extreme restriction on engine displacement and vehicle dimensions.
Aimed at extra congested urban areas, Kei cars were an attempt at answering traffic and emissions problems. With go-kart like handling and, frankly, go-kart power as well, the S660 and Kei cars in general offer a slapstick driving experience that is unmatched. We in the U.S.A. are missing out on these small treats of vehicles.
3 Nissan Patrol
We get plenty of Nissan SUVs, but none with quite the reputation as the Patrol. Although the Armada we now use in the States can loosely be related back to the Patrol, it was the JDM model that set the course for the rough and tough Nissan. Often used as an actual patrol vehicle in other countries, the burly SUVs name is well-fitted to the typical types of duty it does.
Key differences between Armada include a shorter final drive ratio of the Patrol (better for off-road duty), the addition of two extra off-road focused drive modes (sand, and rock crawling), as well as the addition of a hydraulic body motion controller that reduces pitch and yaw while off-roading, but also creates a smoother on-road driving experience.
2 Toyota Century
This car just oozes “cool”. The Toyota Century isn’t a radically new design, but that’s kind of the point. It’s an unapologetic gangster of a car that showcases a level of status. In the States, we simply can’t buy a new car that is remotely in the realm of the Century, both in terms of styling and structurally. Regulation has surely prevented the importation of the legendary Japanese status symbol. While the Lexus LS serves as Toyotas global flagship, the Century is still considered the Toyota flagship within Japan.
Although it is powered by a hybrid V-8 now, the Toyota Century was once a V-12 car, floating along in pure luxury with smooth, effortless power. There was even a model produced solely for the Emperor of Japan, it doesn’t get much more exclusive than that. While older Toyota Century models meet the 25-year importation rule, the third highly updated generation was only launched in 2018 giving us quite the wait for this JDM special.
1 Suzuki Jimny
Take a G-Wagon and make it pocket sized. Somehow the Jimny feels every bit as special as the boxy Mercedes-Benz. The affordable price, available manual transmission, and capability goes a long way towards making the humble Jimny lovable. The fact that it is unobtanium makes it even more desirable than just another affordable off-roader. The Jimny harkens back to the days of the Samurai (a vehicle we were able to purchase) and other small, yet capable off-road machines.
Although the Jimny doesn’t quite pass US regulations, it has the potential to sell incredibly well in the U.S. market. The styling, capability, and perhaps most importantly size might attract a broad audience. A growing market is the compact SUV segment, and the Suzuki Jimny fits right in with current offerings. For now, we can only dream, but hopefully, the Jimny and other exciting JDM products make it to our shores.