16 legendary 90’s Japanese Cars You Need to Know About

Japan has a long history of producing some of the world’s most iconic and beloved automobiles. From performance beasts to luxury sedans, the diversity and innovation in Japanese car manufacturing are unmatched. Here’s a list of 16 Japanese cars that you need to know about, each one a testament to the engineering prowess and automotive creativity of the Land of the Rising Sun.

1. Mitsubishi Legnum

The Mitsubishi Legnum is a station wagon variant of the Mitsubishi Galant, produced from 1996 to 2002. It’s best known for its VR-4 model, which features a 2.5L V6 twin-turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a sophisticated multi-link suspension. The Legnum VR-4 offers a blend of practicality and high performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts who appreciate versatile speedsters. Its engine and drivetrain make it highly tunable, allowing for significant horsepower increases with the right modifications. The Legnum VR-4 is popular in the aftermarket community for custom builds and performance upgrades.

2. Nissan Pulsar GTI-R

The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R is a rally-bred hot hatch that emerged in the early 1990s. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L SR20DET engine producing around 227 hp, all-wheel drive, and a lightweight body, the GTI-R was designed to dominate in the World Rally Championship. Despite its compact size, it delivers exhilarating performance, earning it the nickname “Baby Godzilla.” The SR20DET engine is well-known in the tuning community for its robustness and capacity for power upgrades, making it a prime candidate for turbo enhancements and performance tuning. The Pulsar GTI-R’s all-wheel-drive system also benefits from upgrades, enhancing its grip and handling in various conditions.

3. Nissan Laurel

The Nissan Laurel is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been in production since 1968. Renowned for its elegant design and smooth ride, the Laurel offers a range of powerful engines, including the RB25DET 2.5L turbocharged inline-six. The combination of luxury and performance makes it a standout choice for those seeking a refined yet spirited driving experience. The RB25DET engine is a favorite among tuners for its strength and tuning potential, capable of handling substantial power increases with appropriate modifications. The Laurel’s chassis can also be upgraded with performance suspension setups, making it suitable for both street and track use.

4. Toyota Aristo V300

Known in other markets as the Lexus GS, the Toyota Aristo V300 is a luxury sports sedan that gained a cult following thanks to its 2JZ-GTE engine—the same powerhouse found in the legendary Toyota Supra. This 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six engine delivers robust performance, making the Aristo V300 a popular choice for tuners and luxury car enthusiasts alike. The 2JZ-GTE is renowned for its bulletproof reliability and immense tuning potential, often achieving power outputs well beyond 600 hp with the right upgrades. The Aristo’s sophisticated suspension and braking systems can also be enhanced to handle the increased power, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

5. Toyota Mark II Tourer V

The Toyota Mark II, produced from 1968 to 2004, is a mid-size sedan known for its reliability and balanced performance. The JZX100 model, in particular, is celebrated for its 1JZ-GTE 2.5L turbocharged engine, rear-wheel drive, and excellent handling characteristics. It’s a favorite among drift car enthusiasts and those looking for a dependable daily driver with a sporty edge. The 1JZ-GTE engine is highly tunable, capable of achieving significant horsepower gains with turbo upgrades and engine tuning. The Mark II’s chassis also supports extensive suspension modifications, making it a versatile platform for both street and competitive drifting setups.

6. Toyota Cresta

The Toyota Cresta is a close relative of the Mark II, sharing many of its mechanical components but with a more luxurious touch. Produced from 1980 to 2001, the Cresta offered a refined ride, plush interiors, and powerful engines like the 1JZ-GTE. It’s a prime example of Toyota’s ability to blend comfort and performance seamlessly. The 1JZ-GTE engine in the Cresta can be modified for higher performance, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to boost power output. The Cresta’s robust build and suspension geometry also allow for aftermarket enhancements, improving its handling and overall driving dynamics.

7. Toyota Century

The Toyota Century is Japan’s quintessential luxury limousine, produced since 1967. Often compared to the Rolls-Royce, the Century is known for its understated elegance, handcrafted details, and exceptional ride quality. The latest models feature a 5.0L V8 hybrid engine, combining traditional luxury with modern technology. It’s the car of choice for Japan’s elite, including the Emperor. While the Century is primarily focused on luxury, its V8 engine has tuning potential for those looking to enhance its performance. However, modifications are rare, as the Century’s primary appeal lies in its luxurious features and smooth ride rather than raw power.

8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV

9. Mitsubishi FTO

The Mitsubishi FTO is a compact sports coupe produced from 1994 to 2000. Known for its agile handling and sporty design, the FTO offers a range of engines, including the powerful 2.0L V6 MIVEC. It won the prestigious Japanese Car of the Year award in 1994 and continues to be cherished by car enthusiasts for its fun driving dynamics. The FTO’s MIVEC engine is responsive to tuning, allowing for increased performance with modifications such as upgraded intake and exhaust systems. Additionally, its lightweight chassis can be further improved with suspension upgrades, enhancing its agility and handling on the road or track.

10. Nissan Stagea

The Nissan Stagea is a mid-size station wagon produced from 1996 to 2007, often dubbed the “Skyline Wagon” due to its shared platform with the Nissan Skyline. The most sought-after models are those equipped with the RB26DETT engine from the Skyline GT-R, offering incredible performance in a practical wagon body. It’s a versatile and powerful choice for enthusiasts needing space and speed. The RB26DETT engine is legendary for its tuning potential, capable of achieving extreme power outputs with the right modifications. The Stagea’s chassis also supports extensive performance upgrades, making it an ideal choice for those who want a high-performance vehicle with ample cargo space.

11. Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 is a high-performance variant of the Galant sedan, produced from 1988 to 2002. It features a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering, making it a technological marvel of its time. The Galant VR-4’s rally-inspired performance and advanced features make it a standout choice for those who appreciate both speed and sophistication. The turbocharged engine offers significant tuning potential, with options for increasing boost pressure and upgrading engine components for higher performance. The all-wheel-drive system also benefits from enhancements, improving the Galant VR-4’s traction and handling capabilities.

12. Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205

The Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 is a high-performance version of the Celica, produced between 1994 and 1999. It features a turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE engine, all-wheel drive, and advanced suspension systems designed for rallying. Known for its impressive performance and robust build, the ST205 was Toyota’s entry into the World Rally Championship, where it enjoyed considerable success. Its rally heritage and formidable capabilities make it a highly sought-after model among car enthusiasts. The 3S-GTE engine is highly tunable, capable of handling increased boost and producing significantly more power with the right modifications. The ST205’s all-wheel-drive system and suspension can also be upgraded, enhancing its performance in both rally and street environments.

13. Nissan Cedric Y32

The Nissan Cedric Y32 Turbo, produced from 1991 to 1995, is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its smooth ride and robust performance. The Y32 model, particularly the ones equipped with the VG30DET 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine, offers a powerful yet refined driving experience. The Cedric Y32 Turbo combines Nissan’s engineering excellence with a touch of luxury, making it a beloved choice among fans of classic Japanese sedans. The VG30DET engine is responsive to tuning, allowing for significant performance upgrades through turbo and engine modifications. The Cedric’s luxurious chassis can also be enhanced with performance suspension setups, improving its handling while maintaining its comfortable ride.

14. Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 EC5A

The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 EC5W, an evolution of the VR-4 lineage, represents a pinnacle of Mitsubishi’s performance sedan offerings. Produced from 1996 to 2002, this iteration retained the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine and all-wheel-drive system that defined its predecessors. The Galant VR-4 EC5W featured advanced technologies for its time, including Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Stability Control (ASC), enhancing its cornering prowess and overall stability. With its rally-inspired heritage and potent powertrain, the Galant VR-4 EC5W continues to captivate enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of performance and practicality. Moreover, its turbocharged engine and AWD system offer ample opportunities for tuning, allowing enthusiasts to extract even more performance from this already impressive platform.

15. Toyota Chaser Tourer V

The Toyota Chaser Tourer V is a performance-oriented sedan that was part of Toyota’s “JZX” lineup, produced from 1996 to 2001. Equipped with a range of engines, including the 1JZ-GTE twin-turbocharged inline-six, the Chaser Tourer V offered exhilarating performance in a practical package. With rear-wheel drive and a well-tuned suspension, it provided excellent handling and driving dynamics. The 1JZ-GTE engine is highly regarded in the tuning community for its robustness and tuning potential, making the Chaser Tourer V a popular choice among enthusiasts looking to extract more power. Its responsive chassis and drivetrain make it a versatile platform for both street and track applications.

16. Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T

The Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T, part of the Z30 series produced from 1991 to 2000, is a standout model within the Soarer lineup. It is equipped with the powerful 1JZ-GTE 2.5L twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering strong performance and smooth power delivery. Known for its luxurious features and advanced technology, the Soarer 2.5 GT-T offers a premium driving experience with the heart of a sports car. The 1JZ-GTE engine is highly regarded in the tuning community for its durability and potential for significant power upgrades. With modifications such as turbo enhancements and engine tuning, the Soarer 2.5 GT-T can achieve impressive performance gains. Additionally, its chassis is well-suited for suspension and braking upgrades, making it a versatile platform for both luxury and performance enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

These 16 Japanese cars exemplify the diverse range of automotive excellence that Japan has offered over the decades. From luxurious sedans and practical wagons to high-performance sports cars, there’s a Japanese car to suit every taste and preference. Each model presents unique tuning possibilities, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their vehicles to achieve both aesthetic and performance goals. Didn’t see your favorite? Don’t worry, we purposely left off the usual JDM suspects. Let’s hear what’s your favorite JDM vehicle from the 90’s.