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1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata -

When we talk about cool Japanese cars, the Miata usually comes to mind. This affordable and fun rear-wheel drive roadster remains Mazda's most popular car to this day.

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2000-2009 Honda S2000 -

The Honda S2000 provided the Mazda Miata a run for its money. Roadster thrones aside, the S2000 certainly puts a smile on your face when you drive one, that's for sure!

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1985-2007 Toyota MR2 -

The affordable mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive MR2 was around for three generations. This classic two-seater remains a favorite among Japanese sports car fans.

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1995-2001 Acura Integra Type R -

Arguably one of the best front-wheel drive cars ever produced, the Integra Type R handles superbly and is really fun to drive!

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1998 Subaru Impreza 22B -

This turbocharged, all-wheel drive, rally icon was all the rage in the '90s, particularly the WRX models.

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1992-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution -

If there was one car that could compete with the mighty Impreza's rally pedigree, it was the Mitsubishi Evo.

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1989-2000 Nissan 300ZX -

The 300ZX features a twin-turbo V-6 engine. In 2010, GQ Magazine listed the Z32 model (pictured) as one of the most stylish cars in the past 50 years.

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2011-2013 Lexus LFA -

Under the hood of the Lexus LFA, you'll find a whooping 4.8-liter Yamaha-tuned V-10 engine. And how cool does it look, right?

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1959-1970 Datsun Roadster -

A charming little car, the Datsun Roadster was built in two generations. The last generation had an optional Competition package featuring a 2.0-liter U20 engine with 150 hp.

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1992-1994 Autozam AZ-1 -

The gull-wing doors might not be the most practical thing in the world, but they certainly look cool! This tiny sports car was designed and manufactured by Mazda and featured a 657 cc turbocharged Suzuki engine.

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1991-1998 Suzuki Cappuccino -

The cool Suzuki Cappuccino shares the same engine as the Autozam, and it was equally fun to drive.

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2006–2014 Mitsuoka Orochi -

Originally launched as a concept car, the Mitsuoka Orochi's design might not be for everyone, but its 3.3 L Toyota V6 engine certainly doesn't disappoint!

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1992-2002 Mazda RX-7 -

This Mazda two-door coupe is a joy to drive. All its three generations featured the lightweight Wankel rotary engine.

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1994-1998 Toyota Supra -

You might remember the orange 1994 Toyota Supra Mark IV driven by Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) in the movie 'The Fast and the Furious.' That says something about the Supra cred among tuning fans, right?

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1999-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) -

The R34 is probably the coolest Skyline Nissan ever built. The model's fifth generation, especially those with the 2.8 L twin-turbocharged (Z-Tune) engine, were real beasts, both on the road and the racing track.

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2018-Present Lexus LC500 -

With a 5.0 liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine, the LC500 is powerful and fast, and certainly has the looks to match.

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1983-1987 Toyota Corolla GT-S -

The Corolla GT-S is an iconic car. It popularly featured in the Japanese manga and anime series 'Initial D' (1995–2013).

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1989-1998 Nissan 240SX -

This rear-wheel drive sports car is no longer in production, but it remains very popular among drifting enthusiasts.

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1967-1972 Mazda Cosmo -

The Cosmo was Mazda's first Wankel rotary engine-powered sports car. The two-door coupe's most powerful engine had 130 hp.

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1969-1973 Datsun 240Z -

The Datsun 240Z, also sold under the names Nissan S30, and Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, appealed to those looking for a cool grand tourer that could deliver in both style and performance.

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1967-1969 Toyota 2000GT -

The 2000GT featured an European-inspired design, born from a collaboration between Toyota and Yamaha. Even James Bond drives one in the 1967 movie 'You Only Live Twice.'

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1965-1969 Toyota Sports 800 -

A more affordable alternative to the 2000GT, the Sports 800 was Toyota's first production sports car. This cute targa was known in Japan as Yota-Hachi, or "Toyota 8."

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1990-2007 Acura NSX -

The Acura NSX was such a cool car that designer Gordon Murray used its chassis as inspiration for the McLaren F1 supercar.

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2016-2022 Acura NSX -

The car was a success, and the latest generation is definitely worth a spot on this list as well. It features a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 500 hp, as well as three electric motors that increase power output to 573 hp.

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1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse -

The first generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse was lightweight and featured turbocharged engines. There were both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

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1991-1996 Honda Beat -

This small roadster features a three-cylinder 656 cc engine that produces 63 hp. Not a lot, but the Beat never claimed to be a high-performance sports car!

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1990-2000 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 -

Known in Japan as the Mitsubishi GTO, this car came in two versions: as a two-door liftback coupe, and as a convertible. Its 3.0-liter engine certainly matched the sporty design.

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1991 Nissan Figaro -

The Figaro was a retro-inspired little car from 1991. Just over 20,000 units were produced in Japan. How cute is it, right?

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1997 Nissan R390 -

The R390 had a road version, but it was essentially a race car built to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only one road car was actually built. It's said that it could reach a top speed of 354 km/h (220 mph). This, however, has never been confirmed.

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1971–1978 Mazda RX-3 -

Also known as the Mazda Savanna, this car lasted for three generations up until 1991. The first one (pictured) was indeed the most iconic.

Sources: (Road & Track)

See also: Celebrating the best classic muscle cars ever built

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