There’s something special about Japanese classic cars. These vehicles have been built with precision and evergreen style, which keeps their power and reliability intact year after year. They’ve earned a spot in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. Want to know which ones are still crushing it after decades?  Keep reading to meet the top ten.

Honda NSX (NA1/NA2)

The Honda NSX was Japan’s first mid-engine supercar with a lightweight aluminum chassis and either the C30A or C32B VTEC engine. To perfect its handling, Honda brought in F1 legend Ayrton Senna. Thanks to his input, the NSX delivered sharp performance and remained surprisingly easy to maintain for a car in its class.

Mazda RX-7 FD3S

Few cars nailed balance and power like the RX-7 FD3S. Its 13B-REW rotary engine and twin turbos delivered exhilarating performance, while its near-perfect weight distribution provided exceptional agility. Plus, its lightweight frame and rotary powertrain helped it shine in endurance racing, especially in the GT class.

Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno

The Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno is a drifting legend. With its smart design, 4A-GE engine, and rear-wheel drive, it effortlessly carved corners. After appearing in “Initial D,” where Takumi Fujiwara drives the AE86, it became iconic. Fans further kept its legacy alive and well.

Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

A single drive in the Galant VR-4 quickly proved this sedan wasn’t just for everyday errands. It packed the same turbocharged 4G63T engine as early Evos, along with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. That combo helped kick off Mitsubishi’s rally success and set the stage for the Lancer Evolution.

Honda Civic EK9 Type R

Honda kept the EK9 Type R light on purpose, weighing just 2,370 lbs without power accessories. Its B16B engine pushed 185 horsepower at 8,400 RPM, built to rev hard and fast. To match that energy, Honda reinforced the chassis with seam welds, added a close-ratio gearbox, and included a limited-slip diff for sharper handling.

Nissan 180SX (S13)

No JDM drift list feels complete without the 180SX. Its turbocharged SR20DET engine was pure tuning gold. Rear-wheel drive with independent suspension gave it serious sideways talent, and pop-up headlights and hatchback curves kept it stylish. In the 2000s, the S13 became the ultimate starter drift car, and even today, it slides with pride.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

What happens when you mix pop-up headlights, a drop-top roof, and featherlight agility under 2,300 lbs? You get a car that looks playful and drives like a dream. The NA’s 1.6L engine thrived on revs, and with perfect balance in the corners, this one quickly earned its title as the world’s favorite two-seater.

Toyota Supra MK4 (A80)

The MK4 Supra earned its reputation with the 2JZ-GTE inline-six, known for handling 1,000 hp on stock internals. The Getrag V160 6-speed transmission further managed high torque with ease. Plus, the aerodynamic design came straight from wind tunnel testing. Fame later skyrocketed after the A80’s role in “Fast & Furious.”

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8)

For drivers who chased real grip, the GC8 WRX STI stood tall. Its turbocharged EJ20 flat-four brought serious punch. Meanwhile, symmetrical AWD kept it planted through corners. To match that power, Subaru dialed in the chassis for sharper response. With three WRC titles behind it, this street legend’s reputation didn’t happen by chance.

Toyota Chaser JZX100

At first glance, the JZX100 Chaser looks calm, almost understated. But the car hid a turbocharged 1JZ-GTE inline-six, paired with rear-wheel drive for the thrills. Tourer V models even offered a factory manual, so many drivers saw it as a tuner’s dream. The package turned it into a drifting icon and cult favorite worldwide.