Japan’s automotive legacy is built on innovation, performance, and character. Over the decades, Japanese automakers have given us some of the most iconic cars in motoring history, machines that blended cutting-edge engineering with affordability and emotional appeal. From high-revving roadsters to turbocharged rally weapons and tech-laden GT cruisers, these cars didn’t just make headlines; they created cultures, influenced generations, and earned devoted followings around the world. But as market demands shifted toward SUVs, crossovers, and stricter emissions regulations, many of these beloved models were quietly discontinued.
Now, with electrification reshaping the industry and a renewed focus on enthusiast cars, the timing feels right to revisit some of these lost legends. Whether reinvented as hybrids, EVs, or updated ICE platforms, these models have the brand recognition, enthusiast support, and heritage to thrive in today’s landscape. In this article, we spotlight 10 discontinued Japanese cars that deserve a modern revival. They’re more than just nostalgic nameplates—they represent what made Japanese car culture so admired in the first place. It’s time for them to return and remind the world of just how thrilling, creative, and distinctive Japanese performance cars can be.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
0-60 MPH in 4.3 seconds
Few nameplates command as much respect among rally fans and tuners as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Introduced in 1992 to homologate Mitsubishi’s rally efforts, the Evo series evolved rapidly through ten generations, each becoming progressively more sophisticated. Featuring turbocharged engines, aggressive AWD systems, and sharp bodywork, the Evo consistently battled the Subaru WRX STI for rally-inspired supremacy.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission
6-speed dual-clutch or 5-speed manual
Horsepower
303 HP
Torque
305 LB-FT
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
4.3 seconds
Top Speed
Limited 155 MPH
The final Evo X was discontinued in 2016, as Mitsubishi pivoted toward crossovers and plug-in hybrids. The departure of the Evo left a performance vacuum in Mitsubishi’s lineup, which to this day remains unfilled. Fans have long pleaded for a return, especially as brands like Toyota and Hyundai double down on performance compacts like the GR Corolla and i30 N.
Mitsubishi could revive the Evo as a plug-in hybrid or electric performance sedan, retaining the aggressive styling and dynamic prowess while meeting global emissions goals. If done right, a new Evo could rejuvenate the brand and restore its place among Japan’s performance elite.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Incredible all-wheel drive system
Rally-bred engineering
Strong engine performance
The first six generations never sold in the U.S.
Somewhat weak transmissions
Early-generation crankshaft issues
Mazda RX-7
0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds
Few cars are as emblematic of rotary engine innovation as the Mazda RX-7. Across its three generations, the RX-7 became a motorsport legend, cult favorite, and JDM icon. The final FD generation, produced between 1992 and 2002, is especially revered for its sleek, timeless design and twin-turbocharged 13B rotary engine. It delivered 276 horsepower (though many believe the real figure was higher) and became a formidable rival to other Japanese sports cars of the era, like the Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.3-liter turbocharged two-rotor Wankel
Transmission
4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
Horsepower
252 HP
Torque
217 LB-FT
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
4.9 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Mazda’s rotary engine struggles with emissions, and reliability played a significant role in the RX-7’s discontinuation. However, the brand has never entirely given up on its rotary roots. The new MX-30 R-EV uses a rotary engine as a range extender, and patents for rotary-powered sports cars continue to surface. This suggests that the RX-7, or something like it, might be waiting in the wings.
Reimagining the RX-7 as a hybrid sports car could strike a balance between preserving the rotary legacy and meeting modern efficiency standards. Enthusiasts worldwide are hungry for its return—especially in a market starved for truly unique sports cars.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Rotary engine
Sequential twin turbo
8,000 RPM redline
Reliability issues with vacuum lines and seals
Increasingly expensive for the U.S. market due to popularity
Rebuild costs for a rotary are extortionate
Mitsubishi 3000GT
0-60 MPH in 5.2 seconds
The Mitsubishi 3000GT (also known as the GTO in Japan) was one of the most ambitious sports cars of the 1990s. With advanced features like all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, active aerodynamics, and twin-turbo power, the 3000GT VR-4 was ahead of its time. Producing over 300 horsepower, it battled with the Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 in the Japanese horsepower wars of the era.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission
6-speed manual
Horsepower
300 HP
Torque
315 LB-FT
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
5.2 seconds
Top Speed
159 MPH
Despite its tech-forward appeal, the 3000GT was heavy and expensive, leading to its eventual discontinuation in 2001. But today, its high-tech DNA and bold styling would actually align well with current performance trends. Modern super-GTs like the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LC500 have proven that there’s still a market for big, tech-laden Japanese performance coupes.
Mitsubishi could leverage the 3000GT nameplate to reintroduce a halo car—possibly a hybrid or EV GT coupe—that demonstrates the brand’s engineering might. With the right design language and powertrain, the 3000GT could come back as a flagship to inspire the entire Mitsubishi lineup.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Active aerodynamics
Twin-turbo V6 power
All-wheel drive and manually shifted
Nightmare turbo placement
Unreliable electronic systems
It did not sell well, so there are not many left
Nissan Silvia
0-60 MPH in 5.4 seconds
The Nissan Silvia is another JDM legend that deserves a modern revival. Known in the U.S. primarily as the 240SX, the Silvia enjoyed massive success thanks to its rear-wheel-drive platform, lightweight construction, and tunability. The S13, S14, and S15 generations in particular became drift icons, beloved for their balance and simplicity. The S15, which bowed out in 2002, is widely considered the Silvia’s pinnacle—a car that offered sports coupe thrills without the supercar price tag.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission
5 or 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Horsepower
247 HP
Torque
203 LB-FT
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
5.4 seconds
Top Speed
165 MPH
Nissan has yet to re-enter the lightweight coupe segment, despite the immense popularity of the Silvia among enthusiasts. While the new Z fills the sports car role, it’s a larger, more powerful grand tourer. A reborn Silvia could slot beneath it, much like the GR86 does for the Supra or the Miata does for the RX-7.
A new Silvia with turbocharged four-cylinder power, manual transmission, and modern tech could instantly appeal to young drivers looking for style, affordability, and rear-wheel-drive excitement. As drifting and grassroots motorsports continue to grow, the Silvia’s return could hit the market with perfect timing.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Beginnings of the iconic SR20DET engine
Coveted drifting chassis
Wide array of options across generations
Increasingly expensive due to popularity
The S15 was never sold in the US and is therefore very expensive
Many remaining chassis suffer rust from issues
Mazda Speed6
0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds
The Mazda Speed6 was a brief yet thrilling chapter in Mazda’s performance history. Based on the Mazda6 sedan, the Speed6 (sold between 2005 and 2007) came equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing 274 horsepower and a sophisticated AWD system. It was a stealthy sports sedan, capable of taking on the Subaru WRX and Audi S4 without the flashy looks. Enthusiasts loved its sleeper appeal and dynamic handling.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission
6-speed manual
Horsepower
274 HP
Torque
280 LB-FT
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
6.2 Seconds
Top Speed
149 MPH
Despite its loyal following, Mazda discontinued the Speed6 as the market shifted away from performance sedans. Today, however, there’s a strong case for its return. With Mazda pushing upscale and already planning longitudinal inline-six and RWD platforms, the ingredients for a modern Speed6 are already in place.
A revived Mazda Speed6—offered with AWD, a turbocharged inline-six, and premium interior appointments—could serve as a Japanese answer to the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70. It would bring performance credibility back to Mazda’s sedan offerings and round out the brand’s portfolio with a bang.
Strengths
Weaknesses
All-wheel drive
Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder
Inexpensive compared to rivals
Some cheap interior plastics
Only sold for a few years, somewhat rare
Not the most striking design language
Honda S2000
0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds
The Honda S2000 is the quintessential Japanese roadster—a machine that paired mechanical purity with high-revving theatrics. Introduced in 1999 to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary, the S2000 featured a 2.0-liter VTEC engine (F20C) that revved to 9,000 rpm and produced 240 horsepower—figures that were astonishing for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder at the time. Its perfect 50:50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive layout, and slick 6-speed manual transmission made it a go-to choice for enthusiasts seeking a track-capable roadster with daily drivability.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder
Transmission
6-speed manual
Horsepower
240 HP
Torque
161 LB-FT
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
6.3 seconds
Top Speed
150 MPH
Production of the S2000 ended in 2009, with no spiritual successor in sight. While rumors have periodically surfaced about a revival, Honda has yet to officially commit to bringing the car back. And in a world increasingly dominated by automatic gearboxes and electric drivetrains, a modern S2000—possibly a hybrid with a lightweight focus—could rekindle Honda’s performance heritage and remind the world of its engineering prowess.
A new S2000 would also compete favorably with the likes of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86. With the current push for enthusiast-oriented compact sports cars, Honda has a golden opportunity to re-enter the conversation with a car that defined precision and passion in equal measure.
Strengths
Weaknesses
9,000 RPM redline
Powerful and lightweight two-seater convertible
Designed for the best driving experience possible
First-generation oil consumption issues
Snappy rear end
Increasingly expensive
Toyota Celica GT-Four
0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds
Before the Supra stole the headlines, the Celica GT-Four was Toyota’s WRC champion and performance halo. The GT-Four (known as the All-Trac Turbo in North America) came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 3S-GTE engine and a sophisticated AWD system. Across its three generations—ST165, ST185, and ST205—the GT-Four evolved into a rally homologation special that earned its stripes on both road and gravel.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission
5-speed manual
Horsepower
252 HP
Torque
224 LB-FT
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
6.3 seconds
Top Speed
152 MPH
Discontinued in 1999, the GT-Four’s legacy lives on in rally circles, but Toyota has yet to reintroduce a turbo AWD Celica since. However, with the success of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, Toyota has proven it knows how to build small AWD monsters again. This raises the question: why not bring back the Celica GT-Four to capitalize on that momentum?
A modern Celica GT-Four, perhaps built on the GR Corolla’s architecture with sportier coupe styling, would be a natural evolution of the brand’s WRC heritage. It could slot in below the GR Supra and give rally fans another reason to cheer.
Strengths
Weaknesses
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
All-wheel drive coupe
Directly designed rally suspension
Limited production to 2,500 in the last generation to meet regulations
Never sold in America, but are available for import
Polarizing looks
Toyota MR-2
0-60 MPH in 7.1 seconds
The Toyota MR2 brought mid-engine balance and affordability together like no other car in its class. First introduced in 1984, the MR2 evolved through three distinct generations, with the second-gen “SW20” (1990–1999) becoming a poster child for budget-friendly, mid-engine thrills. Offering a turbocharged inline-four and razor-sharp handling, the MR2 often earned comparisons to much more expensive European exotics. The third-gen “W30” was lighter and more refined, but lacked the performance edge of its predecessor.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.8-liter four-cylinder
Transmission
5-speed manual or 5-speed semi-automatic
Horsepower
138 HP
Torque
126 LB-FT
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
7.1 seconds
Top Speed
133 MPH
Discontinued in 2007, the MR2 left behind a loyal fan base who admired its lightweight philosophy and exotic layout. Toyota’s recent partnership with Subaru to develop the GR86 shows the brand’s continued commitment to affordable fun. Reviving the MR2 could be the next logical step—especially if Toyota embraces electrification for the platform while preserving the mid-engine configuration.
A reborn MR2 would be a strong contender in today’s landscape, where the only true mid-engine entry-level sports car is the Alpine A110 or, at a stretch, the C8 Corvette. Bringing back the MR2 would solidify Toyota’s position as the king of accessible performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Mid-rear engine rear-wheel drive
Compact and agile
Coupe, T-top, and convertible configurations
Notorious snap oversteer
First-generation rust issues
Third generation lacked a turbo engine option
Subaru SVX
0-60 MPH in 7.3 seconds
One of the quirkiest yet most elegant cars to ever come out of Japan, the Subaru SVX was a grand touring coupe with an oddball charm. Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and sold from 1991 to 1996, the SVX featured a 3.3-liter flat-six engine, all-wheel drive, and distinctive aircraft-style windows. It was aimed at luxury buyers but never quite found its audience, hampered by its hefty curb weight and lack of a manual transmission.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.3-liter flat-six cylinder
Transmission
4-speed automatic
Horsepower
231 HP
Torque
228 LB-FT
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
7.3 seconds
Top Speed
154 MPH
Today, the SVX could make a lot more sense—especially as Subaru tries to diversify its EV lineup. A futuristic electric GT car inspired by the original SVX’s design could put Subaru on the EV map in a way that boxy crossovers can’t. The brand already has symmetrical AWD and safety tech nailed down; all it needs is the design and performance credibility to bring it together.
The SVX could serve as a design-forward, dual-motor EV GT coupe in Subaru’s future lineup, offering a counterpoint to the ruggedness of its crossovers with sophistication and panache.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Flat-six engine layout
All-wheel drive
Quirky interior design and half windows
Complicated window mechanism
Overheating issues
Automatic only
Honda CRX
0-60 MPH in 8.1 seconds
The Honda CRX remains a symbol of lightweight efficiency and surprising performance. Produced from 1984 to 1991, the CRX gained fame for being both a fuel-sipper and a corner carver. The Si models, in particular, delivered spirited driving thanks to high-revving naturally aspirated engines and curb weights under 2,200 pounds. Honda followed it up with the CR-Z hybrid, but it never matched the CRX’s charm or performance appeal.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.6-liter four-cylinder
Transmission
4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
Horsepower
130 HP
Torque
106 LB-FT
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.1 seconds
Top Speed
112 MPH
In an era of heavy, tech-laden vehicles, the CRX’s return could offer something refreshingly simple. A modern interpretation could retain its compact two-seat layout but benefit from a hybrid or fully electric powertrain. Honda’s e:HEV and e:Ny1 platforms show the brand’s intent to electrify without compromising on character.
Reintroducing the CRX as a budget-friendly, fun-to-drive EV with bold styling could appeal to both eco-conscious drivers and nostalgic enthusiasts. Done right, it could serve as Honda’s answer to the Mini Cooper SE or Fiat 500e—but with a sportier edge.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ultra-light at a max weight of 2,200 LBS
A compact hatchback meant a lot of cubic storage without a large footprint
It became a highly modified chassis, much like the Civic
Largely unsafe with limited crash protection
Slow engine options even with the upgraded Si
First generations are increasingly rare
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