The Most Overrated JDM Car, Ranked

Choose the car you think is the most overrated!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:27
The debate about the most overrated JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car can get as heated as a turbocharged engine on a sprint. Fans and critics often clash, with passionate arguments about style, performance, and reliability. Gathering insights on public perceptions can help classify these vehicular icons more accurately, aiding potential buyers in making informed decisions. By casting a vote on this subject, you contribute to a clearer picture of how these cars stand in the eyes of enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Your participation helps provide a balanced view that can assist others in discerning the hype from the genuinely deserving models. Join in and see how your opinions stack up against others in the community.

What Is the Most Overrated JDM Car?

  1. 1
    74
    votes

    Toyota Supra

    Toyota
    While the Supra has a cult following and a legendary status in the JDM community, its high price tag and lackluster performance compared to other cars in its class make it overrated.
    The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car known for its iconic design and thrilling driving experience. It has gained a cult following in the automotive community and is widely regarded as one of the most fun cars to modify. The Supra offers a perfect balance of style, power, and agility, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
    • Engine: 3.0L inline-6 cylinder
    • Power Output: 335 horsepower
    • Torque: 365 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
    • 0-60 mph Acceleration: 4.1 seconds
    Toyota Supra in other rankings
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    Nissan Skyline GT-R
    User3204 · CC BY 4.0
    The Skyline GT-R is another iconic JDM car, but its high cost and difficulty in obtaining one in the United States make it overrated. Additionally, there are other cars in its class that perform better.
    The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a legendary high-performance sports car that has gained a cult following worldwide. Known for its exceptional performance and iconic design, the GT-R is often hailed as one of the most overrated JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars.
    • Torque: 260 lb-ft
    • Engine: 2.6L twin-turbocharged inline-six
    • Power: 276 horsepower
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual
    • All-Wheel Drive: ATTESSA E-TS system
    Nissan Skyline GT-R in other rankings
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Mazda RX-7
    Taisyo · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mazda RX-7

    Mazda
    The RX-7 is a popular JDM car, but its rotary engine is notoriously unreliable and difficult to maintain, making it overrated.
    The Mazda RX-7 is a high-performance sports car known for its exceptional speed and handling. It is a sleek and stylish two-door coupe that has gained a cult following for its unique rotary engine. The RX-7 offers a thrilling driving experience and has earned a reputation for its reliability and durability.
    • Engine: Rotary engine
    • Power: Varies depending on the generation, ranging from 160 horsepower to over 280 horsepower
    • Torque: Varies depending on the generation, ranging from 140 lb-ft to 306 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
    • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in as low as 4.7 seconds
    Mazda RX-7 in other rankings
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
    IFCAR · Public domain

    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
    While the Evo is a popular JDM car, its high price tag and lack of refinement compared to other cars in its class make it overrated.
    The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, also known as the Evo, is a high-performance sports sedan that gained widespread popularity in the automotive enthusiast community. Renowned for its rally racing heritage, the Evo has been hailed as a legend in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car scene.
    • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
    • Horsepower: 291 hp
    • Torque: 300 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual (later models featured 6-speed)
    • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in other rankings
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    Honda Civic Type R
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Civic Type R is a highly sought-after JDM car, but its high price tag and lack of practicality make it overrated. Additionally, there are other cars in its class that perform better.
    The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance hot hatch that offers an exceptional blend of comfort and sportiness. With its aggressive styling and powerful engine, the Type R provides an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on comfort and practicality. It is designed to deliver an engaging ride on both the street and the track, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
    • Power: 306 horsepower
    • Torque: 295 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual
    • Front-wheel drive: Yes
    Honda Civic Type R in other rankings
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    LSDSL · CC BY-SA 2.0 de
    The WRX STI is a popular JDM car, but its high price tag and lack of refinement compared to other cars in its class make it overrated.
    The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a high-performance compact car known for its thrilling driving experience in the game NFS Heat. It is a rally-inspired vehicle that combines power, agility, and all-wheel drive to deliver an exhilarating ride.
    • Engine: 2.5L turbocharged flat-four
    • Horsepower: 310 hp
    • Torque: 290 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual
    • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
    Subaru Impreza WRX STI in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes

    Toyota AE86

    Toyota Motor Corporation
    The AE86 has a cult following in the JDM community, but its lack of power and outdated technology make it overrated.
    The Toyota AE86, also known as the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, is a compact sports car that gained popularity in the Japanese domestic market. It is often regarded as a legendary JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car, renowned for its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive configuration. The AE86 has become an icon in the drifting community and has captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Engine: 1.6L 4A-GE DOHC inline-four
    • Power: 128 hp
    • Torque: 110 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual
    • Weight: 2,175 lbs (985 kg)
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Nissan 240SX
    The pun stops here · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Nissan 240SX

    Nissan
    The 240SX is a popular JDM car, but its lack of power and outdated technology make it overrated. Additionally, it is difficult to find one that has not been heavily modified.
    The Nissan 240SX, also known as the Nissan 200SX outside North America, is a compact sports car that was produced by Nissan from 1989 to 1998. It is part of the S platform family and has gained popularity among car enthusiasts for its potential for modifications.
    • Engine: 2.4L inline-4
    • Power: 155 horsepower
    • Torque: 160 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual
    • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
    Nissan 240SX in other rankings
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Toyota MR2
    Nbvolks · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Toyota MR2

    Toyota
    The MR2 is a popular JDM car, but its lack of power and outdated technology make it overrated. Additionally, its mid-engine layout makes it difficult to work on.
    The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat, mid-engined sports car that was produced by Toyota from 1984 to 2007. It gained popularity for its sporty design and affordable price. The MR2 went through three generations, each featuring different design elements and improvements.
    • Engine: Various engine options including inline-4 and V6
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
    • Power Output: Ranges from 112 to 252 horsepower
    • Top Speed: Approximately 130 to 155 mph (209 to 249 km/h)
    • Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in around 5 to 8 seconds
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Mazda MX-5 Miata
    Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    While the Miata is a popular JDM car, its lack of power and outdated technology make it overrated. Additionally, there are other cars in its class that perform better.
    The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a popular two-seater convertible sports car known for its reliability and longevity. It is a lightweight and fun-to-drive vehicle that has gained a strong reputation among car enthusiasts.
    • Engine: 2.0L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder
    • Horsepower: 181 hp
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
    • Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    Mazda MX-5 Miata in other rankings

Missing your favorite car?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for overrated car

  1. Popularity and hype
    Consider how much attention the car gets in the car community, media, and social networks. An overrated car generally has significant hype surrounding it that may not match its actual performance or value.
  2. Performance
    Analyze the car's engine specs, power output, suspension, handling, and braking capabilities. Compare these to other cars in its category to see if the hype is justified by its performance capabilities.
  3. Reliability
    Research how dependable the car is and take a look at common issues or problems owners face. An overrated car may have questionable reliability, which may not justify its popularity.
  4. Affordability
    Consider the car's price and cost of ownership (maintenance, insurance, and fuel economy). An overrated car tends to be expensive and may not offer the best value for money.
  5. Build quality
    Evaluate the car's overall build quality, including fit and finish, materials used, and the durability of components. An overrated car may have build quality that does not match its price or reputation.
  6. Rarity and exclusivity
    An overrated JDM car might have a large cult following due to its rarity or exclusivity, despite not offering any groundbreaking features or performance capabilities.
  7. Functionality and practicality
    Consider how well-suited the car is for daily driving and how versatile it is in terms of cargo space, seating capacity, and overall comfort.
  8. Aftermarket support
    An overrated car might often have a large aftermarket following, which may artificially increase its value and popularity, despite the car's actual merit.
  9. Influence on car culture
    Assess the car's impact on the broader car community and how much it's discussed, modified, or admired. An overrated car may have an exaggerated reputation in car culture.
  10. Personal bias
    Keep in mind that personal opinions and preferences play a huge role in determining if a car is overrated. Remember to balance your analysis with objective factors and other people's opinions to form a more impartial judgment.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most overrated JDM car. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or car is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2386 views
  • 202 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each car once every 24 hours. The rank of each car is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most overrated jdm car

Japan has long been known for producing some of the most iconic and innovative automobiles in the world. From legendary models like the Toyota Supra and the Nissan Skyline, to the sleek and stylish Mazda RX-7, the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) has given us some of the most beloved cars of all time. However, not all JDM cars are created equal. While some have rightfully earned their place in automotive history, others have been overhyped and overrated by fans and enthusiasts alike. From underwhelming performance to lackluster design, there are plenty of reasons why certain JDM cars may not live up to their reputation. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most overrated JDM cars of all time. Whether you're a diehard JDM fan or simply curious about the world of Japanese automobiles, you won't want to miss out on this list. So buckle up and get ready to explore some of the most divisive cars in the JDM world.

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