From staring at the new releases at our local Blockbuster to having to actually call someone via a payphone, it’s fun to recall the 1990s. Even better than those timeless necessities were the cars, specifically Japanese sports cars. Here are five rare 90s Japanese cars that we would definitely include in our dream garage.

1995 Mazda RX-7

This might have been one of your favorite cars in the Gran Turismo series; it sure was for us. In real life, the third-generation Mazda RX-7 was the most popular and attractive and the last RX-7 iteration before the company released the RX-8. It was outfitted with a twin-turbo rotary engine that put out 252 horsepower and was strapped to an RWD lightweight chassis. As such, the RX-7 was a success, winning Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year Award” in 1993.

Over the years, stock or unmodified third-generation RX-7s have become harder to find. So, if you’re lucky enough to get one, we say go for it!

1991 Acura NSX

It shouldn’t surprise you that the Acura NSX is on this list and just about every other pining poetry on 90s Japanese cars. Let’s face it, the Ferrari-killing, mid-engine, rear-drive aluminum sports car produced by Honda is a legend.

Its 270-horsepower, high-revving V6 engine was nearly magical at the time, thanks to the brand’s introduction of variable valve timing (VTEC). The powertrain was placed inside a lightweight body that’s styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet. Needless to say, it was cool back then and even cooler now.

1995 Nissan 300ZX

Nissan’s Z cars were showstoppers in the early 90s, and the 300ZX was by far the best-looking. The 300ZX makes its way onto the list due to its sleek, angular body lines that give it a timeless appearance, as well as its stout V6 engine, which came in two varieties. The 300ZX could be equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter that put out 222 hp or a twin-turbo model rated at 300 horsepower.

In addition to the engine choices, the 300ZX outperformed many other cars thanks to its Super HICAS all-wheel steering system, which gave this rather wide car very sharp handling characteristics.

1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT

You would be hard-pressed to find a Mitsubishi 3000GT nowadays, especially a top-trim VR4 one. If you do, though, you’ll be treated to a potent twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 320 horsepower. Additionally, the car benefits from all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and multi-mode dampers, which made this car ahead of its time.

1992 Subaru SVX

Admittedly, we included this car on the list to make you do a double-take, possibly with disagreement. That might be the case, but you can’t deny that the Subaru SVX was one of a kind at the time, even now.

All-wheel drive and a flat-six engine that produced 230 horsepower was a rare combination, as were the smooth, angular lines and wide stance of the SVX, which was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

The most distinct feature of the car is its windows, which were placed within windows. It worked great for reduced wind noise and outward visibility, but that was about it. The look never caught on, and sadly, nor did the Subaru SVX. Paltry sales figures over its five-year production caused it to be axed by the company, which in turn, makes it a rare find now.

Get them while you can

Whether you’re a car collector or just like to be nostalgic like us, you can’t deny that these cars will live on as hero cars in the annals of car manufacturing. If you’re able to find any one of these 90s Japanese cars in good condition, get it. You won’t regret it when you’re dream garage becomes your real garage.

This article was originally published on March 10, 2020, and was updated for freshness on June 7, 2024.