JDM stands for “Japanese Domestic Market”. This term, JDM cars, often refers to automobiles specially manufactured for sale in Japan. However, these are highly sought-after machines around the world due to their superior quality and easily upgradable nature.
History Of JDM Cars
In the post-WWII era, Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan, played a pivotal role in developing the country by producing reliable and efficient cars. The prime focus during this time was to produce fuel-efficient and affordable compact cars.
The JDM cars produced during these times that period offered trims and technologies. Resultantly, they started getting in the limelight in the rest of the world. They were often thought of as rare and exclusive.
1980s & 1990s Was The Era Of JDM Performance
Automobile fans regard the 1980s and 1990s as the so-called “golden age” of JDM cars. This is because this was when the Japanese automakers were competing against each other to produce agile, fast, and advanced vehicles.
This was the time when renowned Japanese automakers developed technologies such as electronic fuel injection, multi-valve engines, VTEC, and advanced turbocharging.
Examples Of Legendary them
Some of the legendary cars produced included the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, and R34), the Toyota Supra (MK4), the Mazda RX-7. Others are the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution & Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
These vehicles were considered some of the best cars ever produced in the automotive segment.
Even today, they have a huge fanbase, and the internet is full of videos of tuned Toyota Supras delivering over 700 hp, beating expensive Italian vehicles in drag races.
Effects Of Movies & Video Games
In the 2000s, movies like Fast and Furious and video games like Need For Speed Underground 2 introduced audiences and gamers to these cars that had not previously been that well-known. After that, these cars exploded in popularity, and that is when the culture of JDM cars soared.
Popularity Of JDM Cars In The 2000s
With the increase in internet usage, forums specific to them and their tuning sprang up. Especially using lexicon such as 2JZ swap and RB26 became quite frequent. Hundreds of videos have been uploaded to YouTube for the last decade on how JDM cars should be tuned.
The ease of aftermarket support and relatively affordable prices at which these cars could be owned and upgraded played a pivotal role in their fame.
JDM Cars Enter The US
The USA’s law offered considerable relaxation in terms of safety and emissions relaxations to vehicles over 25 years old. Most legendary cars were from the 90s, so they had already been around for over 25 years.
Thus, US importers found an opportunity to import them and offer as prize collectibles to enthusiasts. These unique cars once adorned the streets of Japan were now available in the USA, and many considered owning one a dream come true.
Impact Of JDM Cars On The Global Scene
JDM cars have had a global impact, so here we see some of the aspects that they have impacted:
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Growth Of The Aftermarket Industry
The aftermarket automotive tuning segment has turned into a billion-dollar industry, and much of this can be attributed to them.
That’s mainly because JDM cars were the ones that sparked this fire. As installing aftermarket parts to JDM cars often resulted in imposing performance figures.
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Unique Identity Of JDM Car Owners
For enthusiasts, a JDM car is more than just a vehicle, it is a lifestyle. This is why owners of such cars participate in car meetups, join automobile-specific forums, and follow niche YouTube channels focusing on JDM cars and extracting impressive power figures from such vehicles.
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Focus On Analog Driving
While the world focuses on switching to autonomous transportation, owners of JDM cars find joy in driving their vehicles themselves.
For such people, the fun of driving a stick shift can’t be matched, so they are not willing to shift from this analog mode of driving.
Final Verdict
The JDM cars have set a unique identity of their own. Even with the upcoming EV culture, this performance-oriented internal combustion engine-powered vehicle niche will continue to soar.