For decades, the Japanese automobile industry has been ranked among the top three highest vehicle producers.
The first boom was experienced in the 1970s when the Japanese industry was oriented towards domestic usage and international exports.
According to Statista, Japan has produced little than 100 million motor vehicles in the last decade. Isn’t it colossal?
Most of the famous vehicle brands, such as Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suzuki, and Lexus, are products of the Japanese Automobile Industry.
If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the phrase “JDM” before.
It would be best if you questioned what a JDM car is. Alternatively, why is the word JDM so popular, and are JDM cars better than other cars?
In this article, we’ll review everything so you know what a JDM car is.
So, What is a JDM Car?
JDM stands for “Japanese Domestic Market.” The phrase refers to automobiles produced by Japanese automotive firms for the Japanese domestic market.
Vehicles developed for the Japanese domestic market differ significantly from cars built for export. Japanese car owners value innovation over long-term ownership.
This forces Japanese automakers to test new technologies and styles in local vehicles first.
The 2003 Honda Inspire, for example, was the first vehicle to use Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system.
The 2003 Honda Accord V6, on the other hand, was the same basic vehicle. However, it primarily targeted the North American market and did not have VCM.
This had a bad image following Cadillac’s experiment with the V8-6-4 engine in the 1980s.
In the makeover for 2008, implementing VCM to the Accord V6 was successful.
Misconceptions About JDM
Now that we know what a JDM car is let’s discuss some common misconceptions about it.
A widespread misunderstanding of the term JDM is that it refers to vehicles made in Japan. This is untrue, however.
A vehicle built in Japan is not always a JDM vehicle, which refers to a vehicle built for use only in Japan.
For example, the Toyota Supra MKIV was available brand new in the United States. It was a left-hand drive with certain specification adjustments to meet US regulations.
As a result, it was classified as a USDM car, which means it was built in Japan and sold new in the United States.
Nissan 240SX is not a Japanese domestic market car but is made in Japan. This is because it was only sold in the United States domestic market.
The Nissan 180SX, the 240SX’s Japanese market equivalent, is a legitimate JDM automobile. Nissan legally sold it in Japan.
Are JDM Cars Better?
Regarding the car industry, car enthusiasts wonder why JDM cars are better. There are various reasons why JDM cars are superior to other vehicles.
Let’s dive into them;
- Japanese automobile manufacturers are famous for their efficiency and utility. When compared to other cars, they have always produced the best results.
- The design of JDM cars is far more advanced compared to previous cars. They are loaded with cutting-edge innovation, and hybrid technology is present in practically every Japanese car.
- Many types of JDM automobiles range from household minivans to SUVs.
- Japanese cars are superior to other vehicles because they provide intelligent and cost-effective alternatives to American-made cars.
JDM Inspired Vehicles
Some automotive enthusiasts enjoy constructing JDM copies from locally available vehicles.
For example, to make an ‘exact’ copy, enthusiasts in the United States will frequently convert a US-market Honda Civic (sixth generation) from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
Then, they source other parts, such as the engine and gearbox, from the JDM EK9 Type R.
Converting a USDM model first-generation Subaru Impreza and fitting JDM STi parts to make it appear as though it is a genuine WRX STi model are examples of “JDM conversions.” Base model Mitsubishi Lancers are widely used in Malaysia.
In Southeast Asia, they are commonly converted to Lancer Evolution copies by changing out relevant parts, down to removing the floor pan.
Are JDM Cars Legal in the US?
Now we fully know what a JDM car is. But, many people are curious about the legal status of JDM cars in the United States. So, are JDM cars legal in the United States?
Yes, JDM automobiles are legal in the United States. But there is one stipulation: The vehicle must be at least 25 years old when it arrives.
Some documents are also important when importing a 25-year-old JDM automobile. This includes a statement of landing, export license, translated version of an export license, invoice, and ISF filing forum.
When your ride arrives in the United States, take this paperwork to your local customs office for authorization.
