Every year, a new batch of international cars becomes eligible for U.S. import under the 25-year rule, opening the gates to rare and unusual models never sold stateside. These aren’t just any old imports. They’re standout JDM cars that were limited in production, uniquely styled, or built for niche audiences.
Some became cult hits in their home markets, while others remained hidden gems. Whether you’re into turbo wagons, V12 limousines, or mid-engine curiosities, this list ranks ten rare imports by coolness from an enthusiast’s perspective. If you’re hunting for something truly different, these are the cars that deserve your attention.
10. Suzuki Cara / Autozam AZ-1
The Autozam AZ-1 and its twin, the Suzuki Cara, are kei-class sports cars that look far more exciting than they actually drive. Built in limited numbers during the early 1990s, both feature a mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and iconic gullwing doors. On paper, they sound like the baby NSX of your dreams.
In reality, their tiny 657cc turbocharged engines produce less than 65 horsepower, and the cramped interior suits only the most compact drivers. Still, their design is undeniably cool, and their novelty makes them a collector favorite.
The AZ-1 was produced by Mazda under its Autozam sub-brand, while Suzuki sold a nearly identical version with subtle differences. Despite their wild looks, these cars are more about style and exclusivity than outright performance. They’re best suited for collectors or display rather than spirited weekend drives.
9. Subaru Sambar Dias Classic
The Subaru Sambar Dias Classic is a quirky kei van that blends retro charm with compact practicality. Styled to resemble a classic European microbus, it features round headlamps, chrome trim, and vintage cues that make it stand out, even in a crowd of imports.
Underneath the nostalgic design is a tiny but efficient 660cc engine, often paired with all-wheel drive. While it won’t win any races, the Sambar is surprisingly usable around town, thanks to its small footprint and upright visibility.
Enthusiasts love it for its character and uniqueness rather than performance. It’s a conversation starter at every cars and coffee meet and ideal for anyone looking to build a micro camper or mobile espresso bar. As far as retro kei vans go, the Sambar Dias Classic offers a dose of style that’s hard to beat.
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8. Dauhatsu Midget II
The Daihatsu Midget II is one of the strangest yet most charming vehicles you can import under the 25-year rule. It’s a single-seat or two-seat micro truck with a comically small size and a face that looks like it belongs in an anime.
Powered by a 660cc engine, the Midget II was built for tight urban deliveries, but it has since become a cult favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its oddball appeal. Rear-wheel drive versions exist, and some models even came with air conditioning and a manual transmission.
What it lacks in performance, it makes up for in pure novelty. The Midget II is not for everyone, but it’s perfect if you want something truly different. Whether used for branding, shows, or just weekend fun, this pint-sized utility truck is guaranteed to turn heads.
7. Nissan Figaro
The Nissan Figaro is a retro-styled convertible that looks like it came from the 1960s, but it was actually built in 1991. Designed as part of Nissan’s Pike Factory series, the Figaro combined modern reliability with vintage aesthetics. Its rounded lines, pastel colors, and chrome accents make it an instant eye-catcher.
Powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine and paired with a three-speed automatic, it’s more about cruising than corner carving. Only about 20,000 units were produced, most for the Japanese market, and all came fully loaded with leather seats, air conditioning, and a retractable soft top.
Enthusiasts love the Figaro for its charm, simplicity, and uniqueness. It’s not a performance car, but its timeless look and strong cult following make it a standout choice for anyone who values style over speed.
6. Toyota Century
The Toyota Century is Japan’s ultimate luxury sedan, built with old-school craftsmanship and designed for dignitaries and executives. This V12-powered limousine was never officially sold outside Japan and was produced in low numbers with obsessive attention to detail.
Its styling is conservative, almost anonymous, but beneath that understated exterior is serious presence. Rear passengers enjoy features like soft wool upholstery, lace curtains, and power everything. Even the rear seats recline. The 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE V12 is smooth rather than fast, built for silent cruising, not rapid acceleration.
Unlike most luxury cars of its time, the Century focused on comfort over flash. Despite its age, it still exudes status and rarity. Owning one today means stepping into a world of quiet prestige that most Western luxury cars never truly achieved.
5. Toyota Caldina GT-T
The Toyota Caldina GT-T was Japan’s answer to the Subaru Legacy GT wagon, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sleeper with everyday practicality. Under the hood sits the legendary 3S-GTE engine, borrowed from the Celica GT-Four, producing around 260 horsepower.
This powertrain, combined with a rally-inspired chassis and spacious interior, gave the Caldina serious street and backroad credibility. While it wears the body of a family wagon, it delivers performance that rivals many sports sedans from the era.
Unlike most turbo wagons sold globally, the Caldina GT-T remained exclusive to Japan, making it a rare sight in the U.S. market. It balances utility and driving engagement in a way few cars can. For enthusiasts who want speed without shouting about it, this is one of the best-kept secrets finally available for import.
4. Mazda Lantis Type R
The Mazda Lantis Type R is one of the most overlooked gems of the 1990s Japanese performance scene. Sold exclusively in Japan, it came equipped with a 2.0-liter V6 from Mazda’s high-revving KF series, producing around 170 horsepower.
The power was sent to the front wheels through a close-ratio manual gearbox, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Its chassis, shared with the Eunos 500 and other Mazda platforms, offered sharp handling and a surprisingly refined ride.
The sleek five-door fastback body gave it a unique profile, blending practicality with sportiness. Inside, the Type R featured supportive bucket seats, a leather-wrapped wheel, and subtle red accents. Rare, stylish, and engaging to drive, the Lantis Type R delivers a level of character most economy-based compacts simply never offered.
3. Nissan Pulsar Autech
The Nissan Pulsar Autech is a limited-production hot hatch that blends everyday usability with factory-tuned performance. Built by Autech, Nissan’s in-house tuning arm, it features unique styling touches, a more aggressive suspension setup, and a naturally aspirated SR20DE engine producing just over 140 horsepower.
While not turbocharged, its lightweight chassis and crisp throttle response make it incredibly fun to drive. The Autech version also includes distinct aero parts, exclusive wheels, and interior upgrades that set it apart from regular Pulsar models.
Its rarity stems from low production numbers and domestic-only availability, making it a special find for collectors and drivers alike. With balanced handling, sharp steering, and a high-revving engine, the Pulsar Autech delivers genuine enthusiast appeal in a package that remains practical for daily use.
2. Nissan Silvia Varietta
The Nissan Silvia Varietta is one of the most unusual S-chassis variants ever produced. Based on the Silvia S15, it was a limited-run convertible with a power-folding hardtop designed by Autech. Fewer than 1,200 units were made, all for the Japanese domestic market.
Underneath, it shares the same rear-wheel-drive layout and balanced proportions that make the Silvia a drift and tuner favorite. Most Variettas came with the naturally aspirated SR20DE engine and automatic transmission, but manual swaps are possible and common among enthusiasts.
Despite its open-top design, it retains the sharp styling and solid dynamics of the coupe. What sets it apart is the combination of rarity, open-air driving, and S15 heritage. For collectors and fans of unique JDM oddities, the Varietta offers something truly different.
1. Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was built to conquer the Dakar Rally, and it shows in every detail. This road-going version of Mitsubishi’s desert racer came with a 3.5-liter V6 MIVEC engine producing over 270 horsepower. It featured a wider body, upgraded suspension, skid plates, and reinforced differentials for serious off-road performance.
Only about 2,500 units were made to meet homologation requirements, making it one of the rarest performance SUVs from Japan. While most SUVs focused on comfort, the Pajero Evolution delivered rugged capability and aggressive styling.
Inside, it came with Recaro seats, a sporty steering wheel, and rally-inspired details. It’s one of the few 4x4s that combines motorsport heritage with real-world usability. Whether climbing trails or turning heads on the street, this is no ordinary SUV.