The Enduring Global Popularity of 1990s Japanese Sports Cars

The Nissan Silvia launched in May 1988. Its elegant form made it popular as a “date car.” (© Nissan)

The Nissan Fairlady Z was released July 1989. It was a long-lived model remaining on sale until 2000. (© Nissan)

The Skyline GT-R (BNR32 Chassis model) released in August 1989. Over 40,000 were sold up to the end of 1994. (© Nissan)

The Toyota Supra went on sale in May 1993. It achieved particular popularity in the United States and was used in the movie The Fast and the Furious. (© Toyota)

The Mazda RX-7, launched in October 1991, was powered by a unique Wankel rotary engine. (© Mazda)

Honda launched the NSX (marketed as the Acura NSX in the United States) in September 1990. It was a sports car in true with its mid-engine layout and all-aluminum body. (© Honda)

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was launched in September 1992. It remained popular through repeated model changes until the Lancer Evolution X, which was discontinued in 2015. (© Mitsubishi)

The Subaru Impreza, launched in November 1992, made its World Rally Championship debut in 1993. It won three consecutive titles from 1995. (© Subaru Tecnica International)

The Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34 model) released in January 1999. It was the last GT-R to be equipped with an in-line six-cylinder engine. (© Nissan)

The Honda S2000, launched in April 1999, was Honda’s first front-engine/rear-wheel drive (FR) sports car in 29 years, and its last. (© Honda)