Japanese cars are deified as the quintessence of cost-effective innovation, unmatchable reliability, and meticulous craftsmanship. These qualities in tandem with breathtaking performance and nonpareil tunability have cemented Japanese sports cars as the unrivaled icons of the global automotive industry. Over the decades, some of these marvelous machines have triumphed in attaining a legendary status. These include doyens such as the unassailable Toyota Supra, the perennially glorious Nissan Skyline GT-R, and many more.But these sports cars have skyrocketed in value over the years and getting hold of one has become an arduous task. That is where these underrated, underappreciated hidden gems step in to fill the void. These ten Japanese sports cars have flown under the radar, and their average market value hasn’t astronomically ascended yet. Hence, now might be the best time to get your hands on one of these wonderful Japanese creations. 1988-1991 Honda CR-X Si Power: 108 HP Bring A TrailerThis featherweight two-seater was a short-lived cult favorite that borrowed its drivetrain straight from the Honda Civic, but delivered a much more playful experience. The CR-X first hit the scene in 1984, though we're spotlighting the far sharper and more desirable second-generation model introduced for 1988. While its shape still echoes the Civic hatchback of the era, the CR-X wears bolder lines, a sleeker roofline, and a far sportier attitude.Our pick is the CR-X Si – the “sports injected” trim – which blended everyday Honda reliability with genuinely spirited handling. With its rev-happy 1.6-liter engine, lightweight chassis, and respectable performance for the era, it remains an accessible classic that’s just as enjoyable to toss around today as it was in the late ‘80s. Used Market History Classic.com: 31 sold since 2024 (Including non-Si trims) Bring a Trailer: 71 sold since 2020 1992–1995 Mazda MX-3 V6 Power: 130 HP Bring a TrailerThis unique Mazda sports coupe is even smaller than the MX-5 Miata but has four seats and a V6 motor under its hood. The Mazda MX-3 V6 houses one of the smallest production V6 engines ever made, the all-aluminum Mazda K-series short-stroke 24-valve V6. Overall the performance of the MX-3 V6 can’t be considered top-notch or enthralling, but its current market value makes it a considerable option for someone who seeks a unique yet inexpensive Japanese sports car. Used Market History Classic.com: 3 sold since 2018 Bring a Trailer: 2 sold since 2021 1988-1992 Toyota Corolla GT-S Coupe (E90) Power: 135 HP Toyota This rather special Toyota Corolla belongs to the E90 generation, which was the first to exclusively sport a front-wheel-drivetrain. The Toyota Corolla GT-S Coupe is powered by a 4A-GE engine that churns out 115 horses in its first two model years. For 1990, the engine gained a revised cylinder head and intake manifold, bumping the power output to 135 ponies. Although it isn’t rear-wheel-drive as its immediate predecessor, the 1988-1992 Toyota Corolla GT-S is still a groovy '80s coupe that is engaging to drive. And, drum roll, it's got pop-up headlights. The Corolla GT-S Coupe is affordable and sports an amazing classic '80s aesthetic, and yet almost no one seems to be buying it in 2025. Used Market History Classic.com: 4 sold since 2018 Bring a Trailer: 7 sold since 2016 1990-1996 Nissan NX2000 Power: 140 HP The Nissan NX2000 is a tiny, quirky coupe that barely anyone remembers in 2025, making it a stealthy bargain. Its 2.0-liter Inline-4 puts out 140 hp, pushing the little car to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, which is enough to have fun without frying your wallet. Beneath the round, goofy body sits the same chassis as the Sentra SE-R, complete with all-around disc brakes and a front limited-slip diff, so it actually handles surprisingly well.Lightweight, reliable, and playful, the NX2000 is one of those forgotten JDM coupes that delivers real driving enjoyment. Prices are rock-bottom, and if you spot a clean one, it’s a rare chance to grab a sleeper before anyone else notices. Still, no one seems to be buying these cars in America today, with Classic.com recording just 6 sales in the last five years, and BaT even fewer. Used Market History Classic.com: 6 sold since 2020 Bring a Trailer: 4 sold since 2020 1994-1998 Honda Del Sol VTEC Power: 160 HP Via: Mecum AuctionsThe Honda Civic Del Sol was introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the revered Honda CR-X. The following year Honda offered the eulogized 1.6-liter 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine pushing 160 hp along with stiffer springs, larger tires, and stronger brakes. Quite enough power for this 2500-lb coupe. Beginning in 1995, the Honda Del Sol emerged as a distinct model, breaking free from its previous association with the Civic nameplate. The more contoured design of the Del Sol doesn’t look as appealing as the CRX’s sharp lines, but it is more puissant and available at a lower price range. Used Market History Classic.com: 84 sold since 2018 (Including non-VTEC trims) Bring a Trailer: 14 sold since 2020 1991-1997 Mazda MX-6 Power: 164 HP Bring A Trailer The first generation Mazda MX-6 is a timeless beaut that swanks some drool-worthy aesthetics, but the more modern, rounded-off second-generation MX-6 is certainly the enthusiast's choice. Its 2.5-liter V6 produces 164 hp and pairs with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, sending the unique FWD sports car from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Lightweight at 2,635 lbs, it’s surprisingly agile and playful, with a smooth, pleasing V6 soundtrack that belies its modest numbers. The chassis feels balanced, cornering lively while delivering a rewarding driving experience. These cars are cheap, reliable, and increasingly rare in clean condition. With sharp looks, engaging dynamics, and sleeper appeal, the MX-6 is one of the ‘90s coupes most deserving of attention – and could be a future collectible if you snag one now. Used Market History Classic.com: 6 sold since 2018 Bring a Trailer: 5 sold since 2018 2002-2006 Acura RSX Type-S Power: 200-210 HP AcuraThe Acura Integra is a highly sought-after legendary Japanese car with a cult following around the globe. The fourth-generation Integra however, was marketed as the Acura RSX in the U.S. Although a Type R version was offered in the Japanese market, America only got the base and Type S models. But the Acura RSX Type S is no slouch and its slick, high-revving 200-hp 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder is a gem of an engine that comes paired exclusively with a short-throw 6-speed stick-shift. Thanks to this power, the Integra RSX Type-S will still beat a first-gen BRZ or an ND miata to 60 mph (6.2 seconds). Not to mention, it's a phenomenal backroad car and there are a handful of these available in the used market at reasonable prices.The RSX Type-S is still an icon among Honda enthusiasts and while it sold a bit more than some other cars on this list, 79 sales on Classic.com and 36 on Bring a Trailer means it's still ridiculously overlooked. Used Market History Classic.com: 79 sold since 2022 Bring a Trailer: 36 sold since 2020 Toyota Supra Mk5 2.0 Power: 255 HP ToyotaThe latest-generation Toyota Suprainitially debuted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six borrowed from BMW (the coveted B58), but shortly after, Toyota also offered a four-cylinder variant. Perhaps unsurprisingly, almost nobody checked that box, turning the two-liter Supra into one of . Some owners say it's not a real Supra (as if the B58 is), some fault its lack of manual option, and others simply can't justify paying its $48,000 MSRP for a four-cylinder car.It's not like Toyota didn't have a good reason to sell a 2.0-liter Supra, either. Meant to go after cars like the 2.0-liter Cayman and Mustang EcoBoost, the 4-cyl Supra boasts some serious performance credentials to sway potential buyers away from paying the extra eight grand for the B58. This includes a 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, the entire engine weight placed behind the front axle for superior corner rotation, and a whole 220 lbs of weight savings over the beefier 3.0-liter. Heck, it's the fastest car on this list.Still, we didn't find more than a few used ones recently sold on either Classic.com or BaT, but prices for these four-pots are steadily dropping compared to their six-cylinder counterparts. If that trend continues, for the right buyer, these may become the biggest track car bargains in the next five years. Used Market History Classic.com: 1 sold since 2021 Bring a Trailer: 4 sold since 2020 2001-2003 Acura CL Type S Power: 260 HP AcuraThe Acura CL Type S was the most powerful front-wheel-drive Honda ever made, packing a 3.2-liter V6 with 260 hp that rockets the car to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. With its relatively light 3,510 lbs chassis, it’s surprisingly composed for a front-wheel-drive grand tourer, making corners more fun than you’d expect. Only around 3,500 of the rare 6-speed manual models were built, but plenty of automatic examples are floating around at steal prices in the used market. The CL Type S blends punchy performance, playful handling, and upscale luxury into a front-wheel-drive JDM package that still surprises anyone who jumps behind the wheel. Used Market History Classic.com: 26 sold since 2018 Bring a Trailer: 15 sold since 2021 Lexus SC430 Power: 288 HP Via: LexusThe Lexus SC430 seemed like a promising luxury V8-powered convertible when it first hit the market, until James Clarkson and Top Gear completely wrecked its reputation by calling it "the worst car in the history of the world." The show criticized its sloppy handling and steering, also slamming its looks, sort of missing the point of this being a super-comfortable and reliable, floaty grand tourer. Even today, most enthusiasts steer cleer of the SC430 – if not for its looks and experience, then for the sheer stigma it carries. Despite all of that, enthusiasts today can and should appreciate the bulletproof, old-school naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V8 under the SC430's hood and its ridiculously affordable prices today. Recent sales on Classic.com show buyers are paying between $15,000 and $19,000 for good-condition models. Used Market History Classic.com: 352 sold since 2013 Bring a Trailer: 146 sold since 2020 Sources: Classic.com, Bring a Trailer.