There’s no denying the massive popularity of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. With hilarious memes, cool merchandise, and the brilliant games themselves, GTA has only grown from strength to strength since the years of the first game’s release. But out of the various GTA games that have released over the years, only a few can claim to be as invigorating and immersive as GTA 5. Since the launch of the game, it has undergone many changes, and while some have hampered the game, others only make it better.
One such element in GTA 5 that makes it one of the best games out there is the availability of a wide range of cars inspired by actual models, which is further enhanced by the launch and popularity of GTA Online, expanding the world. While GTA 5 offers players the chance to choose between American muscle cars and European luxury cars, it is the cars belonging to the Japanese Domestic Market that takes the cake. Hugely popular back in the 2000s, JDM cars are a fascination of many automobile enthusiasts, and GTA 5 and GTA Online make it possible to satisfy these yearnings.
Penumbra FF
The Maibatsu Penumbra FF is technically an amalgamation of a number of different cars, all belonging to the Japanese Domestic Market. While the primary model is based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse’s second generation, other elements in the car are inspired by the Honda Integra Type R DC2, Nissan Skyline R33, Mitsubishi Eclipse Gen 1, and the Toyota MR2 W20.
Demanding a whopping price of $1,380,000, the Penumbra FF is worth every dime, providing players with decent customization options, a clean and well-finished design, and quality speed. One of the highlights of this car has to be its attractive carbon interior, with the only drawback being the price it demands. However, who can put a price tag on brilliance?
Future Shock ZR380
Few vehicles in the GTA franchise look as badass as the Annis Future Shock ZR380. Heavily armored and embedded with menacing spikes, this sports car has been modeled keeping the Nissan 350Z and the Nissan 370Z in mind.
While the acceleration of the car is a bit slow, mainly because of the heavy armor it drags along itself, it has commendable handling and top-speed, which can be further enhanced by installing the boost customizations it is eligible for. The perfect vehicle for ramming into other cars and surviving enemy gunfire, the Future Shock ZR380 does not break easily, and rarely bulks under pressure.
Banshee
One of the longest-running cars in the GTA series, the Banshee has been a recurrent model in the games since GTA III. As the game releases on Xbox Series X and PS5, more players can now enjoy this brilliant car as they play GTA 5 or GTA Online on their consoles.
Although the Banshee is not traditionally inspired by a JDM car, with its mother-car being the Dodge Viper SRT 10, it can be easily modified to resemble a JDM sports car. The best features of this car have to be its reasonable price and stellar performance. Strikingly fast when cornering, the Banshee is a dream to handle and can even give some of the best cars in GTA 5 a run for their money.
Sultan RS
Heavily influenced by the Gen 1 Lexus IS, the Karin Sultan RS is also mildly influenced by the Gen 2 Subaru Impreza. To obtain this car, all the player needs to do is visit Benny’s Original Motor Works and upgrade their base Sultan.
However, it must be noted that the modification will cost as much as $795,000. But despite costing a considerable amount of money, the upgrade is worth it, since it transforms the Sultan into a complete beast - both in terms of looks, as well as performance.
Elegy RH8
The Elegy RH8 is proof of the fact that something that costs less is not necessarily worthless. Having a price tag of only $95,000, this Nissan GTR R35 inspired vehicle is quite a killer on the road, especially considering how little it costs the player in terms of game money.
This car is a revelation, as it can easily make many higher-priced vehicles in the same class bite the dust, and it breezes around corners at an awe-inspiring speed.
Ruiner
With James Wan rumored to be developing a reboot of Knight Rider, lovers of both the game and the David Hasselhoff series can rejoice in the fact that there exists a car that has been heavily inspired by the show's iconic supercar.
Although the Ruiner primarily keeps the Pontiac TransAm KIIT in mind, JDM enthusiasts need not fret, as there are myriad customization options that can make it look as Japanese as the heart desires. Granted, the Ruiner does not provide the same handling that is expected from a typical JDM, but it can easily make these aspects inconsequential, courtesy of its meager price of $10,000 and astounding acceleration.
Dinka Blista Kanjo
The influence of Honda Civic Type R EK9 is as clear as crystal on the Dinka Blista Kanjo, which screams “JDM” through and through. Players can obtain this car within a price range of $580,000 to $435,000 (if through a trade), and the performance of the vehicle does not disappoint.
It should be pointed out that the Dinka Blista Kanjo is the second fastest car in its class, has a satisfying turbo-sound, and is eligible for various different customizations if the player so chooses. Furthermore, based on an absolute JDM icon, this car is a must-have for any JDM car lover. However, the handling of the car could be improved.
Jester Classic
A classic embodiment of the Toyota Supra JZA89 Mark IV, the Jester Classic is a JDM gem in GTA 5. Available for a price of $790,000, it provides a decent speed to players and also has some good customization options.
It is based on one of the most iconic cars that the JDM has ever released, which makes it kind of collection-worthy. Furthermore, it has the looks and turbo-sound to complement the hype and makes for an exciting car to own in the game.
Sultan Classic
Two cars are primarily responsible for the design of the Karin Sultan Classic, namely the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I and the Subaru Impreza GC8. However, the headlights of the car draw their inspiration from the Evolution IV model of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
Players can use this vehicle as their gateway recourse in the Casino Heist mission in GTA Online’s Diamond Casino Heist update. Owning this car is a definite delight, which is only accentuated by its wonderful engine and turbo sounds. Furthermore, this car is eligible for a number of brilliant customizations, and can also easily compete against some of the best vehicles in the game. The only drawback of this car might be the high price of $1,288,000, which can be ignored given its performance.
Elegy Retro Custom
GTA 5 is responsible for as much as 42 percent of all game sales in the series, and this is owing to its brilliance and the availability of a car as good as the Elegy Retro Custom, which has grown to become an absolute fan-favorite.
Inspired by the Nissan Skyline GTR R32 and R34, the Elegy Retro Custom can be upgraded at Benny’s for a cost of $940,000. Inspired by two giants in the history of JDM cars, the Elegy Retro Custom offers great speed, brilliant options for customization, nimble handling, a brilliant turbo-sound, outstanding looks, and easy stance features.