D Car — November 2003

Part 04: American JDM—high-speed scene

Base-model popularity chart

Popular cars shift continually with drifting trends, manufacturers' strategies, and the influence of media such as magazines and movies. Here is a chart of the changing fortunes of sport compacts.

The rotary engine may not be the most popular overall, but it has a devoted following. The drifting boom could change that, though.

The EG-generation Civic was strong, but starting around the later EK models its popularity as a base car began to fade. There are several reasons, but rising new-car prices were probably a major one.

The Civic's shift toward a family-car image also helped drive enthusiasts away.

Despite its American styling, the Supra is not especially popular right now. Perhaps its shape is not quite sport-compact enough? It is a car people are waiting to see fully redesigned.

Like the Civic, the DC-generation Integra is at its peak. The Acura name is certainly appealing, but it may share the Civic's fate...

...as well?

Integra

With the Accord joining the Acura family, the Integra's position has become even more complicated.

G Games

The NSX remains an aspirational, genuine sports car at the top of Acura's range, but its high price is a barrier. It may be due for a full redesign soon.

...became a standard choice

Classic base models versus emerging favorites

Nissan and Subaru are surging!

Silvia

NISSAN

The drifting boom has brought a surge of new owners over the past year. If you include people who want a Silvia, the numbers are hard to estimate. The car has shed its old 'girls' car' image!

Swapping the sluggish KA for an SR turns it into a high-powered drift car. Demand for used SR engines is rising sharply.

The Evo may keep gaining followers thanks to the Fast & Furious effect. But relatively low sales and a high price could keep it from becoming a runaway hit.

Impreza

SUBARU

Imprezas are appearing everywhere—in photoshoots and drag racing alike. Legacy models were already popular in snowy regions, but the Impreza's appeal seems unrelated to snow.

This may be the car that best fits the term 'sport compact.'

The Celica is being chosen more often as more used examples become available. Some owners are switching over from the now-common Honda models.

Fairlady Z (350Z)

NISSAN

Individual owners are still relatively rare, so their builds should differ from what you see from manufacturers and shops.

Like the Celica, this car is worth watching in the used market. In America, most builds lean toward a gentle or sporty style—except in Fast & Furious.

The Z has grown larger and received a full redesign. How far can it ride the sudden wave of interest in drifting? Its progress will be worth watching.

Part 04: American JDM—high-speed scene

Trend guide

[By style]

Latest

TREND 03: Aero and hood / 04: Base models

The US market has very few high-powered rear-wheel-drive cars, so the RX-7 could become a surprising hit!

TOYOTA

The 70-series is nearly gone, and the 80-series is not especially popular either. For now, everyone is looking forward to the next model.

A tuned NSX may appear at shows, but it is still uncommon to see one used as a daily driver.

Honda remains the classic choice

Lancer Evolution

MITSUBISHI

The Lancer Evolution appears in titles like TAXI 2 and The Fast and the Furious, giving it far more screen appeal than other Japanese cars.

Celica

TOYOTA

Many builds carry over TRD's racing image—think GT-style looks.

For an S2000, why not aim for a more mature look instead of a kit-car style? It is sure to be popular with women, too!

D Car — November 2003

About this issue

Page 69 — English draft translation