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The nostalgic effect and increased demand for JDM cars have seen some enthusiasts dish out thousands of dollars, sometimes a whopping six figures.

The desirability for '90s Japanese cars has exploded in the last two decades, owing to the street takeover and social influence from the tuner culture to the indulgence in pop culture and the stellar performances portrayed in Hollywood blockbusters like the Fast and Furious franchise. American gearheads' obsession with these JDM vehicles is well-documented, but the 25-year import rule has further compounded the lust for halo cars from Japan's automotive golden age.

Related: Importing A Car From Japan? Here's What To Look Out For

Unfortunately, the search for a puristic experience and the subsequent increase in demand for '90s JDM cars has recently seen prices go through the roof. The nostalgic effect alone has seen enthusiasts dish out thousands of dollars, sometimes a whopping six figures, without batting an eyelid. Of course, everyone has a particular taste, which means some cars are overrated while others become underrated. We analyzed a myriad of JDM cars from the 1990s, so read on and find out which models are worth every penny and which have become ridiculously overpriced.

The S13 Series was arguably the most famous Silvia by the turn of the '90s, but the S14 introduced in 1993 did well to retain the wave of young enthusiasts who engaged in aggressive driving and drifting. Sold solely in coupe form, the S14 utilized the iconic S-chassis and introduced bolder styling features and technological advancements under the skin.

The domestic market S14 boasted two powertrain options: a 160hp naturally aspirated SR20DE and a 220hp turbocharged SR20DET (K variant), both available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels. The 155hp KA24DE engine fitted in the 240SX export variant was significantly less potent than the Japanese S14 engines, enough justification for the $15,000 price for a well-maintained domestic market example.

Nissan built the Skyline R32 GT-R from 1989 to 1994, and after several years on the forbidden fruit list, numerous examples have landed on American soil. The all-wheel-drive R32 Skyline GT-R proved its mettle in touring car championships with a remarkable win rate to earn the 'Godzilla' nickname, making it the real precursor to the modern-day GT-R.

Related: Birth Of A Monster: How Nissan Created The R32 GT-R

The most significant hallmarks include Nissan's HICAS four-wheel steering system, the performance-focused ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, and the legendary 276hp twin-turbocharged RB26DETT inline-six. Prices for variants like the GT-R Nismo, GT-R V-Spec I, and GT-R V-Spec II have skyrocketed significantly, leaving the base R32 GT-R as the most approachable option. Although it's possible to find a moderately beat-up model for $35,000, most enthusiasts are priced out of good condition models with decent mileage that will demand north of $65,000.

The RX badge is undoubtedly a significant piece of Mazda's history board, and the RX-7 that paved the way for the MX-5 roadster and MX-3 coupe is arguably the most famous. The FD series RX-7 introduced in 1993 is the most desirable iteration, boasting elegant Tom Matano styling, less than 3,000lbs curb weight, and an impressive compromise between sharp handling and comfort.

Every third-generation RX-7 houses the same 1.3-liter twin-turbo13B-REW Wankel rotary rated at 255hp and 217lb-ft of torque. Since the RX-7 was a relatively affordable sports car in the '90s, most owners modified their cars, making $20,000 a relatively fair trade for an utterly stock RX-7 in good condition and with decent mileage.

The sophisticated Acura NSX is one of those incredibly rare sports cars that goes so out of its normal range that the whole automotive community grinds to a halt and stares. Technology trickled down from Honda's Formula One program into the NSX, becoming the first car to utilize an all-aluminum monocoque with aluminum suspension.

In 1995, Honda introduced the NSX-T, a Targa variant with a one-piece removable roof panel, not forgetting the debut of the drive-by-wire technology in the NSX lineup. With a 270hp 3.0-liter aluminum V-6 nestled behind the driver, the NSX-T is a pricey JDM icon in today's used car market, with prices soaring over $80,000 for a good condition example.

In the early '90s, Toyota cemented its dominance in rallying with the Celica GT-Four, going toe-to-toe with legendary rally cars like the mighty Delta Integrale. However, Group A World Rally Championship requirements dictated 2,500 homologation versions of the ST205, none of which got sold in North America.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Every Gearhead Should Drive The Celica GT-Four

Developed with a strong influence from Toyota Team Europe's rally car, the GT-Four ST205 road car introduced improvements like Super Strut Suspension, four-channel ABS, and an aluminum hood over the previous generation model. With a 252hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 3S-GTE inline-four under the hood, a well-maintained Celica GT-Four ST205 is well worth about $20,000.

When the fourth-generation Supra debuted in 1993, Toyota engineers had worked hard to trim unnecessary weight where possible, relying on aluminum for parts like the hood, oil pan, front cross member, transmission pan, and several suspension bits. Besides benefiting as a pivotal part of the Japanese motoring golden age, the Supra's popularity peaked due to appearances in Hollywood films and video games, not to mention its potential within tuning circles.

Engine options under the iconic 2JZ-GTE powertrain umbrella included a 220hp 3.0-liter inline-six and the highly-coveted 320hp 3.0-liter inline-six. The MK4 Supra has transitioned from a used car to a collector car in recent years, which explains why prices have gone overboard, with good examples in bone stock condition demanding well over $91,800.

The sixth-generation Civic was Honda's first model to sell in significant numbers outside the domestic market. However, the sportiest and arguably the most desirable iteration was the Type R which debuted in 1997 for the 1998 model year. But unlike the Integra Type R, Honda only offered the Civic Type R in Japan.

Dubbed the EK9, Honda based the Type R on the EK4 SiR three-door hatchback and fitted it with a 180hp 1.6-liter B16B spec. R four-cylinder riddled with special high-performance upgrades. Today, an EK9 makes a good car build project for a daily driver or track day weapon, making it worth every penny of the $25,000 average price for a good condition example with reasonable mileage.

Subaru's iconic Impreza 22B STi is a rally homologation special, developed to commemorate both Subaru's 40th anniversary as an automaker and the company's third consecutive manufacturers' title in the WRC. The Impreza 22B STi features a twin-plate ceramic metal clutch, adjustable center-differential switch, WRC-style front, adjustable rear wing, Bilstein suspension, and 17-inch BBS alloys.

Related: 10 Things Everyone Forgot About The Subaru Impreza 22B STI

Subaru fitted the Impreza 22B STi with a hand-built 2.2-liter EJ22 flat-four, with output rated at 276hp despite the larger bore. The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is considered the ultimate Subaru Impreza, with only 425 rare examples ever produced. Despite the lack of numerous creature comforts like air conditioning, some enthusiasts are willing to pay over $260,000 to add one of these gems to their garage.

Today, every discerning gearhead knows about Honda's Type R division, but very few outside Japan knew about the sporting division when the DC2 Integra Type R arrived in 1995. Nonetheless, it didn't take long for the Integra Type R to prove its mettle with a raw, stripped-down experience that cranked the lightweight, front-wheel-drive formula to become one of the best driver's cars from the '90s.

Honda equipped the JDM market Integra Type R with a sweet-sounding 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC inline four-cylinder B18C engine capable of an impressive 200hp. Other features include a helical limited-slip differential, revised springs and dampers, large rotors and calipers, ABS, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Considering the motoring press labeled the Integra Type R one of the best handling cars of all time, it would be worth spending $35,000 on a well-maintained example.

From conventional wisdom, most enthusiasts believe the Skyline GT-R R33 is less desirable than its R32 and R34 siblings. However, the narrative changes when you factor in the Nürburgring lap record and the NISMO 400R developed to compete at Le Mans. Notable NISMO upgrades and set-ups for the 400R include 30 mm lower ride height, springs, Type 2 brake pads, unique brake master cylinder, twin-plate clutch, HID lighting, and reinforced powertrain with carbon driveshaft.

The most significant hallmark is the upgraded 400hp RB-X GT2 engine NISMO based on a bored and stroked version of the legendary RB26DETT. The NISMO 400R is the ultimate expression of the R33 GT-R and arguably the most technologically advanced Japanese sports car through the end of the 20th Century. Since only 40 units are verified to exist, the 400R is one of the most sought-after JDM collector cars, with one rare example breaking the $2M mark.

Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.