A Blast from the Past: Embracing JDM Coupes in the Late 80s

Imagine it's 1989. You're finally old enough to have your first car—an aging 1983 Chevy Citation. The Fine Young Cannibals' "Don’t Look Back" is blasting out of your two-speaker Delco audio system. You can't help but smile as you imagine getting out of the old Citation and definitely not looking back as it rolls off a cliff.

You've noticed the sleek, sharp, and fresh designs of the new JDM coupes hitting the market, and you can picture yourself cruising down State Street in a brand new 1989 Eagle Talon TSI AWD in black/gray trim. This time, the Fine Young Cannibals are still blasting, but in an awesome car with an ear-hurting booming stereo.

This part of the story might be fictional, as I was only 14 in 1989, but let’s continue the nostalgia trip with a glimpse into the iconic JDM coupes that captured the hearts of many during that golden era.

Iconic JDM Coupes of the Late 80s and Early 90s

1. Isuzu Impulse / Geo Storm The Isuzu Impulse, known as the Geo Storm in the United States, boasted sleek design and sporty performance. With Lotus-tuned suspension and a turbocharged engine option, it was a hit among enthusiasts seeking an affordable and fun-to-drive coupe.
2. Mazda RX-7 (FC3S and FD3S) The Mazda RX-7, especially the second-generation FC3S (1985-1992) and the third-generation FD3S (1992-2002), became legendary for its rotary engine performance. The FD3S, with its lightweight chassis and twin-rotor 13B-REW engine, stood out for its agility and unique styling.
3. Mitsubishi 3000GT / Dodge Stealth Mitsubishi’s 3000GT and its American counterpart, the Dodge Stealth, represented the epitome of engineering prowess. With a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and features like active aerodynamics and four-wheel steering, these cars set a high bar for performance.
4. Ford Probe The Ford Probe, although not a JDM model, was a collaboration with Mazda and made a significant impact. Its sleek design, sporty performance, and the 2.2-liter turbocharged engine made it a noteworthy competitor in the coupe market.
5. The Diamond Star Trio (Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser) The Diamond Star Trio—Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser—resulted from a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler. These models shared platforms and engines, including turbocharged options, and gained popularity for their sporty design and exhilarating performance.
6. Nissan Z (300ZX) The Nissan 300ZX (Z32), introduced in 1989, embodied Nissan's commitment to innovation. With a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and advanced technologies like Super-HICAS four-wheel steering, the 300ZX was celebrated for its handling and power.
7. Toyota Supra / Celica Toyota's Supra and Celica were standout models. The third-generation Supra (A70) and the fourth-generation Supra (A80) showcased turbocharged engines and sporty design, while the fifth-generation Celica (T180) was known for its rally heritage and distinctive styling. Both models combined performance and reliability, making them favorites among enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The late 80s and early 90s marked a period of remarkable innovation and design for JDM coupes. These cars not only excelled in performance and technology but also left a lasting cultural impact. As you reminisce about cruising in a sleek JDM coupe with the Fine Young Cannibals blaring through the speakers, you can appreciate the enduring legacy of these automotive icons.

Brochure Gallery

Imagine flipping through brochures of these iconic models, admiring their sleek designs and advanced features. Each page evokes memories of a time when Japanese automakers dared to push the boundaries of performance and style, creating cars that still captivate enthusiasts today.

I hope this nostalgic journey brings back some fun memories and gives you a taste of the excitement that these JDM coupes brought to the automotive world.

If you forgot the FYC song Don't look back, check it out here.