Is Honda JDM? Explained

‘JDM’ is an automotive term that stands for Japanese Domestic Market. It’s used to refer to cars that were made in Japan and sold in Japan.

The term has also been used to describe the style and aesthetic of Japanese automotive culture: extravagant body kits, popping decals and unmatched street presence.

So is the Honda brand considered JDM? We’ll cover a brief history of the brand, and how you can own a JDM-approved Honda of your own.

Is Honda JDM?

Yes and no. Honda was founded in Hamamatsu, Japan, so it is considered a JDM brand. However, if you want a Honda vehicle with true JDM heritage, you’ll need to find an imported model or import one from Japan yourself.

Honda Motor Co. has a long and accomplished history in the Japanese automotive industry. Despite its humble beginnings working out of a small wooden shack, Honda now sells millions of vehicles to passionate drivers across the world. It’s also the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer!

Honda operates production plants across the globe, with 12 different plants in the US alone – so if you’re driving a Honda in the US, it was probably assembled there. Honda currently owns four assembly plants in Japan, and there continues to be a huge market for its vehicles there.

But what makes a JDM Honda, like the NSX, so attractive to car enthusiasts?

Why should I buy a JDM Honda?

There are a number of reasons why Hondas produced for the Japanese market are so popular abroad. They tend to be in superior condition with better specifications from the factory. They’re also more sought-after, and a big deal in automotive pop culture.

Less rust. More power. Enhanced reliability. Fendor mirrors. The list of benefits goes on and on. You’re also sure to capture the hearts of fellow enthusiasts by bringing a one-of-a-kind JDM vehicle to your local street.

Of course, there can be downsides to purchasing an imported Honda. For example, more power means more fuel consumption, which will put a squeeze on your wallet. It’s also likely that you will need to insure your imported vehicle with a specialist insurer.

Negatives aside, you still get all of the usual benefits associated with the Japanese automotive industry: cheap, widely-available parts and maximum reliability.

While the Honda brand is rich in Japanese history, finding a true JDM vehicle means finding a vehicle that was sold in Japan – with the spec to match. So how can you snap up a JDM Honda model?

Finding a JDM Honda

You can either purchase a Honda vehicle that has previously been imported from Japan or go through the import process yourself. Always remember to do your research so that you fully understand the costs and regulations involved in importing or owning a JDM vehicle.

If you want to import a JDM-spec Honda, you can browse popular online marketplaces (like Goo-net Exchange). These websites allow you to filter cars based on your exact requirements and specify a destination port in your country for delivery.

If you’re looking for a specialist importing experience, do a Google search for Japanese car importing companies in your area (like Japanese Classics). They will be able to assist with the entire import process and ensure that you’re set up for the optimal ownership experience.

Conclusion

There are so many reasons for wanting to own a JDM Honda. Whether it’s for street cred or sentimental reasons, there has never been a better time to own a piece of JDM history.

Whatever your reason for wanting one, know that there are plenty of options available if you’re willing to spend a bit of cash.

We hope that this article helped you. Got a question? Let us know below!

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