Coolest Cars You Can Import to the United States in 2023

We spoke with some import pros to find out which cars enthusiasts are most excited about.

1998 nissan skyline r34
Nissan

The new year is nearly here. You know what that means, right? Yep, there are a slew of newly minted 25-year-old vehicles eligible to import into the United States thanks to our "25-year" rule, which allows cars not originally meant for the U.S. market to be legally registered here.

We spoke with Inbound Motorsports, an import dealer that specializes in JDM delights, about which cars they're most hyped for. These are the top eight coolest cars eligible for import into the U.S. in 2023.

1998 nissan skyline r34
Nissan
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Nissan Skyline R34

If you're just too impatient to wait for an R34 Skyline GT-R, the first year of the regular R34 Skyline becomes legal for U.S. import in 2023. While you're not getting Godzilla, you can still have a fun, turbocharged JDM performance car with R34 bones all for a fraction of the price of a real GT-R.

The GT-R really is that good, though

1998 mitsubishi lancer evolution v
Toprank Importers
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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V

The fifth generation of Mitsubishi's most iconic car, the Lancer Evolution, debuted in 1998. In addition to new looks and better aero, the 4G63 turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood got better internals and more boost pressure.

Read our drive of the last-ever Evo

nissan 180sx type x
Goo-net-exchange
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Nissan 180SX Type X

All 180SXs are cool, but the Type X might be the coolest. Legal in the U.S. for 2023, it got the turbocharged SR20 engine every buyer desires, in addition to a slew of cosmetic and mechanical additions to help it stand out in a crowd.

The 240SX sits atop our list of favorite drift cars

22b for sale
Bring a Trailer
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Subaru Impreza 22B

Previously if you wanted to own an Impreza 22B in the United States, you'd have to go through the Show and Display exemption list to get your hands on one. But as of 2023, Subaru's most legendary rally homologation special can be legally imported without having to jump through a bunch of hoops.

Would you rather have a 22B or Prodrive's tribute car?

ascari ecosse for sale
Dirk de Jager ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
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Ascari Ecosse

The Ecosse is easily the most obscure vehicle on this list. Just 19 examples were built between 1998 and 1999, each powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V-8 tuned by Hartge. It sent 304 hp to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. Now, thanks to our 25-year rule, you can import one into the U.S.... if you can find one, that is.

The one you see here went up for auction back in 2021

fiat multipla
Fiat
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Fiat Multipla

Some people consider the Fiat Multipla the ugliest production car of all time. We think it's pretty charming, and its design as a practical all-rounder hatch that could carry six people was ahead of its time. Whether you like the looks or not, it's tough not to be intrigued.

Watch a Multipla attack the Nürburgring

1999 rover 75
Rover
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Rover 75

The 75 was Rover's first car built under BMW's ownership. Launched as a front-wheel-drive sedan, it became the flagship of the company's lineup, eventually becoming the base of the wild MG ZT. Thanks to our 25-year law, you too can own a piece of off-beat British motoring history starting in 2023.

alfa romeo 156
Alfa Romeo
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Alfa Romeo 156

Anyone who knows Alfas knows the 156 isn't the most memorable car from the brand. It came in an era where Alfa was attempting to appeal more to the mass-market segment with front-wheel-drive econoboxes, rather than enthusiasts. But it's still weird and interesting, which is why it's here. And now, it can be in your garage too, if you're that much of an Alfa geek.

At least it sounds cool

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