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From the iconic Mitsubishi 3000GT to the unpopular Isuzu Impulse, these iconic JDM sports cars have been out of the market for way too long.

Many serious gearheads would agree that JDM automakers have the worst reputation for introducing iconic sports cars, only for them to pull the production plug after a few setbacks with no replacement. In fact, this year is the end of the road for the likes of Acura ILX, NSX, Honda Insight, Mazda 6, CX-3, and Toyota Avalon.

Many of these discontinued JDM vehicles still have reliable powertrain options, decent fuel economy, and superb handling and are affordable, so enthusiasts not only miss them but wish they could be reborn with the latest technological innovations. From the iconic Mitsubishi 3000GT to the unpopular Isuzu Impulse, we would love to see the resurrection of these discontinued JDM cars.

Related: 10 Japanese Sports Cars Most People Have Forgotten About

Who doesn’t want a ridiculously fun sports car that’s relatively inexpensive? It's no wonder the Honda S2000 remains sure a big hit even though production ended more than a decade ago. The Honda S2000 AP1 which runs from 1999 to 2003 works with a 2.0-liter F20C inline four-cylinder engine that cranks out 237–247 hp. The newer 2.2L F22C1 inline four-cylinder for the North American market makes 237 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Even though the S2000 has a low torque rating, you won’t notice any of that when you are behind the wheel. You just have to turn on the ignition to unlock the S2000’s power. Its value is on the rise, you might want to get one as soon as possible.

Very few automakers dare to disregard unwritten rules to create something with a lasting impression, and Mazda is one of them. Rather than go with the conventional V-shaped or inline engine, Mazda opted for the Wankel rotary engine to achieve swift performance in the RX7.

While the first-generation RX-7 FB is the purest incarnation of the three generations, the second-generation RX-7 FC comes with more power, an independent rear suspension featuring super-trick, and precise rack-and-pinion steering. The third generation RX-7 FD is the ultimate expression of Mazda’s rotary prowess with a 1308 cc 13B-REW twin-turbo twin-rotor. Mazda sold over 800,000 RX7s globally, so it's a very successful model and a comeback won’t be bad.

Whether it’s the SX, ZX, Spec-S, or Spec-R model, you can’t deny the special role of the Nissan Silvia in JDM history. The classy-looking sports coupe was produced from 1964-2002. It's most notable for its high-performance engines with great tuning potential.

The S13 through S15 vehicles are popular among pro-level drifters, thanks to the huge aftermarket for the S-chassis. The S15 is the last variant of the Nissan Silvia, with production running from 1999 to 2002.

The Toyota MR2 is the first mid-engined production car with a rear-wheel drive layout in Japan. Upon its launch in 1984, the Toyota MR2 was targeted at customers looking for a two-seat fuel-efficient commuter, but it later evolved into a modern reincarnation of Toyota’s iconic Sports 800.

Toyota adopts the engine, chassis, and transmission of the contemporary Corolla for the MR2. To ensure the MR2 is rock-solid and stable in all driving conditions, Toyota uses five bulkheads for its construction. In 2017, Toyota revealed plans of making a range of performance cars that would be a spiritual, if not direct, successor to the MR2.

Related: Here's Why The Toyota MR2 Mid-Engine Sportscar Will Never Let You Down

The Mitsubishi 3000GT — also called the GTO in Japan — is one of the unsung heroes of the 1990s. Even though it’s not as desirable as iconic JDM cars like the Nissan Skyline GT-R and the Supra MK4, the 3000GT is a decent sports car with an all-wheel/front-wheel drive configuration.

The 3000GT is an inexpensive car that offers four-wheel steering, electronically controlled damping, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Nearly 90,000 Mitsubishi 3000GTs were sold in the US alone before the end of production in 2002.

The unashamedly tacky Mitsubishi Starion, which is known in America as Chrysler Conquest, is a pacesetter and an accomplished motorsport tool that lived for only seven years before coming to an end in 1989. It’s one of the earliest modern turbocharged JDM cars to come with electronic fuel injection.

As a proper sports car, the Mitsubishi Starion is not afraid to be driven hard, as it features a rear-wheel-drive configuration with an independent rear suspension and a limited-slip differential. With plenty of power coming from the 2.0L G63B turbo I4 and 2.6 L G54B turbo I4, the Starion offers huge tuning potential.

The go-anywhere, do-anything Toyota Celica is still a good fit for those looking for a cheap sports car with a timeless design and a reliable four-cylinder engine. With the likes of the Celica GT-Four rally car and the Celica Turbo IMSA GTO, Toyota establishes itself as a motorsport icon.

If the power of the standard Celica’s four-cylinder isn’t enough for you, the Celica Supra with an inline-six engine will satisfy your power thirst. With the Celica, Toyota offers endless modification possibilities, with turbo kits available for several generations.

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

Not many people remember the Suzuki Impulse probably because the JDM manufacturer is popular for making pickup trucks. The Impulse is a sports coupe that lasted for two generations spanning 1981–1993. The first generation Impulse offers a series of four-cylinder engines with a rear-wheel drive layout.

The second generation Impulse has a front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive configuration and Suzuki managed to sell over 13,000 units before production stopped due to financial issues, rising emissions, and crash safety requirements. It would be good to see a modern reincarnation of the Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo.

Very few JDM cars can boast of the same appeal, acceleration, and stability, as the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo and Eclipse GSX trims are the most popular, with both having a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4G63 powertrain. Over the years, we see the Eclipse evolve in form, function, beauty, and technology.

Thanks to its heart-thumping mechanics and eye-catching look, the Eclipse stays in production for over two decades, selling over 906,876 units. To bring the illustrious run of the Eclipse to an end, Mitsubishi introduces the Mitsubishi Eclipse Special Edition in 2012.

Behind the bland styling of the Prelude is a good sports coupe. Offering a comfy ride with razor-sharp handling and loads of grip, the Honda Prelude is largely based on the early Civic. It uses the Accord power and a three-speed "Hondamatic" automatic or a five-speed gearbox in its early years, so it wasn’t exactly a powerhouse at the beginning.

Upon the launch of the second generation Prelude in 1982, we see a more aesthetically pleasing and powerful Honda. By the end of the fifth generation in 2001, Honda pulls the plug on Prelude, after selling over 826,082 units. We would like to see the Honda Prelude make a massive comeback with a V6 engine.

Next: 10 Japanese Cars That'll Soon Be Worth A Fortune

Peter Akpejeluh is a content writer with years of experience in the automotive industry. His love for cars makes crafting colorful stories around them quite effortless. When Peter is not developing automotive content, you can find him taking one of his favorite cars for a spin.