I think it's just common lingo to call made in Japan cars JDM. And people who make a point to call enthusiasts out and say "Thats not JDM bro, it wasn't sold in Japan" seem kinda snobby cause they own an import (like this guy).
Well, as a JDM Fan since 2010, I'd say JDM is both. US and Japan Market becaurse, the car it self has the same potential, like the 200sx or the 180sx, if you keep it stock, then you have one JDM and one US market model but if you modify it, you can get the same car out of both cars, exapt for LHD or RHD. And a LHD is way more practical to drive daily in the US then RHD. Meanwhile JDM stands for the tuningstyle in my oppinion. Even a Ford Probe with the right rims, bodywork and Paint does look more like a JDm car than a Nissan President to a normal guy. So lets have fun with all cars around there and forget the controversy :)
Back in the day, JDM cars had a higher stock engine output and different trim levels that were usually much more luxurious than ADM/USM/EDM cars or they were mix-matched. For example, a ADM car here had basically the lowest trim possible of a car, being a SOHC engine, Open diff, where JDM got exclusively DOHC, better suspension and LSD's. JDM had a variety of interior trims aswell and sometimes better gauge clusters i.e. higher RPM reading because better ECU, a cluster that goes over 180kms per hour etc. So when people said "JDM", people would pay extra because it's better than buying parts from wrecked cars or ordering parts brand new from Japan. It's not trying to sound snobby, it was just being accurate. The misinterpretation came from younger generations who rarely go to car meets and don't know what Domestic means. JDM was literally the highest trim typically, now even the lowest trims are misinterpreted as JDM.
The whole time you're discussing what JDM is I noticed you're sitting in one of those JDM minivans that have the rear facing middle row with the 360 curtains. I couldn't think of a better example of something that the Japanese domestic market wanted that the US market never caught on to. Excellent video, your production skills are awesome and the information that you present is delivered in a very authoritative style because you know your stuff!
I guess im probably alot older than your audience. Believe it or not, as the year 2000 approached. The term "JDM" often referred to a style, or like you mentioned a blooming area of car"culture." The scene was almost completely dominated by Hondas at this time. Authentic imported JDM parts, the JDM subtle look, which was a move away from big body kits and into the oem+ look had become a huge unstoppable phenomenon. Few people used the term to refer to what market the car was manufactured for, until more recently. So we should really thank early website forums, the late 90s Honda scene, and the legendary sports car culture of Japan for making the term JDM what it is today.
The Suzuki Jimny has a JDM version that is literally only sold in Japan. It's smaller, lighter, and lacks fender flares. This is to make it fit into the "Kei" class, which means lower road tax, and reduced insurance premiums
I can hear the 23 year olds in the US whining that their D15 civic hatch is “JDM AF” with their fart can and slammed suspension. “I mean it’s basically a detuned, LHD, four lug CTR” is literally what I was told looking a 90s hatch almost 10 years ago
I’ll never understand slamming your car to the ground if you drive it anywhere other than a track bc one speed bump and you just fucked your front end and bottomed out probably causing even more damage
My family owned a 1997(?) Nissan Almera N15, produced in Japan for European markets, so not a real JDM. Unfortunately it got scrapped, before I could drive it at least once. But I loved it. My first car (and current also) is Mitsubishi Space Star (known in the US as Mirage). I wanted to lay my hands on any Japanese car, because in my country they're known for their reliability. Although some think it is a poorly designed car, it is perfect for European roads and for learners like me. Sadly it wasn't produced in Japan but in another Asian country, but I'm still proud to drive a product of Japanese technical thought. JDM for life.
Hahaha, I have a ‘97 CR-V RD1 (Japan spec) and finally googled the definition. Great video! Was familiar with the term being used around the Japanese car crowd. I keep seeing it on parts I’m now special ordering... 😂
Keyword in JDM is marketing. If you’re car isn’t built/tuned a certain way and built cosmetically a certain way then it’s not JDM. The way their built in the JDM way caters to the Japanese “market”. So if you just have a modified car with a basic paint job, not having certain wheels lights, spoiler etc then you just bought a car and made it faster. But to build a JDM car is a certain way of going about that whole process. You could take and American car the challenger and build it like a JDM car and that would be more JDM then having a JDM type car and not building it the JDM way
I have! And its very different than the US. But i know very little about bikes despite being raised in a bike family. (I learned to ride before I learned to drive!)
Tbh I hate jdm cars and Japanese cars (minus a few good ones the nerds haven't made hyper inflate) because they aren't cheap anymore. When I was a kid you could find a perfect nsx for 50 grand, a Mk4 turbo supra manual was under 20 grand. Heck if you were really lucky you could find an s2k for under 10 grand. Now good luck finding salvage cars at those prices.
Just to many people hyping up those cars, it sucks but it is what it is yk. Nothing we can really do about it because if we do tell these nerds that it's just a car then they are going to throw a fit because they don't want their bubble to burst 🤷
Not the cars fault its the upper class out buying the lower class instead of having good middle ground like when I could find an 84 Ford Ranger in 2005 for 300 bucks now people think it's worth 10k and doesn't even run
Just going to copy and paste this from my reply in the comments. Back in the day, JDM cars had a higher stock engine output and different trim levels that were usually much more luxurious than ADM/USM/EDM cars or they were mix-matched. For example, an ADM car here had basically the lowest trim possible of a car, being a SOHC engine, Open-diff, whereas JDM got exclusively DOHC on their trims, better suspension, and LSDs. I'm referring to the AE86 here. Some countries got the AE85 engines in their Vin-numbered AE86s. a JDM 86 was inherently different from a foreign export 86. Hell, some JDM cars even had bigger turbos. JDM had a variety of interior trims such as powered windows, red/blue/black/grey/leather interior as well, and sometimes better gauge clusters i.e. higher RPM reading because of better tuned ECU, a cluster that reads to 300kmph over the standard 180kmph, etc. So when people said "JDM", people would pay extra because it's better than buying parts from wrecked cars or ordering parts brand new from Japan. It's not trying to sound snobby, it was just being accurate. The misinterpretation came from younger generations who rarely go to car meets and don't know what Domestic means. JDM was literally the highest trim typically, now even the lowest trims are misinterpreted as JDM.
This could have gotten even worse when considering collabs... e.g. the toyota z4 or alfa mx5..😅 and in the best worst case you give the whole branch prodiction completely to another manufacturer.. like subaru did after the first 2 gens of Justys, from which on every efficient "small-car" modell just are suzukis with small face lifts and subaru emblems put on... Fortunely this wasn't the case till 2000's
My car is JDM cause it comes with a chassis code not Vin number.also just because you stick a Silvia badge and stickers on your 240SX dont make it a Silvia or JDM.also just because you get a RHD conversion kit dont make it JDM.
Calling all Japanese cars JDM is stupid. Why? Because many non-Japanese JDM exist. My cousin owns an E30 M3 that was officially made for the Japanese domestic market.
The flip side of the coin is models from foreign manufactuers specified to Japanese market standards to be imported into Japanse for first sale. They are foreign imports to the Japanese market. They aren not Japanese domestic cars. No more than a Ford F150 in England is a UKDM vehicle.
JDM is an adjective. You've described what JDM cars are. I think it's far more common to talk about JDM parts for tuning/modding (my wallet hates JDM parts). Could aspect of Japanese car culture that get imported be considered JDM? I guess you'd say no, but I think it's fine.
So my BRZ was manufactured in Japan and has a Japanese VIN, but it drives on the left and was clearly imported and sold in North America. But does that make in JDM because it was manufactured there?
One thing i somewhat dont get is... isnt lexus the kinda "luxury" subsidiary company from toyota? ..so wouldnt the IS300 be same JDM as the Altezza is? 🤔 or do i miss some detail to that though, clear me up.. xD
There was no IS2/300 made for Japan. Depending on model year. The one I assume you’re referring to was sold here as an Altezza. Which would be the JDM model. Lexus was launched as an overseas brand initially then later launched in Japan. That’s why older 90s Lexus are Toyotas here.
makes sense and i knew the defenition but i have one question now What do i say when people ask what "ganre" of cars im into, and i like.. well.. japanese cars.. (as well as bmw, etc) do i just say "drift" cuz this isnt always the case? For most of us, jdm is just a simple word for.. all of the above.. modified, drifting, usually japanese but not always (like bmw) cars..
Interesting. I’ve thought people use it to refer to Japanese cars colloquially, but you use it to refer to anything drifty? Maybe JDM will develop into that. I usually tell people I’m into anything. Sounds like you’re into anything RWD
It can co deeper. I’m from Czech (europe) and there is EUDM, But year ago i bought supra mk3 made for American market (diferrent specs- USDM specs) But sold originaly in europe. It’s not definitly JDM, But is it USDM or EUDM?
I think it's just common lingo to call made in Japan cars JDM.
And people who make a point to call enthusiasts out and say "Thats not JDM bro, it wasn't sold in Japan" seem kinda snobby cause they own an import (like this guy).
You have an excellent point! And I said the same at the end of the video! I said people who don’t understand that are car boomers 😂😂
Well, as a JDM Fan since 2010, I'd say JDM is both. US and Japan Market becaurse, the car it self has the same potential, like the 200sx or the 180sx, if you keep it stock, then you have one JDM and one US market model but if you modify it, you can get the same car out of both cars, exapt for LHD or RHD. And a LHD is way more practical to drive daily in the US then RHD. Meanwhile JDM stands for the tuningstyle in my oppinion. Even a Ford Probe with the right rims, bodywork and Paint does look more like a JDm car than a Nissan President to a normal guy. So lets have fun with all cars around there and forget the controversy :)
@@littlelegorobot6646how about Mitsubishi eclipse gsx? JDM OR USDM? cuz they made in America by Collaboration between Misubishi x Chrysler Group.
@@remurrr thats a hard one. id say it depends on the tuning style. Or not? I dont know xD what do you say?
Back in the day, JDM cars had a higher stock engine output and different trim levels that were usually much more luxurious than ADM/USM/EDM cars or they were mix-matched.
For example, a ADM car here had basically the lowest trim possible of a car, being a SOHC engine, Open diff, where JDM got exclusively DOHC, better suspension and LSD's.
JDM had a variety of interior trims aswell and sometimes better gauge clusters i.e. higher RPM reading because better ECU, a cluster that goes over 180kms per hour etc.
So when people said "JDM", people would pay extra because it's better than buying parts from wrecked cars or ordering parts brand new from Japan.
It's not trying to sound snobby, it was just being accurate. The misinterpretation came from younger generations who rarely go to car meets and don't know what Domestic means.
JDM was literally the highest trim typically, now even the lowest trims are misinterpreted as JDM.
A lot of people need to hear this. I see too many guys in the US calling their Honda Civic “JDM af bro” 🤣
True
I mean with a laptop and putting a wrong gas would prolly make you feel like you're driving a JDM. But yeah it's not a JDM
“True information is both more accessible and less common than ever before.” Wise words.
Much appreciated dude. I know it must be annoying for you to have to define, but as someone new to cars and trying to learn I appreciate it.
I knew my car was truly JDM when the accessory wiring started a fire
I feel this...so much. The wiring on my 2jzgte altezza was mental
Such a cool video that I feel like so many people need to actually see!!! Good job buddy!
The whole time you're discussing what JDM is I noticed you're sitting in one of those JDM minivans that have the rear facing middle row with the 360 curtains. I couldn't think of a better example of something that the Japanese domestic market wanted that the US market never caught on to. Excellent video, your production skills are awesome and the information that you present is delivered in a very authoritative style because you know your stuff!
Haha thanks that was on purpose! The van video will be next I think!
i thought jdm was japan drift maniacs lol
That makes alot more sense tbh lol
Ok thank you for this video! I'm one who needed it too lol.
I guess im probably alot older than your audience.
Believe it or not, as the year 2000 approached. The term "JDM" often referred to a style, or like you mentioned a blooming area of car"culture." The scene was almost completely dominated by Hondas at this time.
Authentic imported JDM parts, the JDM subtle look, which was a move away from big body kits and into the oem+ look had become a huge unstoppable phenomenon.
Few people used the term to refer to what market the car was manufactured for, until more recently.
So we should really thank early website forums, the late 90s Honda scene, and the legendary sports car culture of Japan for making the term JDM what it is today.
Thanks for explaining this, MANY needed to hear it!!
The Suzuki Jimny has a JDM version that is literally only sold in Japan. It's smaller, lighter, and lacks fender flares. This is to make it fit into the "Kei" class, which means lower road tax, and reduced insurance premiums
I can hear the 23 year olds in the US whining that their D15 civic hatch is “JDM AF” with their fart can and slammed suspension.
“I mean it’s basically a detuned, LHD, four lug CTR” is literally what I was told looking a 90s hatch almost 10 years ago
I’ll never understand slamming your car to the ground if you drive it anywhere other than a track bc one speed bump and you just fucked your front end and bottomed out probably causing even more damage
All this day i though...jdm means "japanese drift machine"
No… touge racing period … highway/cornorsand curves or drift racing Guy 🤝🏽
What i find crazy is that it could have the right hand drive and main components for a JDM car, but it could STILL not be counted as a JDM car☠️☠️☠️
> JDMはなんですか ←this sounds more like "JDM is what" rather than "what is JDM", what I'd use might be "JDMとは" "JDMって何" "JDM 定義"
JDM Sport cars are no longer the "Supercar killer for a fraction of the price" they are slower and more expensive than some supercars now 😭
My family owned a 1997(?) Nissan Almera N15, produced in Japan for European markets, so not a real JDM. Unfortunately it got scrapped, before I could drive it at least once. But I loved it.
My first car (and current also) is Mitsubishi Space Star (known in the US as Mirage). I wanted to lay my hands on any Japanese car, because in my country they're known for their reliability. Although some think it is a poorly designed car, it is perfect for European roads and for learners like me.
Sadly it wasn't produced in Japan but in another Asian country, but I'm still proud to drive a product of Japanese technical thought.
JDM for life.
Hahaha, I have a ‘97 CR-V RD1 (Japan spec) and finally googled the definition. Great video! Was familiar with the term being used around the Japanese car crowd.
I keep seeing it on parts I’m now special ordering... 😂
Keyword in JDM is marketing. If you’re car isn’t built/tuned a certain way and built cosmetically a certain way then it’s not JDM. The way their built in the JDM way caters to the Japanese “market”. So if you just have a modified car with a basic paint job, not having certain wheels lights, spoiler etc then you just bought a car and made it faster. But to build a JDM car is a certain way of going about that whole process. You could take and American car the challenger and build it like a JDM car and that would be more JDM then having a JDM type car and not building it the JDM way
Wrong the US cars that are imported into Japan it's call usdm.also Japan imports hellcats to Japan they are LHD not Rhd.
"Apparently, the Internet is crazy" yes, yes indeed.
By the way, have you ever considered seeing what the sport bike scene is like there? Could be worth looking into.
I have! And its very different than the US. But i know very little about bikes despite being raised in a bike family. (I learned to ride before I learned to drive!)
Me thinking JDM means Japanese Drift Masters
Japanese drift mobile
Japanese Dori Machine
I thought it's Japanese drift machines xd
Idk bro my CRZ was built in Japan sooo
Just kidding, i would've gotten the one with the glass roof if it were at all JDM.
Tbh I hate jdm cars and Japanese cars (minus a few good ones the nerds haven't made hyper inflate) because they aren't cheap anymore. When I was a kid you could find a perfect nsx for 50 grand, a Mk4 turbo supra manual was under 20 grand. Heck if you were really lucky you could find an s2k for under 10 grand. Now good luck finding salvage cars at those prices.
Honestly all those prices existed as early as 6 years ago
Just to many people hyping up those cars, it sucks but it is what it is yk. Nothing we can really do about it because if we do tell these nerds that it's just a car then they are going to throw a fit because they don't want their bubble to burst 🤷
Not the cars fault its the upper class out buying the lower class instead of having good middle ground like when I could find an 84 Ford Ranger in 2005 for 300 bucks now people think it's worth 10k and doesn't even run
You can still get a JB64 import for cheap if you know where to look. JDM 4wd ftw.
Just going to copy and paste this from my reply in the comments.
Back in the day, JDM cars had a higher stock engine output and different trim levels that were usually much more luxurious than ADM/USM/EDM cars or they were mix-matched.
For example, an ADM car here had basically the lowest trim possible of a car, being a SOHC engine, Open-diff, whereas JDM got exclusively DOHC on their trims, better suspension, and LSDs.
I'm referring to the AE86 here. Some countries got the AE85 engines in their Vin-numbered AE86s. a JDM 86 was inherently different from a foreign export 86. Hell, some JDM cars even had bigger turbos.
JDM had a variety of interior trims such as powered windows, red/blue/black/grey/leather interior as well, and sometimes better gauge clusters i.e. higher RPM reading because of better tuned ECU, a cluster that reads to 300kmph over the standard 180kmph, etc.
So when people said "JDM", people would pay extra because it's better than buying parts from wrecked cars or ordering parts brand new from Japan.
It's not trying to sound snobby, it was just being accurate. The misinterpretation came from younger generations who rarely go to car meets and don't know what Domestic means.
JDM was literally the highest trim typically, now even the lowest trims are misinterpreted as JDM.
Jamming
Driving
Machine
This could have gotten even worse when considering collabs... e.g. the toyota z4 or alfa mx5..😅 and in the best worst case you give the whole branch prodiction completely to another manufacturer.. like subaru did after the first 2 gens of Justys, from which on every efficient "small-car" modell just are suzukis with small face lifts and subaru emblems put on...
Fortunely this wasn't the case till 2000's
Nice video mate
Thanks!
My car is JDM cause it comes with a chassis code not Vin number.also just because you stick a Silvia badge and stickers on your 240SX dont make it a Silvia or JDM.also just because you get a RHD conversion kit dont make it JDM.
Calling all Japanese cars JDM is stupid. Why? Because many non-Japanese JDM exist.
My cousin owns an E30 M3 that was officially made for the Japanese domestic market.
Same for my 911
great explanation, so true
The flip side of the coin is models from foreign manufactuers specified to Japanese market standards to be imported into Japanse for first sale. They are foreign imports to the Japanese market. They aren not Japanese domestic cars. No more than a Ford F150 in England is a UKDM vehicle.
JDM is an adjective. You've described what JDM cars are. I think it's far more common to talk about JDM parts for tuning/modding (my wallet hates JDM parts). Could aspect of Japanese car culture that get imported be considered JDM? I guess you'd say no, but I think it's fine.
No one put under light in Japan😂
I love JDM👌🏻
I don't know why this is so difficult for people to understand
If your car is NOT originally imported from Japan and RHD, your car is just another import car.
So my BRZ was manufactured in Japan and has a Japanese VIN, but it drives on the left and was clearly imported and sold in North America. But does that make in JDM because it was manufactured there?
If it was sold in the US new, it’s USDM. Lhd further ensures that reality.
One thing i somewhat dont get is... isnt lexus the kinda "luxury" subsidiary company from toyota? ..so wouldnt the IS300 be same JDM as the Altezza is? 🤔 or do i miss some detail to that though, clear me up.. xD
There was no IS2/300 made for Japan. Depending on model year. The one I assume you’re referring to was sold here as an Altezza. Which would be the JDM model. Lexus was launched as an overseas brand initially then later launched in Japan. That’s why older 90s Lexus are Toyotas here.
@@AmateurEnthusiasm ahh there was my knowledge gap, thank you 🙏🏻😁
makes sense and i knew the defenition but i have one question now
What do i say when people ask what "ganre" of cars im into, and i like.. well.. japanese cars.. (as well as bmw, etc) do i just say "drift" cuz this isnt always the case?
For most of us, jdm is just a simple word for.. all of the above.. modified, drifting, usually japanese but not always (like bmw) cars..
Interesting. I’ve thought people use it to refer to Japanese cars colloquially, but you use it to refer to anything drifty? Maybe JDM will develop into that.
I usually tell people I’m into anything. Sounds like you’re into anything RWD
Love my jdm af engine brahhh 😂😂😂
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I imported a 1992 mazda speed astina hatchback from japans domestic market so does that make it jdm ?? Because my makes say it is but idk 😅
It can co deeper. I’m from Czech (europe) and there is EUDM, But year ago i bought supra mk3 made for American market (diferrent specs- USDM specs) But sold originaly in europe. It’s not definitly JDM, But is it USDM or EUDM?
US import version. (or, if you are Japanese, an US export model).
True jdm: Mitsubishi FTO…
i was going to buy a handa civic hatchback 1974 idk if its jdm also im 16
JDM y0!
how get real jdm to us cheap
next video 👆
I don't think there is a cheap way. You need to pay for import, export, and whole lot of fees just to get the car onto the cargo boat.
aaaa
You mad, bro?
You did a good job informing some noobs.
What's so anxiety producing?
Relax, G.
My jzx100 is a jdm. My 86 is not.