10 Amazing Cars You’re Not Allowed to Drive on U.S. Roads
Some of the coolest cars ever built can’t legally touch U.S. roads. From wild hypercars failing federal safety rules to foreign icons blocked by strict import laws, these machines remain forbidden fruit for American drivers. Here are 10 cars you can admire but not legally drive in the United States.
Suzuki Hustler
Okay, the Hustler’s like the mini Jimny that doesn’t suck in traffic. Hybrid 660cc engine, AWD option, looks tough with those boxy lines and roof rails. Perfect for city runs or light off-road messing around, gets crazy good mileage too. Around $15k-$20k if you import one new-ish, which is nuts for how fun it feels. Honestly, this is top of my list, you know?
Honda N-Box
The N-Box is everywhere in Japan for a reason, man. Sliding doors, huge interior space for something so small, turbo or non-turbo 58hp engine, and now fancy screens inside. Family hauler disguised as a kei car. Probably $12k-$18k landed here, super practical but not boring. Like, why cram four people into a Fiat when this exists?
Daihatsu Hijet
Hijet truck, yeah, the workhorse one. 2025 models have like 26 configs, dump bed, van, even freezer versions. 660cc with 46 or 63hp turbo, RWD or 4WD, cheap as heck at $10k-$15k imported. Not glamorous, but if you need to haul crap without a big truck, this is gold. Random thought, imagine a tiny dump truck in your driveway.
Suzuki Jimny
Wait, is the Jimny technically kei? Yeah in Japan, that rugged little box on wheels. Manual or auto, 660cc hybrid-ish, insane off-road angles. Climbs stuff bigger trucks cry over. Around $20k new import, worth every penny if you hate traffic but love trails. Not gonna lie, I’d daily this over a Subaru sometimes.
Daihatsu Tanto
Tanto’s got that tall-boy van look, FunCross version is sportier with crossovers vibes. CVT, hybrid options, seats flip every way. Sells like hotcakes in Japan for good reason. Figure $13k-$17k to get one over here. It’s like a taller, roomier Miata… for groceries? Kinda genius, honestly.
Honda N-One
N-One feels premium, like a mini Civic Type R vibe but kei-sized. Retro looks, 660cc turbo, sharp handling for parking lots. Comfy seats, good tech. Around $14k-$19k. You know, if you want style without the size, this nails it. Changing my mind, maybe this over the N-Box for solo drives.
Suzuki Alto
Alto’s the budget king, super light, 660cc three-cylinder sips fuel like nothing. City rocket, easy to mod too. Starts at like $10k imported, cheapest fun you’ll find. Not fancy, but reliable forever. Like, why overthink when this just works? Tiny joke, it’s the kei car equivalent of ramen, but good ramen.
Daihatsu Mira
Mira’s got sporty trims, turbo engine, looks sneaky fast. Handles better than most, hybrid available. Around $12k-$16k. Random observation, these pop up tuned in Japan, drifting corners. Personal take, underrated gem if you like go-karts with AC.
Subaru Sambar
Sambar truck, Subaru reliability in kei form. 660cc, 4WD standard almost, bed for tools or whatever. Tough little guy, $11k-$15k easy. You trust Subarus forever, right? Off-road better than some full-size. So yeah, this if you’re paranoid about breakdowns.
Nissan March/Micra Kei
Okay, the kei-spec March, tiny hatch with zippy 660cc, CVT or manual. Cute but peppy, good safety stuff now. Around $12k. Not the flashiest, but Nissan build means it’ll last. Like a polite Miata that parks anywhere.
