The Rise of JDM Vans: Why the First-Gen Honda Stepwgn is Flooding US Ports
There’s a specific kind of scene unfolding at ports from Los Angeles to Jacksonville—row after row of boxy, right-hand-drive vans with Japanese auction sheets still in the gloveboxes, waiting for their new American owners.
For years, the JDM import scene was all about sports cars. Skylines, Supras, RX-7s. But something shifted. The first-generation Honda Stepwgn, a van that Honda never even sold here, is suddenly everywhere. And it’s not alone. From Kei trucks to family haulers, America’s appetite for Japanese vans is reshaping the import market.
The Perfect Storm for a Box on Wheels
The Stepwgn’s arrival in US ports is no accident. It’s the result of a perfect alignment of factors that have turned a forgotten Japanese family van into a hot ticket item.
First, the math. The first-generation Stepwgn (RF1/RF2) was produced from 1996 to 2001 . In May 2021, the earliest models finally qualified under the 25-year rule, making them legal for import without the headache of federalizing them for US safety standards . What started as a trickle has become a steady flow as more model years become eligible.
But eligibility alone doesn’t explain the flood. The real story is demand. And the demand is coming from a surprising place.
“Import figures for the first seven months of the year indicate that these classic cars are on track to set a sales record in 2024, with an estimated 20,000 units,” reports PartsTrader, noting that this represents a staggering increase from fewer than 300 imports in 2009 . That’s a 6,500% growth in 15 years.
Beyond the Sports Car: The New JDM Buyer
The traditional JDM buyer was chasing horsepower. The new buyer? They’re chasing practicality and uniqueness.
“The JDM marketplace’s new buyer-intent index shows demand splitting between six-figure icons and kei-class imports—with the Subaru Sambar up 140% in 30 days,” reports JDMBUYSELL founder Colin Greig . “Auction results tell you what the headline cars sold for. Our inquiry data shows what buyers are asking about across the whole market—including the kei vans and everyday imports that never reach a marquee auction” .
The Stepwgn fits perfectly into this trend. It’s not fast. It’s not particularly beautiful in a conventional sense. But it’s brilliantly practical—and it’s a conversation starter everywhere it goes.
The Civic-Based Wonder
Here’s what makes the first-gen Stepwgn special. It’s built on the Civic platform, but it can seat up to eight people . The packaging is remarkable—short enough to fit in a standard parking space, tall enough to make you feel like you’re driving a bus, yet compact enough to maneuver through city streets.
“The StepWGN is much larger than a Kei-class car and has an engine over three times the size of the Kei’s 660cc maximum, a full 2-liter engine,” notes The Autopian . “This is a real minivan, and is also quite a clever design. It’s very boxy and tall, with a relatively small footprint but still able to seat eight people” .
The B20B engine produces 123 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque, sending power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic . It’s not quick, but it’s adequate for its intended purpose.
The Camper Connection
One specific variant is particularly sought after: the Field Deck. This 1998 option package included a pop-up roof with a roof-mounted bed and a fold-out table in the rear . It was Honda’s answer to the VW Westfalia, and it has become a cult favorite.
“The Civic-based minivan camper has two levels of accommodation for snoozing,” Jalopnik noted . The Field Deck edition ended with the Stepwgn’s redesign in 2001, making examples increasingly rare . A clean Field Deck recently sold on Bring a Trailer for $13,000 .
What’s It Cost to Get One?
The entry point is surprisingly affordable. A standard 1998 Stepwgn recently sold on Bring a Trailer for $8,500 . A 1997 example sold on Cars & Bids for $7,600 in 2022 . The Field Deck, with its camper top, commands more—that $13,000 Bring a Trailer sale is a benchmark for the model .
But the purchase price is just the beginning. Import costs add up quickly. You’ll need to factor in shipping ($1,000-$1,500 for RoRo), customs duties (2.5% on the purchase price), broker fees, and inland transport. Many buyers choose to buy through importers who handle the whole process.
The Registration Headache
Here’s where it gets tricky. The federal 25-year rule gets you through customs, but state registration is a whole different battle. California is notoriously difficult—one Stepwgn seller warned buyers that the car “can not be registered in California” .
The issue is emissions. Some states require imported vehicles to meet local smog standards, which these Japanese-spec vans weren’t designed to do. Others require a VIN verification process that can be challenging for right-hand-drive vehicles. Buying from an importer who has already titled the vehicle in a friendly state can save you a lot of grief.
The Appeal of the Unexpected
There’s something refreshing about a JDM van in a sea of JDM sports cars. It signals a maturing of the market, where enthusiasts are no longer just chasing performance figures.
“The StepWGN was targeted, unashamedly, at Japanese families,” says The Autopian’s Jason Torchinsky, who spotted one on the road in North Carolina . “Overall, it’s a real packaging triumph for the 1.5-box style, a very space-maximizing sort of design” .
That’s the appeal. It’s a vehicle that was designed for a specific purpose in a specific market, and now it’s finding a new life halfway around the world. It’s not about speed—it’s about character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the first-gen Honda Stepwgn becoming so popular in the US?
It became legal to import in 2021 under the 25-year rule, and buyers are looking for unique, practical JDM vehicles beyond sports cars. Its clever packaging, Civic-based reliability, and the availability of the Field Deck camper variant have made it a cult favorite .
How much does a Honda Stepwgn cost in the US?
Prices vary widely. Standard examples sell for $7,600-$8,500 at auction, while the Field Deck camper variant can reach $13,000 or more .
What engine does the first-gen Stepwgn have?
It uses Honda’s 2.0-liter B20B inline-four, producing 123-125 horsepower and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission .
Can I register a Stepwgn in all US states?
No. California has strict emissions rules that make registration difficult or impossible. Some other states also have restrictions. It’s essential to check your state’s regulations before purchasing .
Why are JDM vans like the Stepwgn gaining popularity?
Buyers are looking for unique, practical, and characterful vehicles that stand out from ordinary SUVs. The 25-year rule has made many models accessible, and the community around JDM vans is growing .
References
For further reading about JDM imports and the Honda Stepwgn:
- The Autopian: First-Gen Stepwgn Sighting
- Bring a Trailer: 1998 Honda Stepwgn Sale
- JDMBUYSELL: JDM Demand Index
- Jalopnik: Stepwgn Field Deck Overview
Have you spotted a JDM van on US roads, or are you considering importing one? What’s your take on the trend? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
