Vehicles You Didn't Know Were Banned In America

February 1, 2023

European and Japanese auto shows always have the latest and greatest swoon-worthy cars that unfortunately don't always make it into the U.S. While some do trickle through the cracks, it's a rarity as the vehicles are banned due to not meeting safety standards and regulations. Some people go to great lengths and a boatload of paperwork to convince the Feds to approve of getting certain vehicles imported into the country, but it doesn't always work. Here's a list of cars Big Brother won't let you have.

1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante

Aston Martin is a name that is all about elegance and sophistication, but this is one production of superior quality you won't see roaming the streets of America. The Mirage Volante was the company's first gesture towards modernity and progressive technology. There were only thirteen ever made, and only one slid through strict rules and regulations. One of five were built with manual transmission, and apparently, that is the one that made it into the U.S. while the others were banned. Chances are you probably haven't even seen that one.

Next up is a vehicle that many have tried to slide in under the radar.

1989-2001 Nissan Skyline R32/R34

Many people have been reported to try and bring Skylines into the country, but have always (with one exception) been rejected. The vehicle has an enormous fan base both in Japan and North America, and you can see the cars freely on the Canadian roads and highways. The only exception ever made for the Skyline has been a 1999 GTR R34 V-Spec Early Model Limited Edition. Some people have tried to get the Skylines in by shady means leading to the vehicles being crushed.

The next vehicle is small in stature and surprisingly loved by many but is still not allowed in the US.

1991-1996 Honda Beat

This pint-sized Japanese toy-like vehicle is a favorite around the world. It was the last vehicle to be approved by Japanese engineer and industrialist Soichiro Honda. It's small in size, and the engine displacement might have been the reason why it was exclusive to Japan. Enthusiasts attempting to bring the little roadster may see some roadblocks, however, there is speculation that the new generation Honda Beat may be available to drivers in North America. The Beat may look laughable, but it packs a punch and makes 100hp per liter.

Up next is a limited edition marriage between Porsche and Audi.

1995 Audi RST Avant

For those of you who love fast wagons, you may recognize this German-built vehicle that was manufactured between 1994 and 1995. The Audi Avant is unfortunately on NHTSA's list of cars that are not allowed to be imported, so you might as well take it off your wishlist. You can go 0-60 in under five seconds with the Audi-Porsche creation that established Audi as a quality company. Good news! If you're pining for one, there is a loophole. The way you can own one of these jalopies is to defect to Canada or have residencies in countries outside of the U.S.

There were only six hundred of the next vehicle made.

1990 BMW M3 Sports Evolution III

The M3 is a fan favorite and is highly sought after. This vehicle is listed as a banned car in the U.S. but has supposedly been exempt from restrictions since 2005. The M3 is one of the most successful touring cars of all time the EVO III version is considered the ultimate contender. The vehicle features an engine that is said to compete against other notables like the Audi V8's. This M3 was sculpted aerodynamically and came with rare upgrades like front and rear brake rotors and calipers, unique brake master cylinder, five-speed gearbox and more. The Sports Evo III's were built in 1989 and were exclusively available in red or black.

Up next is a lust-worthy two-seat supercar.

1993 Jaguar XJ220-S

This Jaguar comes from a family of six, as no others were ever made and only one was ever allowed into the U.S. The vehicle once held the title as fastest on earth, in the 90s, and was on everyone's radar. The radical supercar was announced as limited-production version and was a road-friendly version of the XJ220C, which was launched as a racing class vehicle for motorsport. Almost all six XJ220-S produced have changed up colors and met all homologation (the process of certification in motorsports) requirements.

The next vehicle is a brand that got representation by Ice-T.

2005 Beijing Auto Industrial Holding Rodedawg

This 4x4 off-road vehicle was built to perform on land and water. What was primarily used exclusively by the Chinese military for years found its way onto the auto market as well. While the Roedawg was an ideal option for those that enjoyed exploring, outdoor adventures, and more, why would the vehicle be banned in the U.S.? A former employee of the Nicaraguan Consul General's office set up plans to distribute the Roedawg, but authorities called out the whole thing for being a sham. The so-called distributer even got as far as getting Ice-T to represent the brand.

In the next slide, we have a vehicle that stirred up conspiracy and rumors.

2013 Volkswagen XL1

The XL1 is said to have never been designed for the US market. The two-person diesel-powered plug-in hybrid has no side mirrors or a rear window; video cameras instead feed into screens that give drivers visuals of the road. The missing mirrors could play a role in the factthat it's illegal to drive one of these on American soil, but online conspiracy theorists think it's because the XL1 is the world's most efficient car. The futuristic hybrid looks fast and is well made, and the best part is you could get 261 miles just on one gallon of diesel fuel. While efficient, the commuter car isn't priced for the average person; pricing starts at around $145,000.

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