Aug 13 (News On Japan) - Subaru is one of those brands that is revered among the car loving community.
People will import them (whatever the cost) and jump through all kinds of hoops to get a Subaru road-ready in their home country. But if you’ve never owned a Subaru, or are just dreaming at this point, what is some of the insider knowledge about this brand?
Subaru is a Japanese car brand that has a global cult following of car enthusiasts. The company has been running since the 1950s, and it was love at first sight for car buffs everywhere. The first car was the Subaru 1500, first made in 1954. Since then, there has been a steady stream of Subaru models that people love. The Leone – release in 1972 – was one of the favorites over the years, and it was Subaru’s first four-wheel drive car. This was the brand’s first all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, and it set the stage for many others since then – which is one thing Subaru has a top reputation for.
Most people have heard of the Subaru Impreza, arguably Subaru’s most famous model. It was released in the 1990s, and people involved in the World Rally Championship particularly took a shine to it.
Subaru has a loyal following for many reasons. These include the top horsepower, brilliant handling, affordability, and designs – which always look a little different to other brands. So what are some of the quirks of Subaru cars that set it apart, and explain its wide and enthusiastic fan base?
The Boxer Engine
A “boxer engine” might not mean much to people who don’t know much about car mechanics. But this is actually one of the most unique things that makes Subaru stand apart from other brands. This engine is a flat-four engine with horizontal pistons. The flatter design than other cars gives it a lower center of gravity, which makes it most stable. Subaru owners say this creates an incredible and enjoyable driving experience, giving you as a driver better control as the car feels so responsive. This engine type comes as standard in Subaru models.
You Can Pimp It Up
The aesthetic appeal of Subaru cars is already a pull factor for many people. But Subaru owners say they love the fact that Subaru cars are easy to “pimp up” to create a unique look too. Motiv wheels are popular among Subaru car owners, as they add some instant “wow factor” to the car. Modifying the exhaust or both the look and sound is also a popular move – although don’t go too loud, for the sake of your neighbors!
Impressive Reliability
It’s not uncommon to find Subaru cars with 200,000 miles on the clock – and they’re still going strong. Although many people buy a Subaru for its fabulous handling and the look, Subaru owners are often pleasantly surprised by how long they run for. The brand is known for its great build quality, and for being attentive to details in the engines and transmission. Safety features including advanced drive-assistance systems complement the mechanical reliability, which help with the overall running of the vehicle.
You Become Part of a Community
You don’t really get it with other car brands, but with Subaru, there is a community of loyal fans who often want to share experiences and tips. Again, this isn’t usually something that factors into someone’s decision-making process to get a Subaru. But once they have one, they’re really happy they’re part of a community of like-minded people. You can chat with them on car forums or Reddit, and even visit in-person events that Subaru organizes from time to time.
Subaru Has an Environmental Conscience
Cars and the environment don’t usually go hand in hand, but compared to many other car brands, Subaru seems pretty committed to doing right in sustainability terms. The brand is currently on a mission to reduce its environmental footprint, and real progress is being made. Subaru is implemented environmentally friendly practices at different stages of the production chain, including the manufacturing process. They also have zero-landfill factories to minimize the impact of waste, and regularly donate money to the National Park Foundation to help save forests. Over the years, Subaru has also expanded its hybrid vehicle range to reduce the harmful outputs of its cars.
Subaru Has a Social Conscience
Subaru looks beyond the environment to do good in the world too, with initiatives to support social causes by donating to local initiatives. It’s fair to say that Subaru's dedication to community engagement sets it apart from other automakers. In particular, the ‘Subaru Love Promise’ is about making the world a better place, which happens through partnerships with non-profit organizations. The brand supports causes such as pet adoption, education, and environmental conservation. There are more than financial contributions too, as Subaru employees participate in community service. This helps to reinforce the brand's values through hands-on involvement.
Film-Ready
A lot of car enthusiasts love Subaru because various models have appeared in their favorite films. Fast and Furious is one of the most mentioned series of films in relation to top movie appearances. It is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI that first appeared in the fourth film in the series in 2009. It has also appeared in other Fast and Furious films since then. Born to Race is a 2011 film that motorheads love, and even more so for the fact it features a WRX STI (2004 model). And then there’s Kingsman: The Secret Service, which was released in 2014. This film features a custom Subaru WRX, which included some impressive stunts.
Subaru is a car brand that keeps on wowing its followers, making them Subaru fans for life. There’s a little something for everyone in a Subaru, when you’re all about handling and a smooth ride, or whether you can’t get enough of the slick looks you can achieve in Subaru vehicles. With different vehicle types, such as the crossover Subaru Outback and hybrid models, you can take your pick of a Subaru car that works for you. For many people, there’s no going back once they’ve discovered Subaru.
