Finally the story of the best car I ever owned. It made those icy snowy winters tolerable

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

Жыл бұрын

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

@absenthurdle5666

9 күн бұрын

@@OutsideTheTargetDemographic i got a 2004 subaru outback with the 5 speed manual because i hate automatics and ive been the 1 and only owner on it!

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

9 күн бұрын

@@absenthurdle5666 Noice. 🤓👍

Living in regional Australia, Subaru Brumby's were always the first choice for farmers looking for an all wheel drive ute. The Brumby can take any beating given to it. Plenty of farms still drive unregistered Brumby's as paddock bashers. They are treated harshly but they do so much in return. I hope Subaru make another Brumby down the track. They are the best bush bashers around.

@mafiousbj

Жыл бұрын

With the amount of electronics and plastic in modern cars, the time for things like the Brumby has passed sadly...and no chance any government would approve a car like that for sale nowdays (lacking safety features which add weight and complexity).

@1969Risky

Жыл бұрын

@@mafiousbj Given that Subaru use the one platform for many of their vehicles I don't think it'd be hard to make a modern Brumby as reliable as the old one.

@mervynstent1578

Жыл бұрын

Pity parts ain’t ready available like Toyota Nissan & Mitsubishi and not many Subaru specialist in Australia

@mafiousbj

Жыл бұрын

@@1969Risky my point is that truly reliable and easy to repair cars are gone for many reasons, both regulatory (emissions, safety, etc) and economic (5 year buy cycle, charging more for services/spare parts, planed obsolescence, etc). The best bet would be for Subaru to make a rural focused vehicle like a buggy/utv that's not road legal so you can get away with tons of simplification. Car brands can make that bare bones reliable car if they want...they just don't see business there (sadly for us).

@1969Risky

Жыл бұрын

@@mafiousbj Yeah that's true. Mind you I drive 2 20yr old utes which are still going strong.

Low center of gravity boxer engine as in a Porsche, full time four wheel drive like an Audi, Manuel transmission like nobody else these days and priced like a base Volkswagen. What’s not to love?

@mertcalc3259

Жыл бұрын

Brand lost it's soul therefore even Mazda's are more fun to drive today. Bland styling. Expensive to maintain. Ascent is the SUV with the least customer satisfaction rate in the US. Below average fuel economy.

@samisuhonen9815

Ай бұрын

Headgaskets. A very annoying flaw considering it is a boxer engine. So you can't just lift the engine cover off while the engine is in the bay. You have to remove the entire engine, which is extra hard on the turbo models, as there is just more stuff to detach before you can get the engine out. Then you got to remove both sides of the engine covers, and replace the stock cardboard mush gaskets, and throw in proper aftermarket ones. And now attach the engine again. But still, the boxer is a great engine... After you do this fix. Which just annoys me to the max. WHY did Subaru never fix the issue, despite knowing it is there? A proper headgasket is not expensive to make, or buy. It is extremely hard to replace because of the boxer design. Why the fuck do they keep putting in terrible ones??? Anyway, as I said. After you fix the one issue with the engine, these cars can do 300k or 400k kilometers quite easily. If you just check, top off, and change the oil properly. And if you don't attempt to push the boost higher than stock. A lot of people buy a subaru impreza WRX. And because it is VERY easy to just plug it into a computer and change some software to make the car produce 300, 400 or 500hp... they do it. Sure, they will win a few drag races before they grenade the engine or the trans. And then they complain how unreliable subaru is.

My Dad and Uncle bought the first Subaru 4wd wagon to arrive in our area for their wives, a few years before the US Ski Team made the same decision. Dad said the Subaru 4wd did more for women's liberation than anything done before- at least in our snowy, icy, dirt and mud road area of Vermont.

@blueballsbkueballs

Жыл бұрын

Good old men, we don't do them anymore

I ran Subarus for almost thirty years until I retired, my first being a 2 litre Legacy, bought because I needed a car that was reliable above all else, and it didn't disappoint. It was even quite cheap to run because unlike the Fords and Vauxhalls I'd had before *nothing ever went wrong with it* ! Later I had a WRX, which was both a lot of fun and very practical in everyday use. At normal traffic speeds it gave me very similar fuel economy to supposedly more economical cars, while having some *serious* performance when I wanted it. Probably my favourite was a top of the range Legacy Spec B 2.5 litre. Totally practical, very comfortable, fast, and cornered like it was on rails. No Subaru ever let me down and they were all a joy to drive. They "just work". 😄

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

Жыл бұрын

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

@sevay696

Жыл бұрын

Its funny because I here a lot that subaru amd reliability d'oestrogène go in the same sentence. But as I look more and more about subaru everything is saying its a reliable brand pf cars. Thats why my next car is surely a subaru wrx. As you said its economic and it has the power when you need it! I cant wait to join the subaru family

A friend of mine got T-boned by a speeding truck in her Subaru and walked away with minor injuries. She won't drive anything else now. I remember their ad campaign with horrifically damaged wrecks being hauled to the bone yard with the tagline, "They lived." Memorable and effective, in my opinion. I appreciate and admire your support of the Ukrainian business UGear. I'm going directly to their website to do some Christmas shopping. Wonderful video, as always. Slava Ukraine! 🇺🇦

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

Thanks David - don't forget to use the link in the description!

@mertcalc3259

Жыл бұрын

Do you mean she won't even drive a Volvo?

@matthewbowen5841

Жыл бұрын

I'm almost entirely certain that Subarus don't greatly exceed the NHTSA side impact standards that apply to every passenger car offered for sale in a given year. They certainly weren't known for better than average safety through the beginning of said ad campaign, which didn't even coincide with a redesign of the Legacy/Outback platform. It's genius marketing, but it really isn't based entirely in reality.

@Colonel_RamRod

Жыл бұрын

Luckily I've never had an accident in any of the 5 I've owned. It's just a family thing for me, when everyone shows up at my grandparents for dinner I've counted 7 or 8 subarus. They're reliable, safe, and easy on the eyes as well. Almost tearing up a little but love is what makes a subaru, a subaru ❤❤❤

@IansModRite

11 ай бұрын

I rolled my 2001 Outback a few years ago at highway speed. Walked away with a bruise on my shoulder from my seatbelt. Subie for life.

A story of my favourite automaker by my favourite automotive related channel, really cool!

@mezzasegolas

Жыл бұрын

Was going to comment just that :D I'm the proud owner of an Impreza sports wagon, it's a ridiculously quicky car designed by a bunch of crazy mofos, to quote Doug deMuro

@douglas_drew

Жыл бұрын

My first Subaru was a 1982 GL Wagon because I simply had to get through SNOW!!! My second was a 1985 XT Turbo Coupe because I needed a bit more GO through the SNOW!!! Since then I have had more Subarus than I can remember, usually at 250k-300k intervals, my current being a 2018 Crosstrek that now has just over 100k and I must quit this comment and go put front rotors on so I can get it to go SLOW!!! With any luck my next car will be a Subaru Solterra.

If more promotional videos were as interesting as Ugears I'd sit through more of them. Great work, I've owned 2 Subarus in the past and I loved them but their current slate looks and drives like re-badged Toyotas. Too mainstream and predictable for a company that used to be as quirky as Saab. Pity.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

I think they're cool, but then as you can tell from the stuff I make, it's my sort of thing. They are moving into the mainstream in the US at least.

@mertcalc3259

Жыл бұрын

Do you still use a Subaru

@ashleyward2735

Жыл бұрын

That's because they are mostly using Toyota parts stuff now

@salihahzem

Жыл бұрын

@@ashleyward2735 Exactly; even the clickers sound the same as Toyotas when you lock or unlock the doors.

@jonnycando

Жыл бұрын

If I may be the Devil’s Advocate…if you get a Subaru made of Toyota bits, you ought to get Toyota reliability too….one would think anyway.

Double gratitude - Ukrainian Subaru owner 's here. Interesting and very well done, as usual.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

Best car to have there at the moment I would think.

That little 1980s Justy was the first car offered in the U.S. with a rubber-band CVT (that everyone now hates). 😬

A funny story with me Is concerning Subarus. Part of it is the fact that basically anybody who had a hand in helping me grow up and mentor me have a Subaru. An old friend's family had a Forester. My Mother bought a Legacy. And I now own a Forester that I love to death. This brand basically has a special place to me. Oh, And I also work for a Subaru Dealership.

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

Жыл бұрын

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

@rturner4205

Жыл бұрын

Ha! I always love seeing the last of the Manual Foresters coming in for service. Funny enough, That old friend that had a Forester was in the Air Force. They were stationed up in Eastern Washington where I'm from.

@weronikaiwanciow7438

Жыл бұрын

how do u like it workin there?

@rturner4205

Жыл бұрын

@@weronikaiwanciow7438 It's decent.

I've got a Levorg. Not everyone's cup of tea but I've made it my own with a few subtle tweaks. I think it's one of the best looking estates out there. Extremely capable, very safe, versatile, and someone would have to pay me alot of money to take it off my hands. I absolutely love it.

@Low760

Жыл бұрын

They should have just called it an Impreza WRX estate.

@felixjones9198

Жыл бұрын

My missus had an Outback and I agree that their estate cars (AKA wagons in Australia) are the best looking out there. I've been a Mitsubishi Evo driver for 10 years but I love Subies too.

@jdmguy44

Жыл бұрын

Always really liked the Levorg. One of the very few estate cars that interests me. Subaru have always been good at producing cool wagons though.

@mattm7252

Жыл бұрын

I wish they would sell the Levorg in North America but I think they are worried it would cannibalize whatever sales were remaining for the Impreza hatch. Oh well I have 3 Subaru's and love them so much!

@alanlangley7246

Жыл бұрын

They are good looking cars .

As a regular viewer, my mind instantly thought 'something looks different in the background but I don't know what it is 😆'. As someone who grew up with most of the generation of cars you cover in your stories, it must be said 'You really do your homework!'. The ability to take fact-points and weave them into an entertaining story is truly a gift many aspire to do but, few can deliver. I studied in Lafayette, Indiana, USA where the Subaru vehicles are manufactured and Subarus are ever-present in the snowy regions and college campuses (true). I thought Subarus marketing to the LGBT community was a myth but thanks for clearing that up fro us. Thank you for the content and have a great weekend.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris. There's some interesting extra bits if you follow the source links in the description.

The 4wd really made Subarus incredibly popular in Canada, for the most part people here like smaller cars so Subarus hit a very important market here.

I love your channel, not only because of the awesome videos that you make, but also because you are such a cool person. Thank you for all the work you do and for being a decent human being!

@ramblingrob4693

Жыл бұрын

Sad thing to say

In 70's and 80's Subaru Leone was the most popular car in Israel. It was a real craze. Partly because of boycott by big car manufacturers like Toyota, Honda or Mitsubishi. It was a love story. Looking at old pictures, you can see mostly Subaru on the road. The Legacy, because of tax rules, used 1.6 engine, which was definitely too weak. The new wave of love was the XV/Crosstrek. The shear amount of these on the road is impressive.

I learnt so many little facts about Subaru in the US domestic market. Super interesting, thank you!

In Chile, Subaru is a pretty known brand since the days of the Rex, Brat and Leone and, even if they only use bóxer engines (more expensive to have and repartir) and have less fuel economy than other cars, the owners of Subarus love them. Also we, plus the US and Canada were the only countries where they offered the Baja. My fathers first car was a used first gen Legacy around 99’ just before i was born. Nowadays even if we are not getting the new BRZ at least we can get the WRX Wagon

@zeroelus

Жыл бұрын

It's interesting to read about how they've done in other LatAm markets where there's so many different terrains and weathers that you'd think an AWD car good for snow, sand and everything in between would sell well. Here in Mexico they've been pretty much unknown and didn't have any real presence. Around 2005-2010 a bunch of importers started to bring their cars over, but getting parts/service was a nightmare. Only until 2015 did they formally establish here, I strongly suspect under the help of Toyota, and in 2018 they probably weren't doing too well since they slashed a bunch of models that didn't sell that well here to only focus on 5 models: The forester, XV (crosstrek), the WRX, STI and the BRZ, since then they where doing quite well, barely being able to have cars on the showroom since they keep selling out. Un abrazo desde el norte de México.

@Ildskalli

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, Subaru is a legendary brand around here. It's strongly associated with _cuicos_ as well, which is a pretty good thing to have in Chile, especially when they're priced a lot lower than Audi or BMW. I still miss my Impreza 2.0 Hatchback, had to trade it for something else because I kept bumping into rocks and other crap here in the countryside (it rides too low) 😭

Ahh yes plenty of fond memories of the 1990 GT Legacy as one of my mates had one, it had a lot of tweaks and was quite good at hill climbs! The Imprezza was in my view a massive undershoot due to its cramped interior but it was good at rallying....

Outstanding content as always and one of the absolutely most appropriate and interesting sponsorships I've ever seen. Incredible work sir.

I've had three Subaru Legacys and Outback they get a lot of love and respect from their owners. None ever let me down.

Wow 😮 Those wooden cars looks amazing 😮

Funfact: another of their weirdly quirky cars was the Subaru Outback Sport Utility Sedan. Basically, the Outback was just an off-roadier version of the Legacy Wagon. But for some reason, they decided to also make one based on the Legacy Sedan. The Outback SUS didn't lasted long, unsurprisingly.

@rturner4205

Жыл бұрын

You could actually get an outback sedan until 2007-8 then it became either you got the Legacy Sedan or The Outback if you wanted a wagon.

@iffracem

Жыл бұрын

In Australia the "Legacy" is called a "Liberty", and the "Outback" was as you say a slightly more "rugged" looking Liberty, not really off-road, but better for the many many crap dirt roads we have here in rural Australia, always a wagon though, not a sedan.

Subaru's focus on just he right things and "playing legos" with their parts and drivetrains makes for perfect storm where you get a fun versatile and sporty station wagon, that has no issues of german "counterparts" and being a bargain on 2nd hand market. They did have minor blunders that stained some of their reputation leading to mockery about headgasket issues when it only affected single engine variant for brief period of time(tho one of biggest in volume as it was 2.5 EJ naturally aspirate motor used in Outback, Legacies and Foresters.) Other one being in early run of their boxer diesel in tail end of 4th generation Legacy with cracking crankshafts due to defect, which was completely resolved 2 years later, but it made people fearful of choosing it in later models even tho it's was very reliable after initial revisions. Both of these events got Subaru tag of unreliability from burned or uneducated owners in the matter(2.5 EJ headgasket issues is permanently fixable with little research by using WRX STi gasket instead, but people kept replacing it with same parts and Subarus reaction was somewhat delayed)

@Low760

Жыл бұрын

The fact you can swap so many parts from a mid 10's Impreza into a gc is what I like about them m

@Kacpa2

Жыл бұрын

@@Low760 Its also a godsend with repairs and modifications. Many upgrades both oem(sti) and afternarket fit several models like suspension, brakes, short throw shifter linkages, rims.(same bolt pattern for 30 years now).

You keep on mentioning Subaru 4wd, but they are AWD, very different systems. Also, Paul Hogan is the man that made the turn for Subaru, he was able to sale Subaru to the American market.

The Tribeca was called the Tribeca B9 in the US. It didn't really help sales that Subaru put the word "benign" right in the name of the vehicle. Subaru realized their mistake and quickly removed the B9 from the car's badge.

Stumbled upon your channel recently and now I'm hooked! Just wanted to comment that your promotion of Ugears is great. Supporting a great Ukrainian company at this time is a very admirable thing. Thank you.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

Glad you're enjoying the videos Nick!

The SVX didn't share it's 6 cylinder engine with the Legacy.

Long awaited and very much appreciated. Another brilliant video!! Thank you

Didn't even know they were still around, only ever see the older Impreza WRX's around. Just seen their current UK lineup..oh my how tragic.

One of your best videos by far, thanks so much!

A superlative presentation. Thank you so much. Your endorsement of UGears is not only empathetic and generous but also well considered in light of your subscriber profile. Commendable, on every front. Well done, and thank you. KZread would benefit from more of your ilk.

Great stuff. I'd love to see a video for the XT and SVX. We had both and they were so unique with some very quirky features that I think people would be interested in.

As a 3x Subaru owner you absolutely made my day with so many interesting details of Subarus past. Thank you!

Another great video! Thought I'd comment today to say that your added humour and relaxed presentation came across well a bit like when you've done 'optional extras' videos. Keep up the good work and thank you 👍🏻🙂

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad it’s becoming a little less like I’m reading a script!

Almost 25 years ago, with my own eyes, I saw a Justy traverse an off road stretch of loose sand on a beach like it was driving on pavement, all the while passing by a Mitsubishi L200 pick up that had gotten stuck and its driver, who was staring in awe at the scene 🤣. Great cars the Subarus!

Excellent video as always. The SVX always looked cool to me, and the WRX is a legend.

@TheKitMurkit

Жыл бұрын

And the baja is so cool. Too bad, that car manufacturers have to cater to quantity not quality.

@helloperson6431

Жыл бұрын

@@TheKitMurkit It is pretty cool. It is very similar to the holden crewman, tho the crewman had a bigger bed on the back. Both are very eye catching, especially today.

@Noah_E

Жыл бұрын

I own a 1992 SVX LS-L and it gets a lot of attention, but is terrifying to drive on major roads. The belt lines of most modern vehicles are higher than its roof meaning it is "invisible" to a lot of traffic. It's roof is lower than the mirrors and bottom of the rear window on my Forester XT. You can't see much of what is around you because all you see is the sides of other vehicles so I worry about other cars merging into me the whole time.

@helloperson6431

Жыл бұрын

@@Noah_E that does sound incredibly nerve racking.

@retromemories8522

Жыл бұрын

Always thought the SVX is what a 90's interpretation of the DMC-12 should've looked like.

love your channel, thanks for all the hard work. One minor thing is that after every video of yours that i watch, i have to block about 5 channels of my starting page that have top gear clips and other road trip super car content. Your channel is the only car related channel i watch but yt algo keeps trying.

Even today, the Impreza is still a very sought after rally car!!!

@indopleaser

Жыл бұрын

wow his guy won a prize with that comment. not to seem negative but Subarus dont even make rally cars. haha

@ianholmquist8492

Жыл бұрын

@@indopleaser yes they do kzread.info/dash/bejne/X4imu9Welcmefqg.html

I encourage everybody to listen to an early 80s Japanese pop song sang by Tanimura Shinji, called ‘Subaru’, widely available on KZread. This was a mega hit in Japan and Asia and probably the most iconic 80s Japanese pop song. If you watch/ listen to this song preferably with lyrics subtitles you would think this song would be super fitting for Subaru car adverts. I bet Fuji Heavy Industries could not afford buying the royalty of this song.

@merikblackmore

Жыл бұрын

or you could listen to Pleiades by King's X

Not only an interesting history of Subaru, but an interesting product placement as well. Keep up the great work!

When I was a kid the Gas station across the street sold Subaru 360's. In college I had to deliver Pizza in horrible clapped out Subaru's. Thank goodness I trust Subaru enough now that I drive a WRX.

Thanks, great story .. I'm so glad to be subscribed to your channel ... gteertings from an Outback owner 👍

My second car was a GLF-5, such a beautiful and reliable car! I looooved the frameless side windows... My dad drove a Legacy to pull his caravan. Great cars. In the Netherlands not very cheap though...

Thank you for supporting U Gears. They are such wonderful products.

Great video! I never really seen a video of Subarus history like this. I’m glad you didn’t really dip into the rally aspect of Subaru as much as other videos do so seeing this was very refreshing because I didn’t know its true history apart from its rally history.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

That was the goal. The rally stuff is always talked about, but I wanted to show the whole company.

Hi mate! I am an 2011 Subaru Impreza owner!Thank you very much for this episode!🍻🍻

Another enjoyable and in depth programme 👍 Did I hear a rumour a few years ago that Subaru had stopped importing the Impreza to the UK? Love the Ugears models and there are some great ideas for Christmas presents amongst their range 😁

Another great video and a heart warming piece of promo too.

Good videos with wonderful story telling. The way you tell stories is like an old grandfather around the fireplace 🔥. Thank you sir.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

I get it - I’m old! 😜

@WarriorsPhoto

Жыл бұрын

@@BigCar2 Glad there’s a sense of humour about that. 😂 🤣

Adored the XT ever since i saw one in town as a youngster. And I've always found their cars wither really sturdy lr thwir offshoots really quirky. Fantastic video.

I had a DL 4 WD wagon just like the green one in your video. I drove that thing all over our farm. 😊

Love the channel great video. One correction, at about 9:45 you mention that the SVX was "given the same 6-cylinder engine as the Legacy". The 3.3 liter 6-cylinder engine in the SVX was never shared with the Legacy. Anyways, thank you for another excellent video.

Very interesting video - great recap of a quirky brand. I think Bricklin the car was Canadian but Bricklin the person was American. I’ll definitely use the link to shop Ugears. Thanks Andy!

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

Thank you for another well thought out and informative video. You certainly know your stuff and deserve many more viewers.

I’ve always liked Subarus. One I’d like to have is a Brat. I’d do an engine swap to a modern turbo boxer engine, but do no body work at all. Just rust stop, and a clear coat to preserve the patina. The interior of course would be restomod, with a bunch of modern touches.

Myself and friends came of age during the 90's, and that meant Honda (in North America). Everybody had a Civic and everybody's mom drove an Accord. 6 years ago I thought I was going to get another Honda but then I realized that Honda had stopped making the kind of car I liked. Conservative styling, great visibility, straightforward ergonomics... the Subarus of the past 6 years years have almost been like throwbacks to the great days of the 90's, while Honda and Toyota go off chasing non-nonsensical trends and abandon form-follows-function design.

Great vid! That Subaru vs. Volvo ad is extra quirky, cos it has the Volvo lay out and lettering. Or it's very close. Love it.

Good video,At the time, as of mid 80s bought the Justy,one of the first 4wd, hatchback, had a few more since, Impreza and XV as of today, reliable but early ones, had poor quality finish,but has improved,thanks for the video for another good one

I owned a Subaru GLS station wagon, which I now know, thanks to you was a leone estate. In rural lincolnshire they were the go to farmers car , and when I later bought a “L series “ 2.2 turbo estate , the local boy racers were not impressed when a old farmers car thrashed their escort xr3 s from the lights , and as for car park races , no one else could charge up gear in reverse ! Oh how the switchable 4wd was a thing of fantasticness

My man big car, I love your content! I have watched every of your videos. But I love my Hondas too, especially the Jazz, especially the 1984 version. Retro Hondas are insanely hot. I bet you will love them!

Subaru engines are great!!!!.... A girl came to my workshop with a rather run down Volkswagen T3 campervan.... it’s engine worn/leaking/rattely.... (1.8 watercooled flat four petrol engine) and asked my advise... without hesitation I said I’ld fit a Subaru engine.... Next day she came back and told me to make an estimate... I was very modest regarding the condition of the van and told her I’ld be ‘improvising’ the engine in it... I fitted a 1.8 flat four Subaru engine from a scrap car and it transformed the van!!!! Powerful,economic,reliable and quiet!!!!!..... (compaired to the previous VW contraption....)

Love the channel, love the story even more. Have owned a WRX and Forester and love them both!

Thanks for this - been a long time SooB fan and you offered me more information as to what Subaru is. 10 years ago I bought a brand new 2013 Forester. I love it and thought I was becoming part of a quirky crowd. Sadly tho, the quirky subaru and its crowd transformed just before I bought it. And I didn't get a quirky looking car either as my generation forester looks like any other SUV out there. The All Wheel Drive is great and there is lots of room in the back for my dog.

I learned to drive in 2007 in my dad's Forester 2.5. What a perfect car. Despite looking a bit fugly in basic spec, it drives so well and can withstand proper abuse. Steering is so sharp for an SUV and it corners flat. The car is still driving fine to this day despite hauling itself and my family over most of the mountains in South Africa. I recently borrowed it and took it through the harsh Cederberg Mountain range with a group of friends. It didn't miss a beat. Great cars, these.

Gotta point out an errata. The SVX's 6-cylinder (the EG33) was unique to that car. The Legacy didn't even receive a six cylinder until 2000, after the EG33 had been discontinued. They instead received the EZ series of engines, also used in the ill-fated Tribeca. I'm also really disappointed you didn't mention the whole reason for Subaru's foray into small 4WD cars! In 1970, the Tohoku Electric Power Co. sent a special request to Subaru to build one of their wagons with 4WD, as a potential replacement for their aging Jeep fleet. The Jeeps were not comfortable for cold weather use, lacking much in the way of weather sealing. Two prototypes were built for testing, which succeeded. A Subaru 1300 wagon equipped with 4WD was shown at the 18th Tokyo Motor Show in 1971. Eight of these in total were built. When the Leone was introduced in 1971, replacing the 1000/1300, part-time 4WD became a production option.

Subaru, the main manufacturer that was in my car garage of the Gran Turismo videogames 1-3, ahhhh. Wonderful clip! And _very cool_ company sponsor today! I loved models growing up... maybe I need to pick this one up.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

I was really surprised at the sort of stuff uGears have.

"Brat", "Corona", "Bighorn" here are some interesting model names (:

Me and my engineering students really enjoy your films. Well done.

Brilliant research ...thank you. Cheers from Switzerland, the Subaru Land :)

Thanks for this great overview of one of my favorite car companies (I've owned 3 of them). You didn't include information about Subaru's use of Porsche engineering for their boxer engines. What's the story there? Thanks!

How about miniseries of those wooden cars? Backstory and making?

@Daren_PNW

Жыл бұрын

That'd be neat! They also seem to have a charming period feel to them as if they're early 20th century and steampunk meshed together.

Great vid, Subies are perfect for Aussie dirt and gravel roads, we love them. Go almost anywhere.

At Subaru it was technicians who ruled the company, not marketeers, the only other mass producing company that has been managed like this I can think of were Citroën in their heydays of 2CV and DS. A friend always stated that if you put an Impreza GC8 on a ramp you can see where the money had gone and that there was no money left to design a sexy body.

@gunnimikki

Жыл бұрын

WHAT! The gc8 is the sexiest

@evelinedijkstra7236

Жыл бұрын

@@gunnimikki I have one. For years now, tucked away in a dry storage, a WRX STI Type R, Version V limited edition. Converted to LHD and fitted with the six speed gearbox. Bought it when they were still affordable.

@gunnimikki

Жыл бұрын

@@evelinedijkstra7236 lucky!

I went to a Boarding School in Highland Perthshire back in the late 90's & early 00's where there was at least a couple of kids parents, the school janitor ( his work vehicle was a Brat Pickup ) & even the school's founder had a Subaru Estate, Impreza AWD or some model. In general they seemed to be a fairly common sight up that way. The original Impreza Turbo was my preference over the Lancer Turbo.

I'm an original owner of a factory-ordered 2010 Forester with a manual 5spd trans. I drive it like a senior citizen and the center viscous coupling failed at 70K miles. You would think a car from a company that prides itself on AWD could get more from it's AWD system. Otherwise a flawless car, but I'm not happy.

Unfortunately I'd put money on Subaru being the next big manufacturer to pull out of Europe. The boxer engine struggles to meet emissions and fuel economy standards, and they're a very rare sight on the road these days.

@mertcalc3259

Жыл бұрын

Only EV's will save Subaru in Europe however they don't have indigenous EV platform and they use Toyota's EV platform now . Their first electric model is a rebadged Toyota and uses Toyota's e-TNGA platform.

@baronvonjo1929

Жыл бұрын

@@mertcalc3259 I'm a Toyota fan boy but the Solterra/bz4x is kinda a dissapointment. I appreciate they tried be the first to make a "affordable" ev offender type thing but overall it's not promising. If they don't get more out for Subaru to use I wouldn't be surprised if they leave Europe.

@BigCar2

Жыл бұрын

There's very few sales. I agree, it might happen (or they might be rolled into Toyota sales).

@matthewbowen5841

Жыл бұрын

I have a strong suspicion that Toyota farmed the bz4x/Solterra development largely to Subaru. Toyota has been very public about their lukewarm support for full EVs, and lots of the engineering seems much more "21st century Subaru half-baked" than Toyota. Not to mention the major wheel-off recall/stop-sale, with Subaru's longstanding wheel stud fracturing issues. Maybe I'm off base, but it makes sense for Toyota to hedge its bets by letting Subaru pour money into a platform and technology that Toyota doesn't see much potential in, similar to the BRZ/FRS/GT86/86/whatever it's called this week at Toyota.

@mertcalc3259

Жыл бұрын

@@matthewbowen5841 Toyota owns the platform (e-TNGA) so that means development is done by Toyota. Even bZ4x and Solterra's steering wheels are identical. Solterra is just a rebadged version of bZ4x.

I love my classic impreza turbo from the late 90s. It grips well, exudes confidence in driving and is really fast with a beautiful flat-four exhaust note.

Thank you for supporting Ugears. I have one model from them. :) Great video too :) I was thinking to buy one of them, however guys in dealership didn't let me drive, so I bought another car for the same money :)

It's been too many years that when yet another Subaru ad says 'built with love', I mutter under my breath; "...and very little steel". They are.....'ok'- as simple and easy to repair as modern cars are capable of, but still pretty 'tinny'. They are definitely not Toyota quality, but my daughter's 2005 'Saabaru' is still a great ride at 190k miles, understanding it got there with fanboi level care and attention.

Having built a few things out of lasercut wood plates before I can say it has a special haptic quality and I'm quite impressed of what Ugears makes of it. I'd be curious about the actual working of these mechanisms ... Also great gift ideas for the approaching christmas season.

Should've talked about the Paul Hogan marketing campaign. Those commercials are my first memory of Subaru and still define Subaru to me today.

I remember renting Subaru Justy in 1994 to drive from Kent to Reading Festival. Sadly I cannot find a single photo of that model. It was tiny, it looked like a bar of soap yet it still had AWD

My first car (that I bought and paid for) was a brand new 1982 Subaru DL AWD Wagon, fully optioned with AC, roof rack, 4 speed manual (no 5 speed available but better than the automatic gearbox), power windows and the quirky cyclops center mounted headlight - buckskin tan with white steel wheels and the tan tartan plaid/houndstooth interior. It wasn't the fastest of vehicles (it maxed out at about 90 mph on the highway, whining like a giant sewing machine) but it was bulletproof reliable and an absolute mountain goat off road and in challenging weather conditions - it began rusting from the day I purchased it. It had the shift on the fly Hi/Lo symmetrical AWD drivetrain and the flat four carburetor engine that always burned just a little bit of oil. Roomy, fairly comfortable and unique - LOVED THAT CAR! My buddy had the three door hatchback in gumball blue and with the same engine and drivetrain setup. These cars had their own culture and loyalty among their very fervent customers and I have many fond memories from those times. Great post as usual!

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

Жыл бұрын

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

I love this channel and your comments are well thought out, greatly appreciated❗️

The Subaru Outback was the best selling station wagon in the entire world last year. Mostly due to America. A place where wagons have long since fell out of favor. The Outback really has done well for itself. It most be one of the only wagons to outsell its sedan counterpart I have thought about buying a Subaru but I find the uncertainty of reliability holding me back. There are no where near the same amount of old Subarus on the roads like there are for other brands. And then I saw many of them statistically don't make it to 200k miles on one survey. I would love to buy a Crosstrek or Outback. I love the idea of a lifted hatch or wagon. Normal cars are far far too low these days for no reason and impractical. And a crossover just looks too soccer mom. But I just can't justify risking money on a Subaru. I was very dissapointed the new Corolla Cross was not a Corolla wagon given the Outback treatment. Currently my dream car is a Corolla or Camry wagon lifted up. Loads of cool fan art on them online. But somehow the largest automaker in the world can't justify bringing a wagon to the US. If Subaru can do it they can. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk😅

@TheTexturizer

Жыл бұрын

I have the Gen4 Outback 2014MY with the boxer Diesel engine. I’m surprised it wasn’t mentioned, as that option would have gone down really well in the US.

@I_hate_Vegemite

Жыл бұрын

The Outback is easily the best selling wagon in Australia by a long long way (except we just classify it as a large SUV based on its body dimensions). Subaru gave up selling Liberty (Legacy) sedans years ago. Australia is now an SUV and twin cab Ute dominated market (HiLux/Ford Ranger) with about 97% being automatics.

@frafraplanner9277

Жыл бұрын

This is exactly how I feel about Subies vs Toyotas. Good thing is, newer Subarus don't have any of the engine problems older ones would have so

We have a 2019 Forester Premium bought new in November 2018. Now has over 70,000 miles, zero problems and we always get over 30 mpg. It really is a great all round compact SUV.

@TheKitMurkit

Жыл бұрын

My 2006 forester runs on LPG (propane gas) and has only minor problems

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

Жыл бұрын

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

@louisbeerreviews8964

Жыл бұрын

@@TheKitMurkit lpg is

the 5 stars logo has more story than that.. every star represents the 5 companies or divisions that joined forces in the new company

My family have been Subaru fans since 1975 when my father bought his first Subaru. someone in our family has had at least one Subaru since, in fact I worked at a VW Subaru dealership in the late 1980s into the early 90s. While I worked at the VW Subaru dealership we actually saw the Subaru line start out selling the VWs.

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic

Жыл бұрын

My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in Louisiana, a FWD 1.8l CARBORATED station wagon. That wagon stayed with us for 19 years of his United States Air Force service, getting us through the forests of Germany (where it saw the Berlin Wall fall), dried lake beds of California (where the space shuttle lands), Alps of Italy (and Vince, Rome, and the Almafi Coast), and desert of Texas (where no humans should ever be) before he sold it to a college kid. It had 180k+ miles on the clock, and he claims all he had to do to it was replace the clutch plates twice in that span. Reliable, do all, trustworthy service. He has replaced it with a Dodge Stratus, new off the lot, who's transmission shit the bed within a month of ownership. Since then, he has had 4 Subarus, through Anchorage Alaska, Pennsylvania, and now Ohio. One of those, a 2018 6MT Forester, now sits in my driveway, receiving a fresh wash and wax today, as it turns out. I get 31.5mpg during the summer in a 4WD, trailer-pulling, family mover. Here's to Subaru. 😘🍷

Toyota Camry built by Subaru has a better statistical reliability than any other Camry. Been to the factory when they were made together with Camry and Legacy. Amazing place.

10:07 Fun fact VIVIO is a loose Roman number name for the Kei Car engine size VI VI O, or 660cc 🙂👍 The late Colin Mcrea drove one in the Safari Rally one year. Ive owned 2 Suburbs, my father owned 2 x Burmby (Brat) utes and my eldest son has an RS Legacy in our driveway right now. They made great cars over the years, but I fear that their cars have gotten old and fat, like perhaps some of their customers have, and they are no longer the exciting rally focused cool company they once were. It make me a little sad actually.

Other than the cylinder head issues, the Impreza WRX and WRX STi models are still some of the most entertaining Toyota Corolla type cars that money can buy! Big bang for not so much buck...well, they used to be anyway...

Wonderful video thanks

I’d known about the Legacy being used for rallying before the Impreza, but hadn’t seen much on the Leone before it. Every day is a learning day. A fast Subaru estate has always eluded my ownership! 🤞for Levorg in a few years time maybe!!

My father had a fair few Legacy’s - we lived on a farm so it was practical due to 4WD - then he got the Impezza later on.

I've had a 2002 wrx since 2007. I did put anew engine and transmission in the first yest, but since then its be super reliable , and super fun to own

I owned One Impreza wagon 3 wrx 1 Forester I now drive a regular 4 door legacy 2017, one of the last one sold in Canada with a 6 speed manual transmission

Well done. Good and informative video.

I have always been fond of Subaru, with my father having owned two - A GC8 WRX and a 1990 RS Liberty Turbo. Of all the Subaru's, I love the fourth generation Liberty (Legacy) so much so that I've now owned three of them, with my current one, a 2007 GT Spec.B, being the best I've had thus far. It drives so smoothly, feels so premium and looks fantastic with a gracefully aging design. I absolutely love everything about the car and am a proud owner. My first two were N/A's, the first being a 2004 2.5L and the second being a 2007 2.0L that was down on power, so finally having a turbo makes me feel like I've actually got a proper sports car. Not to mention the fantastic AWD system with a factory LSD and 6-Speed manual with the modern Intelligent-Drive system to cater toward different styles of driving. All of them have been manuals, but the 6-Speed is by far the best of the bunch. I forget I have a 6th Gear when on the highway as I am used to 5-Speeds... Have only had the GT for under two months now and I've already spent so much on modifications to make it mine. Subaru really does know how to make great cars to cater to customers, be it a family sedan or a practical SUV.