Subaru cars have a tremendous following among car enthusiasts. Selling cars with superior horsepower, excellent handling and low cost has given Subaru a phenomenal cult following. If you don’t believe that, ask any owner of one of these vehicles. They’re unlike any other car on the road for more than just those few reasons.
It’s car fans’ supreme love of the Subaru that sets the vehicles apart, but what else makes a Subaru a Subaru? Here are six fun facts about the brand and the cars.
1. Always a boxer engine
The innovative boxer engine has been the core of every Subaru model for the past 45 years. It’s a fundamental of the brand. Unlike a typical engine, the boxer engine is equipped with horizontal thrusting pistons, which allow the engine output to move directly into the transmission. The flat design allows for a lower center of gravity, which means better responsiveness and control. Better yet, in the event of a front-end collision, the flatter engine is designed to move under the passenger compartment, making it much safer than typical engine models.
2. Made for symmetrical all-wheel drive
While AWD (All Whel Drive) is a luxury in some cars, every Subaru is made to be an AWD vehicle straight from the get-go. And while other cars offer the drive option, nobody does it like Subaru. That’s because Subaru vehicles are the only cars on the market with symmetrical all-wheel drive. This system allows a peerless balance of power to all four wheels while power from the engine moves in one simple straight line through the transmission and to the drive train such that both sides are symmetrical. Symmetrical AWD means better traction, balance and control. Not to mention, Subaru drivers tend to worry a lot less about driving through snow drifts during the unpredictable New England winters.
3. A rally racing legend
With so much focus on AWD and performance, it’s no wonder Subaru is one of the better known names in the world of rally racing. Subaru vehicles have been tearing down the dirt raceway for decades. In fact, Subaru has claimed 47 manufacturer wins in the World Rally Championships since 1973.
4. Shooting for the stars
The six stars in the Subaru logo are a reference to the Taurus constellation, which is particularly easy to spot in the night sky above Japan, according to Business Insider. Moreover, the name of Taurus in Japanese is Subaru. The particular six-star cluster is called Pleiades.
11 things you didn’t know about Mercedes Benz models
5. The best cars?
Subaru vehicles don’t just have a reputation for high-performance driving and tearing up dirt roads. The brand’s vehicles have been called some of the most reliable, safe and value-packed choices in the American car market. Here are just some of the distinctions Subaru has achieved. In 2016:
(a) According to Fortune Magazine, Consumer Reports ranked Subaru above Mercedes-Benz, BMW and every other manufacturer in performance, comfort, reliability and utility. The organization said Subaru makes some of the best cars in America.
(b) While some manufacturers have just one vehicle with a Highway Safety Top Safety Pick Award, every model vehicle in Subaru’s arsenal has the award.
(c) Fortune Magazine also reported that ALG named Subaru as the industry leader in retained value when it comes to popular car brands.
6. Built to last
If you’re looking for a car that will deliver for years to come, there’s no option better than a Subaru. That’s because the boxer engine helps reduce vibration, which helps the car run more efficiently and smoothly. That can help boost the lifespan of the vehicle, too. According to the car manufacturing company, 96 percent of Subarus built within the last 12 years can still be found on the road to this day.