Does Subaru only make boxer engines?
Subaru is a well-known automobile manufacturer, famous for its unique engineering choices and commitment to all-wheel-drive systems. One of the most distinctive features of Subaru vehicles is their use of boxer engines. But does Subaru exclusively produce boxer engines? Let’s dive into the details to answer this question.
What Is a Boxer Engine?
A boxer engine, also known as a horizontally opposed engine, is a type of internal combustion engine where the cylinders are laid flat in two opposing banks. This design allows the pistons to move in and out horizontally, resembling a "punching" motion, hence the name "boxer."
Boxer engines are known for their low center of gravity, which improves vehicle stability and handling. They also tend to produce less vibration compared to inline or V-shaped engines, thanks to the opposing motion of the pistons canceling out some of the vibrations.
Subaru's Commitment to Boxer Engines
Subaru has built its reputation around the boxer engine. In fact, all of Subaru's current production vehicles, including popular models like the Outback, Forester, Impreza, and WRX, are equipped with boxer engines. This design is a core part of Subaru's identity and engineering philosophy, as it pairs seamlessly with their symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to enhance performance and safety.
Does Subaru Make Any Non-Boxer Engines?
Historically, Subaru has produced non-boxer engines, but these are rare exceptions. For example, in the 1960s, Subaru used inline engines in some of its early models, such as the Subaru 360. However, since adopting the boxer engine design in the late 1960s with the Subaru 1000, the company has remained steadfast in its use of this engine type.
As of today, Subaru exclusively manufactures vehicles with boxer engines. This commitment to the boxer engine is a defining characteristic of the brand and sets it apart from most other automakers.
Why Does Subaru Stick to Boxer Engines?
Subaru's dedication to boxer engines is driven by several key advantages:
- Improved Stability: The low center of gravity enhances handling and reduces body roll, making Subaru vehicles feel more planted on the road.
- Symmetry: The flat design of the engine complements Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, ensuring balanced weight distribution.
- Durability: Boxer engines are known for their robust construction and longevity, which aligns with Subaru's reputation for reliability.
Conclusion
In summary, Subaru is synonymous with boxer engines. While the company has experimented with other engine types in its early history, it has exclusively used boxer engines in its vehicles for decades. This unique engineering choice is a cornerstone of Subaru's brand identity, offering drivers a combination of stability, performance, and reliability that sets Subaru apart in the automotive world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Subaru make a non-Boxer engine?
All Subaru vehicles with internal combustion engines are equipped with the SUBARU BOXER engine. The only Subaru vehicle that does not feature the boxer engine is the Solterra EV, our first all-electric offering.
What years were Subaru engine problems?
The performance-oriented Subaru WRX and WRX STI from 2008 to 2014 unfortunately did not escape their own set of difficulties. These cars were plagued with engine problems. Such problems included bearing failure in the EJ series of engines, leading to a major engine rebuild or replacement.
Which Subaru has the EJ engine?
The EJ series engine proved to stand the test of time, and was used in the following- 2002-2012 Subaru Impreza (including WRX and STi), 1998-2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback (including GT and XT), 2003-2006 Subaru Baja (including Turbo), 1998-2011 Subaru Forester (including XT), 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza WRX, and 2014-2021 ...
Do any Subarus have 6 cylinder engines?
The Subaru XT was the first Subaru to possess a 6 cylinder engine and this was an ER engine. Since then, Subaru has created two other 6 cylinder engine ranges: the EG engine and the EZ engine.
Does Subaru make inline engines?
The Subaru EN inline-four engine was introduced in 1988 to replace the straight-two EK series engine that was originally engineered as an air-cooled engine, then modified as a water-cooled engine used in the 1969–1972 Subaru R-2.
What are the disadvantages of boxer engines?
Boxer Engine Disadvantages
- Its wide size makes it somewhat more difficult to work on, especially in tight quarters.
- As a result of its position, maintenance and repairs are usually higher in cost, in part because it takes mechanics longer to do routine work, like changing spark plugs.
When did Subaru stop using the boxer engine?
1966
The Japanese car manufacturer hasn't recently changed to the Subaru boxer engine - it's been part of the process for over five decades. The Subaru Corporation, in the top twenty automakers in the world, has stuck with the boxer engine since 1966.
When did Subaru stop making 6 cylinder engines?
Starting with the 2020 model year, the six-cylinder EZ36 was dropped as the uplevel engine option for Subaru Legacy and Outback automobiles and instead the premium engine offered was the turbocharged four-cylinder FA24F, which was previously introduced for the 2019 model year as the sole engine option for the Subaru ...
What is the biggest problem with Subaru engines?
One of the most notorious issues plaguing Subaru vehicles is head gasket leaks, particularly in older models with the EJ series engines. These leaks can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage if left untreated.
What subarus have CVT transmissions?
Since 2014, the Lineartronic® CVT has been standard in all automatic Subaru models and trims (except the Subaru BRZ).
