Is Subaru an American made car?
As a car owner or enthusiast, you may have wondered about the origins of your vehicle, especially if you're considering purchasing a Subaru. This article delves into the question of whether Subaru can be classified as an American-made car, exploring its manufacturing processes, locations, and the implications of the term "American-made."
Understanding Subaru's Manufacturing Locations
Subaru is a Japanese automobile manufacturer, and its primary production facilities are located in Japan. However, Subaru also has a significant manufacturing presence in the United States. The Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, plays a crucial role in the company's production strategy.
Subaru's American Production
The Lafayette plant, which opened in 1989, is responsible for producing several popular Subaru models, including:
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Impreza
This facility not only assembles vehicles but also contributes to the local economy by providing jobs and supporting local suppliers. In fact, a significant portion of the components used in these vehicles is sourced from American suppliers, further enhancing their American-made credentials.
What Does "American Made" Mean?
The term "American-made" can be somewhat ambiguous. Generally, it refers to products that are manufactured in the United States, but the criteria can vary. The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires manufacturers to disclose the percentage of domestic content in their vehicles. Subaru vehicles produced in Indiana typically have a high percentage of domestic content, which may qualify them as American-made under certain definitions.
Conclusion
In summary, while Subaru is fundamentally a Japanese brand, its vehicles produced in the United States, particularly at the Indiana plant, can be considered American-made to some extent. If you're looking for a vehicle that supports American jobs and manufacturing, a Subaru made in Indiana might be a great choice. However, it's essential to consider the overall brand and its origins when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Subaru have a Toyota engine?
Toyota makes most of its own engines, but not all. The Toyota BR86 and the Subaru GRZ are the same car with slight differences. Both are powered by a a Subaru flat-4 cylinder engine. The Toyota Supra was codeveloped with BMW and has a BMW engine.
Is Subaru American or Japanese?
Subaru has a long history of offering vehicles that are both highly capable and intelligently designed. While the Japanese carmaker first entered the automotive world in 1954, it wasn't until 1968 that America got a taste of Subaru's innovative engineering.
Who makes Subaru engines?
Who Makes Subaru Engines? Subaru engines are made in the Oizumi factory in Japan, where the automaker builds the boxer engines and transmissions for its vehicles.
What is better, Subaru or Toyota?
In conclusion, Toyota and Subaru both offer exceptional vehicles with a range of features and capabilities, Subaru stands out as the superior choice for drivers seeking a blend of safety, reliability, versatility, and value.
Does Subaru use American parts?
While these Subaru models are assembled in the U.S. at the SIA plant, they don't have an extremely high percentage of U.S. content. The U.S.-made Subaru models still incorporate a substantial number of imported parts, including major drivetrain components, engines, and transmissions from Japan.
Is Subaru still owned by Toyota?
Subaru is a subsidiary of the Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, which Toyota does have a small stake in. That said, while Subaru does partner with Toyota on multiple models, such as the Solterra (built in a Toyota factory) and BRZ , it is still an independent company.
Why Subaru is so popular in USA?
The wide range of comprehensive and innovative Subaru safety features are key to the popularity of the brand. The strategic design implemented in all Subaru models offers unmatched shock absorption throughout the interior and exterior body, protecting both passengers and pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Which Subarus are made in USA?
The Lafayette, Indiana plant is the center of Subaru's manufacturing activities in the United States. This facility plays a crucial role in Subaru's production capacity, building over 300,000 vehicles annually in normal years. The models produced at this plant include the Subaru Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza.
Do Subarus have a good reputation?
Subarus certainly rank high in safety, cost of ownership, and dependability, with respectable fuel efficiency and average repair cost ratings as well. Whether you've been driving for one year or several years, a Subaru makes for a reliable vehicle.
What does Subaru mean in Japanese?
“unite
“SUBARU” signifies a Japanese word meaning “unite,” as well as a term identifying a cluster of six stars, which the Greeks called the Pleiades – part of the Taurus constellation. According to Greek mythology, Atlas' daughters turned into this group of stars.
