Loading

Which subarus are made in Japan?

Subaru, the Japanese automaker, manufactures the majority of its vehicles in Japan. While the company has production facilities in other countries, such as the United States, the majority of Subaru models are assembled in Japan.


Subaru's Manufacturing Locations


Subaru operates several manufacturing plants in Japan, located in the Gunma Prefecture. These include the Yajima Plant, the Oizumi Plant, and the Oizumi Engine Plant. The company also has a research and development center in Tochigi Prefecture.


In addition to its Japanese facilities, Subaru has a manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, United States, where it produces models such as the Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy for the North American market.


Subaru Models Made in Japan


The following Subaru models are primarily manufactured in Japan:



  • Subaru Impreza

  • Subaru WRX and WRX STI

  • Subaru Outback

  • Subaru Ascent

  • Subaru Legacy

  • Subaru Forester

  • Subaru BRZ


While Subaru has expanded its global manufacturing footprint, the company's Japanese roots and expertise in all-wheel-drive technology have made its Japanese-made vehicles highly sought after by consumers around the world.

Which subarus are made in the US?


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.



Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek made in Japan?


Specifically, the 2024 Crosstrek lineup will see a division in manufacturing locations based on trim level and engine choice. The Base and Premium trims, equipped with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine, will continue to be built at Subaru's long-standing Gunma factory in Japan.



Is Toyota buying out Subaru?


As of March 2024, Toyota owns just over 20% of Subaru, but it hasn't always been that way. Nissan purchased shares of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company, back in 1968. In 1999, Nissan sold its holdings to General Motors who then liquidated their stake in Fuji Heavy Industries in 2005.



How to tell if your Subaru was made in Japan?


The VIN of the Subaru brand is an alphanumeric 17-digit code that starts with JF1 for cars manufactured in Japan or 4S3 for Subaru manufactured in the USA.



Which Subaru is still made in Japan?


Subarus are made in six factories around the world, four of which are in Japan: Subaru-chō, building the Impreza, WRX, BRZ, and Crosstrek, as part of an 82-acre facility in Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Yajima plant in Ota that builds the larger SUVs.



How do I know where my Subaru was made?


The VIN of the Subaru brand is an alphanumeric 17-digit code that starts with JF1 for cars manufactured in Japan or 4S3 for Subaru manufactured in the USA.



What will last longer a Subaru or a Toyota?


And, Toyota was awarded the most reliable brand at the 2021 Auto Trader New Car Awards. Also, Toyota's can last well past 300,000 miles (think of the million-mile Tundra), while Subaru typically lasts around 200,000 miles.



Where are most Subarus built?


Today, Subaru vehicles are manufactured in both Japan and the United States, but our roots are in Japanese craftsmanship and engineering – tracing back to the early-20th century.



Where is the 2025 Subaru Outback manufactured?


Lafayette, Indiana
The 2025 Legacy and Outback are assembled at Subaru of Indiana in Lafayette, Indiana, along with the Ascent and versions of the Crosstrek.



Are Japanese built subarus better?


How does the U.S.-made 2022 Subaru Impreza's quality rank with its Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) counterpart? According to the new J.D. Power 2022 Japan Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Impreza made in Japan wins the midsize car category for initial quality above all other models.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.