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@davidrichardson74663 years ago I thinks the looks are underrated. I always thought 1980s Subaru's were cute 24
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@kylesoler41396 years ago This is the kind of car that Doug Demuro would love. 112
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@vossler3606 years ago These old Subarus have a certain charm. Interesting to see a turbocharged Subaru without a top-mounted intercooler, but with a top-mounted spare instead. 38
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@ahope4u24 years ago My ‘83 had a 5 spd and a transfer case.....I put a Weber carb on it and a few other HP increases and made quite an off road vehicle out of it....had lots of fun for many years...miss that car..... 5
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@jeffmullinix79164 years ago Besides all of this . The Traction Wagon just sounds great . It is fun to drive a slow car fast than driving a fast car slow . 7
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@pc248m6 years ago I miss the dinging of the old Japanese cars when the key is in the ignition 78
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@MREnzoHerbie7 months ago I do not know how people think the Subarus are ugly, they are so beautiful... So cute... 1
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@chrisdooley64686 years ago I miss these unique cars from back then. I’m a Subaru fan and kinda miss that big old button 21
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@tonyw9735 years ago I had one of these. It was a GL wagon with one option package which included power windows and an upgraded stereo. It was actually a pretty decent little car until things started breaking, such as the clutch cable (twice), the brakes (again twice), and assorted electrical and emissions components. It sounded like an old tractor or something which I hated, but it ran pretty well, at least most of the time. ... 12
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@TA11995 years ago I had the 1988 non-turbo version. I loved it. It went anywhere and never left me stuck in the snow. Great little car that was way ahead of it's time when it was new. 11
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@harrismi76 years ago A one-touch up and down power window on the driver's side! That's forward thinking for 1983. Sad that even with a turbo it couldn't break 100hp. 132
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@davidaubin39026 years ago John: Long journeys with bent legs can aggravate more than one long forgotten football injury! LOL 35
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@conmilben6 years ago what they should have called the crosstrek:
"Turbo Traction Wagon II" 79
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@The_R-n-I_Guy2 years ago I had an early 80's Subaru GL wagon. Front wheel drive, flat 4, and a 5 speed. Loved that car. Would love to find another one like it 8
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@kaileysweeney42404 years ago It became the Outback and launched a movement. What a great car. 6
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@bearworldwide1013 years ago I love how it had a on off 4WD button wish they still had that in more modern AWD models. 8
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@tannerin3 years ago I’m fascinated by 80s Subarus, between their nonexistent rustproofing and unpopularity I can’t recall having ever seen on in person that isn’t a BRAT 2
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@BrandenMcNabb6 years ago How do you have a car called a Traction Wagon and not watch the review???? Immediately one of my most favorite Subarus ever! 3
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@palebeachbum6 years ago My step-mom had one of these, but the more basic DL wagon. No turbo. Analog gauges. Not perfect, but a good little family car. I wish manufacturers would bring back wagons. They make a lot more sense than SUVs, short of going off-road or towing, which very few people do. ... 38
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@mr-t12436 years ago IMO out of all the Japanese car companies Subaru has stuck to what they started with AWD vehicles,and that explains why they have the best AWD system.When I go out 4 wheeling in my Jeep the only car I see on the trails is a Subaru. ... 19
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@cadsux6 years ago What a gem of a video! There's hardly any information on this vehicle nowadays. I'm sure Motorweek has a Justy or XT review somewhere. 42
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@JC-cm9bn2 years ago Colorado residents loved their 1980's Subaru GL series cars, they were everywhere in the Rocky Mountains!
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@kbobdonahue19662 years ago My family had a maroon wagon. I took my high school sweetheart to the junior prom in that Subaru. I ❤ it.
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@dkt1976dt2 years ago I remember seeing alot of these Subarus in the 80s, they unfortunately rusted away due to the salt belt roads here in the Northeast, especially subframes. 3
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@joannaatkins8226 years ago This is such a cool old car, even if it is slow and steers itself under braking. I bet collectors would want a pretty penny for one now 34
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@DDM74066 years ago i wouldn't mind driving one of these around. Its a cool little wagon 4
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@radsk8rbigollies594last year My dad had one of these when i was a kid, maybe a little older model but we'd pile in and go on vacation as a family of 6! We'd fold down the back seats and all us kids would lay back there. My dad later told me he couldn't keep brakes on it, that they'd go bad quick and constantly. seems to be a common problem with these according to other owners. ... 1
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@phantommaggotxxx2 years ago There were always stories about the front mount spare saving lives... 1
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@skylinefever6 years ago I heard that those 1980s Subaru engines started burning oil too early in their life, and that is why they were gone quickly. Rebuilding an engine or swapping in a low mile engine would often be too expensive in a car with no collector's value. Since this model was rare, finding a low mileage engine could be very difficult and could make rebuilding the only option. ... 4
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@tonychavez20836 years ago these cars were a staple for young skiers in So. Lake Tahoe in the mid 80's..they were everywhere. 1
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@justinanderson87586 years ago The antenna shaking in the wind is so hilarious nowadays. Miss the days of an erecting radio antenna when the 8 track was turned on. 2
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@jamesfrench72995 years ago I liked their distinct styling and they look way better than the next model that came after it with ruler straight angles.Funny how they went from curves, to square then back to curves for the 1990s. 2
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@neptunedoug4 years ago I had an '83 GL-10 without the turbo. It had an awful problem with the transmission. After startup, and initial driving, it would take about 30 seconds to properly engage and drive at speed. It was like it was in third gear. Also, it could fit six passengers for a trip to see the band Suicidal Tendencies, three in the back seat and one in the cargo area. A bit cramped for a four hour drive though. ... 2
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@vector69776 years ago Nothing like roasting your spare all the time until you actually need it! 17
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@darkcrusher-jt1dr5 years ago I have a 1990 subaru justy 4x4. My push button 4x4 is red and is on top of the 5 speed shifter. 3
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@kz1000ps6 years ago Who remembers Rusty Jones on the rear window??? 19
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@marshalmagooo38992 years ago These were popular in the Boston/NH/Maine area in the 80s but some parts had to come from Japan and my friend's father had to wait 3 weeks to get it back on the road 1
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@mervinprone10 months ago For 1983 there were quite a number of advanced features. Auto up and down windows, turbocharged engine, electronic displays. This would’ve been a nice car for a mother with young children or a small lady.
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@MarkMeadows906 years ago Ah those sealed beam headlights. That front ends reminds me so much of the early days of the Chevrolet Cavalier station wagon.
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@Lrules3646 years ago I swear, you guys at motorweek have the perfect timing. I just saw one of these wagons a couple of days ago. It was rusted to bits, and loud, but it was a cool 4wd wagon, and I was wondering what it was. Badass! 3
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@jank3306 years ago owned one for 3 years absolutely loved it the only problem the body disappeared after 3 years of canadian winters. 1
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@cameronlovesevolve6 years ago What a beaut! I wouldn't mind getting my hands on those gold badges
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@castlewhore20075 years ago My dad had one of these he bought it used in 1985 and loved it. He got rid of it in 1991 when it got wrecked in New York City.
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@motleydude736 years ago Owned a 1600 version in '96 I called it the gravel rat. Went anywhere. Rust got it in the end. Such a fun car.
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@darkrulier6 years ago I miss my old 1987 Subaru GL soooo much!!! :( 2
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@loudring62476 years ago Gotta love a classic Subaru especially this gem!
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@bensnipes72882 years ago Oh the memories of driving my parents 1981 GL Wagon as a teenager! Only 71 HP but had the high and LOW selectable 4WD! Had that car on 3 wheels in the corners and had it in offroad situations that one would never think was possible of a station wagon! Gawd she was slow though...... ...
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@fl350r6 years ago They sold the shit out of these things in the NE. I owned a coupe hatchback non turbo with a five speed went like a champ in the snow. 3
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@Kiss__Kiss6 years ago You aren't kidding.. I miss the 4wd button on the shifter.
Oh yeah, 1st lol 45
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@spacecat72476 years ago Had one, same equipment. Guess it was the predecessor to the gl 10. Had a bad turbo when it was bought. Cool car.
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@pauljohnson33404 years ago One of the greatest lines in a car review ever came from P.J. O'Rourke when reviewing a Subaru-
"It makes a bingy noise on hills when filled with unleaded regular."
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@JC-ft4ri4 years ago I had an '86 gl-10 sedan. Power everything except turbo and awd. It was fun first car.
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@TheLexusKitsune6 years ago It's funny how skeptical they were of Subaru back then 3
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@johnfarel31525 years ago They essentially still make this car; it's the Outback. It's still looks surprisingly the same but a little bigger. Still 4wd/awd with over 8 inches of ground clearance and a wagon. This was the original crossover. 1
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@MWorsa5 years ago I miss that warning chime, my ‘86 GL wagon had the same one.
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@creekhed6976 years ago It's amazing how far we've come in such a short time ;) 2
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@brandondavis76955 years ago "ooh Subaru" darn, i guess im not old enough to get the joke... 3
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@nlpnt6 years ago 95hp with turbo - and the turbo came with a mandatory 3sp auto. IIRC Subaru didn't do a turbo with manual until a year or two later after the sedan and wagon went to the new body (the boxy one that became the Loyale) which at least had a LOT more room. ... 7
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@MrAngerthis4 years ago I love my old school subarus I have a 4" lifted 86 Subaru RX it's my go anywhere car
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@xijinpingsfavoritehemorrho13282 years ago I drive an 81 4x4 hatch. Yesterday my road turned to a foot of wet Nestle quick, climbed the 35 degree hill in 4lo 1st gear. Pickups struggle where my car just goes, they hate that. And that goof demonstrating the legroom had to try really hard to make It look uncomfortable, I'm 6'2" of mostly leg and it's really quite nice, not big but saying 5'6" is the limit is ridiculous. Motorweek wanted to keep Detroit in business, that's for sure. ... 1
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@x1warrior1x856 years ago Wow that was amazing technology for the time
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@drewrx96656 years ago "Seats are still flat with only adequate support". I own a 2018 Crosstrek. Still relevant. 1
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@JoseMartinez-jw2dy3 years ago I like this car a lot, I had a justy ,the wheels on this one are pretty nice
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@cadsux6 years ago I believe that 1.8L boxer was also the base engine in the wedge-shaped Subaru XT coupe, which came out a few years later. There's only a 1988 XT6 video on this channel. 1
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@Tennesseestorm765 years ago I think that digital dash is now a rare find on these cars. I remember that door chime "ding", my uncle had one in the 80s when I was a kid.
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@rhull39396 years ago God dang it. I had an 85 when I was 18 and I got rid of it because it wouldn't idle right and was down on power. Could have still had that sweet 4wd button if I knew how to diagnose a fuel and ignition system back then. Shit! ... 5
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@wvusmc5 years ago I'd love to find one of these today that's not rusted through.
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@thetreblerebel3 years ago With the off-road enthusiast today, these should be brout back
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@JeffKubel6 years ago 0-60 time of 13.5 seconds is "respectable". Yup, it's the 80's. 22
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@jonlowing79072 years ago I had the exact same car, except in Australian trim; rhd, no turbo (it coped but it would have been nice!), 13 inch wheels, which meant 5 identical wheels, no space-saver. Known as the 'Touring Wagon' here, it was an extremely capable vehicle that could not be compared to any other as it was the only one of its type on the market at the time. ...
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@jannevaatainen6 years ago Electric windows in 1983, wow! I saw them for the first time in the 90's.
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@HoosierDaddy_6 years ago I love and miss strange and quirky 80s Japanese cars. 11
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@georgejacob31622 years ago Travis Pastrana has one of these... with 860hp! 1
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@Niterider736 years ago That was such a long time ago. 1.8 turbo producing 95hp... A 1.8 turbo today can easily double that if not more. 16
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@battycowboy6 years ago In the early 90’s we had a accident with this car I got ejected from the subbie and still lived so it is safe on the inside and out of it .
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@thetetons7446 years ago Could you perhaps upload the ford excursion review some time in the future? 1
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@ChevyAstro9711 months ago One of the best Subarus ever. I wish I could go back in time and buy one. Stick my cassette of the Flashdance soundtrack in the cassette player and cruise some dirt roads.
I feel like the Forester is an ode to these old GL wagons. In sort of a Crossovery package. (You’d think Outback…but the Outback is big and chonky now and drives more like a car.)
Lastly I’m laughing at the fuel economy. My Forester gets exactly the same gas mileage as this GL. But I run Falken All Terrain Tires. ...
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@apachelives5 years ago my 98 Legacy/Liberty power windows sound EXACTLY the same
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@NSXTypeRGTRLM6 years ago Wow, the Impreza' Outbacks great grandpa! How cute. 3
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@Hardparties3 years ago The sadan as I recall, was amongst few of the early automatics imported after the second world war. It was lion proof but I got in trouble for hoping out that time at Orana park. Not, sure. It was near Christchurch. I blame the child to this day. The lion stopped before chewing in me or the car. Good times there. ...
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@tomasnokechtesledger17864 years ago Wait the Impreza. Still have my first year GL 1993. 239K. 1
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@OutdoorFun015 years ago Can't wait for it to come out! Will it be available in dealership before winter?
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@compaqdeskpro57706 years ago I can't believe cars were regularly sold with unbalanced brakes. I know that was one of the Chevy Citation's many problems. Nowadays its taken for granted that any car, used beater or brand new, Subaru or Ferrari, will stop in a straight line. ... 11
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@jasoncarpp77426 years ago I've always found this generation Subaru (both sedan and wagon) to be quite attractive. I'd buy a 4wd wagon in a heartbeat if someone had one for sale. 2
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@shartingfish57614 years ago Most of these things rusted into extinction.. but an STI swap in one of these would be amazing!
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@fanoffast24295 years ago One of the best cars ever!!! Super reliable and it will go anywhere. 2
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@kevinnorwood7355last year I have a 2011 Forester and as much as I love it, I'd trade it for the one in this video!
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@Icebreaker20136 years ago Please make the next Retro Review an Infinit QX4 if you can! I just bought one and would love to see what John Davis had to say about it! 1
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@Porsche996driver4 years ago Back in 1983 me and my stoned buddies realized that SUBARU backwards is U R A BUS 🤣 1
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@TheDodgefan96 years ago Could you put up the Pontiac Bonneville GXP? I can't find anything from the time about it. 3
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@RollerCoasterLineProductions2 years ago I like to think I have the most modern version of that gem. I own a 19 crosstrek and I love it. No turbo tho