Tech & Auto
The 10 Most Reliable Engines Ever Produced By Subaru
By RUSS GOOD
EF12
Introduced in 1984 and based on Suzuki’s G10 engine, the EF12 had a closed deck iron engine block. Despite its smaller size, the engine was relatively powerful.
The EF12 had multiport fuel injection added in 1990, which allowed the engine to produce 73 horsepower. Subaru made more improvements over time until it was discontinued in 1994.
EJ20
Subaru introduced the EJ20 series in 1989. The engine produces the sound many gearheads most closely associate with Subarus, known as the “Subie rumble.”
EJ20s are generally reliable. The WRX’s EJ205 is a 2.0-liter powerhouse with up to 227 horsepower and a long life expectancy if properly maintained.
EJ22
Considered “bulletproof,” the EJ22 is often called Subaru’s most reliable engine. It’s a 2.2-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with an estimated life of over 250,000 miles.
The EJ22’s many variations were used in some form from the 1990 Legacy’s EJ22E all the way up to the 2001 Impreza’s EJ222.
EJ257
The EJ257 is a touchy subject for some. It’s part of the EJ25 lineup, which gained a
reputation for blown head gaskets, but the EJ257 is a beloved rally powerhouse.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged EJ257 was designed for the United States Domestic Market 2004 Impreza WRX STI and features 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
EZ30
While Subaru is known for its four-cylinder boxer engines, the company has also succeeded with six-cylinder power plants, such as the EZ30.
Also known as the H6, the reliable EZ30 was designed in 1999 and was found in models like the Legacy and Outback until it was discontinued in 2009.