1986 Subaru XT Turbo AWD Review - TOO Crazy For The 80's!

[@cletuskasady593]

That old ass car is soooo clean. It’s cleaner than a lot of these POS new cars on the road I see today. Cudos brother cudos

[@Kosoku63]

The Subaru XT has to be one of the weirdest yet coolest cars I've ever seen.

[@KenanTurkiye]

...and it's one of those cars that brings back the ''cool'' from your childhood era. I'd love this, chuck in a rotary engine.

[@Kosoku63]

@@KenanTurkiye The funny thing is that I didn’t even exist in the 1980s, I’m 14 lol

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@Kosoku63 ....and you're a man of fine taste. :)

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@Kosoku63 ...just imagine the XT without those silly looking hubcaps, with a wider wheel setup, maybe even in black to suit this particular car. I used to love the XT's, I remember even photoshopping pics of it with different kinds of wheels to run wild with my magination. lol

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@Kosoku63 ....anyways enough of me babbling on like that. Take care and best wishes to you, and drive safe when you do get to drive. All the best. :)

[@isaiahm6241]

This car is the definition of a nugget

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

Dankpods moment

[@hoomanAdnan]

​@@sybsygstgstsgysg5330😂

[@jamesruiz4005]

Dino nuggets

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Regular people would steal a Hellcat or a Rolls...but this is a car I would steal.

[@kiraleaf]

for most of the late 90's through to the 2010's, the most stolen cars in Canada were Subaru Impreza WRX's and STI's.

[@Gooey27]

I love stealing too.

[@v8_sami]

@@kiraleafin America is the civic lol

[@BRAINFxck10]

Why would you steal a car that’s only worth $5k? Just save up for one you bum!

[@railfanatic1416]

​@DJkirakira in the pacific northwest, if you own a subaru, it's getting stolen

[@jeannie1099]

I had it brand new in maroon. Yea, I’m old! Got me to work in some of the worst pa snow/ice storms! Had the svx too. Great cars for their time.

[@HM2SGT]

You and me both. It was a sad day and a great day when my XT six got totaled

[@gafrers]

These are the cars that make this channel for me. The weird, quirky oldish cars

[@xRaiders32x]

Clutch is definitely circumstantial if it's heavy. I've owned MANY xt and Xt6s and other cars, done clutches.... and all my xts had very "soft" and buttery clutches.

[@raoulduke7844]

This car review made Doug Demuro jealous. Cool rare find.

[@Gooey27]

The man has graced us with an XT video. Today will be a blessed day.

[@kiraleaf]

It's a real shame these weren't popular back in the day- Subaru was still a fledgeling company who was known for Legacy wagons, but their drivetrains would eventually prove to be superior. This thing could easily kick an '86 Prelude's ass, but not an '86 Celica's. This car would eventually evolve into the Subaru Alcyone SVX in 1989!

[@johnrobinson1328]

The XT predates the Legacy by quite a few years.

[@railfanatic1416]

and the svx began production in 91

[@jclouw321]

While kinda true for 1986, in 1988 Honda released the 3rd gen prelude which is widely considered one of the best handling cars ever made, especially the 4-wheel steering varient. I do love this little subie, but for all intents of being a fun sporty economy car, the Prelude soundly beat it in every way 2 years later.

[@kiraleaf]

@@jclouw321 I've actually driven one of those, they're pretty neat. If you intentionally steer too hard and lose front grip, the rear steering will 'correct' and swing the back end around. When you change lanes, the whole car crabwalks to the side! They are definitely peppy and very capable around the turns.

[@ibeentossinaunties]

80s digital clusters>🤣🔥

[@RapideWombaticus]

There was one of these parked 2 blocks from me as a kid. In Black, i adored it. It had aftermarket rims and a tuned exhaust. Being Australian, it was labelled as a Vortex. I was lucky enough to go for a ride in it and compared to other cars of the era, it was a Spaceship. Thank you for this review 😊

[@mromatic17]

that steering wheel bothers me really bad but I want this car so bad and this one is so freaking clean!

[@tommitchell2055]

This car looks like a low polygon version of a car in games for when its too far away to see any details

[@3r0ck17]

I had an ‘89 XT-6. Bought it used for 4k with 105K on the clock. Put another 100K on it. Did have to replace the 5 speed at 165K. Was a fantastic car. Wish I still had it 25 years later.

[@nick2k]

I have an XT6, XT Turbo, and a 4WD XT. I love them all!

[@andrew.the.one1]

My dad owns one of these (an 88 XT-6) and one day either me or him will get it up and going.

[@cristianmontoyamarulanda5040]

Right now the Subaru XT it's my dream car. I hope one day get one.

[@MQN8R]

Video series on my channel.

[@KenanTurkiye]

8:06 yeah you get that sometimes and it's a good quirky feeling, very valuable moments.

[@McElroysMotors]

Way to go, my friend. Beating Doug DeMuro at reviewing one of my favorite 80s cars! Yes! Zack - 1 Doug - 0

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

It's too reliable for Doug 😂 only high maintenance gets a high Doug score.

[@999Lucas]

The hubcaps and gearshift are my two favorite parts. It would be cool if spt made a billet version of the shifter for modern cars.

[@chrisparr7476]

The holy grail of. XT/vortex spec cars. Turbo. Manual. 4wd. 👍

[@MQN8R]

Minus maintaining a unicorn.

[@robwalls6057]

I was a teenager in the 80s and the options and features the car has were not typical or common for that time period except for maybe top end vehicles like Cadillac for example. The digital dash display you found to be corny was not common place in all cars, let alone all the creature comforts and the ability to adjust the suspension, plus being a turbo AWD. Keep in mind during the mid 80s, things such as air conditioning, power brakes and a quality cassette player were NOT standard equipment and found only in cars that were above the base model. For it's time , it was an absolutey amazing car.

[@Dankcatvacs]

My favorite unicorn Not awd is 4wd on/off fwd part time 4wd Xt6 2.7 was awd (fulltime 4wd)

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Yup that's where his youth comes into play, just doesn't recognize the difference in some things. Also kind of made no sense a button being unreliable, tons of vehicles have push button 4wd.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I like the vehciles you review more than what Doug does on average..... except when he does stuff like the A Class.

[@staceypayton5159]

I agree ..that A Class review was a mf...

[@bwofficial1776]

I like reviews of these normal cars that I grew up with and may see on the road or even buy. The newest most limited edition $1B Lamboclarenarri that goes 0-200 in -1.5 seconds and will never leave a collector's garage doesn't excite me.

[@dhillaz]

It's a close one, but the XT digital dash wins the day for me 👨‍💻

[@rorygroth8517]

Love these cars they are so unique even for 80s! Was thinking of getting one a while back but my dad talked me out of it because finding my new parts would be impossible. Got an integra instead oh well

[@ripamoramee14]

One of the best digital dash clusters ever up there with the Prelude and the S2000

[@Clm124]

I owned one these in 86 and I loved it! When the height was raised, it would plow through snow like crazy. Best car I ever had. I would love to have another one someday.

[@JoelK]

Having owned 2 Vortexes in Australia, and now a SVX, I am so appreciative of your vid!

[@MQN8R]

2 vortex’s, and an SVX. Lucky. I just have the single Vortex. How’s the SVX?

[@JoelK]

@@MQN8R awesome. Like an evolved Vortex

[@MQN8R]

@@JoelK awesome, hoping to feature a 6 speed manual swapped one on my channel soon.

[@JoelK]

@@MQN8R very nice! Hard to find/make in RHD markets due to the brake cylinder location

[@michaelmassart2349]

It instantly brings Inspector Gadget to my mind...

[@maxdm1583]

Zack, excellent review and precise point of view of this mint condition XT. Back in a day I always wanted to own it, but I'm glad you had this opportunity to drive a 5 speed XT for us to enjoy! Excellent.

[@jamesmancuso3666]

Orange dash lights have always been my favorite. Pontiac from the 80s to 2000 had the orange dash lights also.

[@wibuwe]

Don't let Doug Demuro know about this car or the price will sky rocket.

[@82_KID]

Hey. This car was in the movie "Big."

[@darknessislight3689]

The Subaru XT Honda Prelude Nissan 200SX Isuzu Impulse Toyota Corolla GT-S were some of the it cars of my childhood.

[@robertdiehl9003]

Id also add a Nissan Pulsar to that amazing list

[@darknessislight3689]

@@robertdiehl9003 Awesome 👍🏾

[@miltongraham1193]

I had an '88 XT but liked the looks of the Impulse almost as much as the Subaru!

[@PaulXMann]

Keep it coming! I've owned three XTs over the years... a turbo and two XT6 models. Lots of good memories in those cars!

[@pipoms]

love this channel, always show me amaaazing vehicles that i didn't even knew that existed

[@fredharvey2720]

The digital display was very high end and innovative for the mid 80s. Same with the automatic windows

[@theschof96]

If the 1980s could be summed up in one vehicle this would pretty much be it.

[@thndr_5468]

One of the coolest looking cars ever

[@phillyspitta8147]

This is the Cleanest example ever seen they always rusted out round the wheel wells particularly.

[@broadcastmusic]

The XT “wedge” has a drag coefficient of .29, lowest of any car in it’s day 😉🚙☁️☁️☁️

[@fredharvey2720]

I remember seeing those with their ghastly wheels on the streets in the 80s

[@LonSeidman]

My Mom had the non-turbo version of this - loved that car even though it was terribly slow by today's standards. There was nothing like it on the road. She went from that to a '93 Mazda MX-6, another cool ride.

[@miltongraham1193]

I love YOUR KZbin channel, Lon!

[@provostparkpass]

I wish you would have shown how you open the doors from the outside. Love the door handle

[@TylerGamer765]

Growing up my newborn up the road had two SvX’s and I saw an xt for sale in front of a salvage yard and my mom wasn’t having it….she was clean and ran good, they only wanted $850 and the mechanic up the road said for me to check it out so it had to be decent

[@mentat1341]

My best friend in hs had this car and we tore it up in the mountains of Colorado!

[@kiraleaf]

I heard that Subaru's releasing a new 'small truck' into the market to compete against the Ford Raptor. I'm actually really interested to see if the thing has X-Mode and the capability to absolutely own every other small truck that exists.

[@Tagiau]

New Baja if you're in the Australian market only. Only time it was mentioned for a global launch was on april fools. It's also still not officially confirmed to even be a thing.

[@kiraleaf]

idk, it seems like youtubers keep posting new videos about the '2023 Brat' but all of the information is sourced from articles written in 2021. Supposedly they would be built at the Lafayette plant, but Subaru hasn't said anything about the speculative pickup in the last two years, suggesting that it is nothing but an internet rumor and pipe dream. There are *actual articles and videos* out there which talk about the truck like it *actually exists*, even listing MPG, price, trim, and listing pros/cons. Misinformation sucks, but I would still really love to see an ass-kicking, mud-slinging Subie pickup one day!

[@jeffcarr5537]

I had one and it was so reliable.

[@miltongraham1193]

I had an '88 XT and it was so unreliable.

[@cheems222]

I have an 82 subaru std, it has a cable clutch, extremely heavy

[@chriszbinden1740]

Its a bucket list car for me, just so hard to find a nice manual example today

[@nate_d376]

What an interesting and unique car. Used to see these on the road all the time, way back when (yes, I'm gen X), never had an opportunity to get in one, so thanks for documenting these wild cars!

[@michaelmeadows5142]

I drove that car into the ground when I had it as a young man. I loved it and its traction was phenomenal in saving my bacon a time or two! 5 speed manual was definitely the way to go with that car, but that push button 4WD was awesome in snow and beach sand!

[@reitsmaassociates]

What a 1980’s feast, loved seeing one of these when they were new. Like who would be brave enough to to buy it - love it . Cheers from Brisbane

[@ps2toad]

Now i want one

[@cletuskasady593]

Tell the owner the front passenger tire needs air zack 10:57

[@ismailuslu4738]

amazing, like a spaceship

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

The reason folks didnt buy those gems was the desire for muscle cars, new 5.0 stangs, IROC z Camaro, Porsche, Ferrari, vettes, vw, BMW were hot. That's te reason. 😎👍👌

[@MQN8R]

Nothing listed sat in the same price category. Not sure that’s quite correct.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

@@MQN8R It was the 80s dude!, 🤣😎 everybody had cash and a awesome future. Hell back then you could run out to the Chevy dealership and go finance a nice IROC Camaro, and hang out with your buddy and his 944 turbo. Shit was priced correctly and no stinking socialist crap. 👈

[@fredharvey2720]

I'd like to see how this handles in the show

[@dave1986R]

I saw an old Motorweek video review of this car when it came out in 1985. They advertised it as the only 4WD turbo coupe available other than the “mega buck” Audi Quattro. Kind of a weird pitch since the XT didn’t have the performance or the racing pedigree of the Quattro. But it was a strong attempt to break into the sport coupe market of that time. I would say this was Subaru’s answer to cars like the Toyota Celica and Nissan Pulsar of that time. The arcade-game gauge cluster is very reflective of that time as well, and it fits right into the history of Fuji Heavy Industries aircraft manufacturing. During WWII they were known as Nakajima Aircraft, which made planes for the Japanese military during that time, including the B5N “Kate” torpedo bomber. That joystick-style manual shifter reminds me of a Hurst pistol grip shifter from an early ‘70’s Mopar muscle car. Obviously it’s not the same thing but it goes for the same kind of grip for shifting gears.

[@drewo.127]

With that jet black color, that car just screams Knight Rider!!! I seriously think the Subaru XT, with that crazy 80s styling and airplane / video game tech, it would be absolutely perfect for a rebooted Knight Rider short fan film! Someone put some red LEDs in between the headlights, and swap the wheels with the horizontal design ones, paint them black, and put some small classic KITT features in the interior, like his voice visualizer! And we have KITT!

[@johninama585]

I had one just like this, just in blue. It was really a cool car but the air shocks kept blowing and they were like $500 a pop to replace (used) and since I was a poor college kid I had to get rid of it before it broke me, literally. I loved the look and I wish I could've got one without the air suspension, although that would mean no turbo.

[@aenoymotors]

God that thing is bad ass in so many ways

[@howebrad4601]

Always loved the cool factor of these. Best gages, switch pods, asymmetrical steering wheel, adjustable suspension, flush door handles, and that awesome wedge styling. If this car was made now, I'd go buy one tomorrow. At the time they were just too expensive. 15 to 16k if memory serves me.

[@robertdiehl9003]

I was 11 y/o when this was new all I can say was trust me when I say ithis car was super futuristic looking. Definitely a head turner.

[@MrKradix2]

I owned one of this year model back in 93. I loved it unfortunately had to replace it due to needing a family car by then. It was definitely a fun car to drive though.

[@leigortreythelm3066]

What an awsome car!!!

[@tbas8741]

Thats funny with Old door sticker about not letting exhaust overheat by tapping throttle so it comes out of Cold start (high idle, high fueling) Where as with newer Subaru After like 1992 you then DONT touch the pedal and let it rev high on startup (often about 1500-1750rpm) So the cat converters come upto temp quickly along with engine oil or else you can't drive it (well shouldnt drive it) Same as those stickers were removed from cars about letting it idle for 1-2 mins after heavy driving in 2001 model onwards. In order to comply with tight emissions laws, Even on a 2023 Turbo charged car you have to let it idle for 1-2 mins after heavy driving (turbo timer optional)

[@ripamoramee14]

YES been wanting more footage of this car online. Subaru has some cool looking 80s cars that you barely see

[@MQN8R]

They are sick, have done a few videos on em with old school footage.

[@HM2SGT]

*I had the XT6, and I really enjoyed it until the computers all had strokes and the suspension went bonkers. When it was working it was terrific, but it was a nightmare repair. That flat six was especially swell... except for when the timing chain broke!*

[@nick2k]

It's in amazing shape. If this was for sale, I would buy it immediately!

[@RealThatDesignerGuy]

From the wheels to the steering wheel and that display - the Cyberpunk designers must have seen this car and just used a picture of this on their wall as inspiration for every car designed in that game.

[@kutlutortop4245]

10:10 There's even an aerodynamic optimization paper published for this car. They really went all out

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

Air adjustable suspension.

[@DEVILTAZ35]

Hi mate, it was called the Subaru Vortex in Australia. I always thought that was an awesome name for a car. If you look at the Legacy/Liberty models from late 80’s to eatly 90’s they actually had a very similar wedge design. Sadly those models lost the cool pop up headlights though. I had a 92 4WD Legacy/Liberty Sedan and it was a great car that lasted over 14 years and hundreds of thousands of kms.

[@chrisparr7476]

Original gen 1 & 2. Liberty EJ 2.2 engines. Most bulletproof Subaru engines ever made. Seen many with over 500,000kms. Original non touched engines still going strong.

[@cletuskasady593]

Is it just me or that looks like the last GEN flip headlights Honda accord. I think a 89

[@tinker1148]

That or a Nissan Pulsar.

[@HM2SGT]

*Something I didn't see mentioned was the door handle and winter… that was a special kind of hell when the water from melted snow re-froze overnight, or a storm came in and the sleet and freezing rain coated the car while you were asleep. That door handle is only intended for temperate or desert climates!* 😅

[@DavyHoward]

Hey man its raining here in indiana today too!

[@matthewk8448]

Love this car

[@geddon436]

I used to have one 88 model. When it was really cold in the mornings, for at least 10 minutes. the dash would not work, just black dash. Imagine driving the car without any information on fast you were driving. I had to order part from Japan. Driving it, I would have to push the gas pedal far down for the turbo to spool. I got rear ended, put a whole in the rear bumper.

[@dgdw]

My sister bought a black Turbo XT new just like this when I was a kid! When I finally came of driving age in 1997 we did find an XT6 on a used car lot horribly rusted in the Northern suburbs of Chicago ... Otherwise we never found any others for sale. I am VERY surprised to see THREE of these in Illinois and in great condition!

[@piggy310]

I've never heard anybody admit being from that Dem hell hole.

[@bwofficial1776]

The fake 3D digital gauge cluster is ridiculously cool. This car is so over the top and silly in the best ways. Going all out on tech was an interesting play but didn't really work.

[@9ALiTY]

I missed out on a near mint one one these for like $7500 a few months back

[@RobiticDuck]

As a Subaru fan, this is so cool

[@odintradez4]

Its a crossbred Nissan Pulsar and Honda Prelude

[@Ej6daniel]

That thing is awesome!

[@lexisnep525]

To think how far small turbocharged engines have come. Now we're seeing 1.5T's making up to and beyond 300hp in some applications

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I have a 1972 Pantera you can drive. It's hard to start, but once it does it runs good.

[@ShootingCars]

I’d love to! You can email me at [e-mail]

[@The_gear_head_]

6:07 I can imagine the conversations being something like “i set up them equalizers how i want it, you so much as breath on them, word to my mother, ya dead.” Lmao

[@realShadowKat]

Just want to throw in that the Lamborghini Huracan and Urus gauge clusters look like video games. 😀

[@SuperIcarusman]

EG33 swapped an xt back in 2008, that my brother still has to this day has..tell yah, ~245whp n/a paired with the er27 Trans; could go toe-to-toe with a WRX.

[@hoomanAdnan]

This is damn weird & cool at the same time! ❤🔥 ❤ From Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@Crispychicken4u]

Saabs we’re also designed after fighter aircraft

[@themanguy2110]

I love these cars! So beautiful and quirky!

[@maineeventmark5749]

The stick shift looks like an Atari Joystick ✊🏽😂

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

Love your work

[@Kacpa2]

Wonder how 6 cylinder version is

[@JS60SIX]

Reminds me of the triumph TR7

[@ShutterBiscuit]

Back in the day, there were very few of these cars seen. When you did see the odd one, people tended to laugh because it was so avant-garde. A bit too advanced for its day.

[@pawsnpistons]

Actually digital instruments werent something very special in 1986 anymore. A lot of cars had those by then.