Overview & Reviews

Over the years, Subaru has earned a loyal following for building vehicles that deliver steadfast practicality and all-weather mobility. But every now and again, this Japanese company gets in touch with its wilder side. The latest result is the Subaru BRZ, a small sport coupe that bucks many Subaru traditions.

For starters, the sleek-looking BRZ is only available with rear-wheel drive, a major departure for a company that prides itself on offering all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The engine isn't even turbocharged, even though Subaru typically applies this technology to its high-performance models.

For all this, the Subaru BRZ has a lot to offer as a performance model, including exceptional handling, sleek styling and compelling value. For the first time in more than two decades, shoppers looking for an inexpensive sport coupe finally have an excellent reason to buy a Subaru.

Current Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is an all-new model for 2013. Mechanically, it's related to the Scion FR-S, as the two cars were co-developed by Subaru and Toyota. They share the same layout, general engineering and powertrain, yet differ in terms of minor styling details and feature content.

Standard equipment on the entry-level BRZ Premium model includes 17-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires, automatic xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, fold-down rear seatbacks, cruise control, a touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system. Going with the top Limited trim level also gets you foglights, heated outside mirrors, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery with suedelike trim and heated front seats.

Both Subaru BRZ models are powered by a horizontally opposed, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The car's acceleration is adequate, but many other performance cars in this price range are quicker. On the upside, the BRZ's fuel economy is quite good, and even with the automatic transmission the car achieves 28 mpg highway.

The BRZ has a simple, pleasantly styled cabin that features a blending of Toyota and Subaru switchgear and materials. It will seem a bit Spartan compared to some other sporty cars, but then this is supposed to be a back-to-basics sort of driver's car. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. There's a backseat, too, but it's really only suitable for children.

Where this Subaru BRZ sports car shines is in its driving character. Agile handling, precise steering action and powerful brakes add up to a thrilling driving performance. This car is wonderfully rewarding to drive around corners for novice enthusiasts as well as the more advanced.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 13.00

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  A car not pass up - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By zenith13 - July 24 - 1:16 pm

  This is my first Subaru. Coming from a celica, and with this car being made jointly by Toyota and Subaru, I felt close to home. The engineers nailed it on this one - the 200hp to weight ratio is perfect and the handling is great. I had a problem with the nav system twice and had to take it to the dealer and have it replaced, but other then that it is a great car to drive and a car that a car enthusiast should not pass up.

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  Swapped manual 2013 BRZ for an automatic 2016 - 2016 Subaru BRZ
  By k holland - July 27 - 9:58 pm

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  Whats not to like - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By jmk651 - August 6 - 1:04 am

  It really is a fun car to drive, and you dont need to be going fast. It looks great, I like the inside a lot. The seats are really comfortable (Im 64"), and theres plenty of room. The value is amazing, HIDs, spoiler, the keyless access is cool, Its pretty much fully loaded. So far its been 10 months, and I havent had any problems. Ive driven it in winter, and the traction control is awesome, it really keeps the car in line. I didnt really have much problems in the snow/ice.

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  2016 limited brz - 2016 Subaru BRZ
  By Tyshawn - June 19 - 1:32 am

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  The Perfect Sports Car - For the Price - 2016 Subaru BRZ
  By Ken - May 24 - 3:17 am

  Keeping in mind that you can get the BRZ for less than $30,000 it is, in my opinion, the best sports car of the modern era. The driving position, steering feel, and ability for an amateur driver to push the BRZ to the limit is the reason that it makes every driver smile. The point of the BRZ (or the FR-S, or GT 86 since they are all essentially the same car) is to make a grown-up feel like a child again. The car makes me giggle, and flatters my abilities to the point where I never feel unsafe. I was in a unique situation where I was able to purchase one of the 500 Hyper Blue BRZs and as long as I never wreck it, I expect it to be a future classic. So whenever I get the chance, I take it for a blast through the hills, or if I can leave a little early, I take the long way to work and arrive with a smile plastered across my face. In a world where most of us drive grayscale people carrying boxes, the BRZ feels extra special. Its a reminder of how much fun driving can be, and without putting in too much money, it has the comforts, look and finish of a far more expensive car. The interior has Hyper Blue stitching to match the paint, and with black accents, the BRZ feels just right. The controls are where you expect them to be, and the large, centrally mounted tachometer runs happily up above 7000rpm before a light flashes at you to shift up before you ping it off the limiter. As driving experiences go, it is hard to get more smiles per gallon for my money. UPDATE: after 6000 miles the BRZ has become an extension of me and I am happy to say I still love it.

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  Blast to Drive - 2014 Subaru BRZ
  By curves1 - November 11 - 8:28 pm

  This is the first 2 door rear wheel drive coupe I have owned, and it is super fun to drive. My prior cars have been SUVs and sedans. The low seating position, combined with the super responsive steering and manual transmission are amazing. When I see cars that cost 2 to 3 times more, I think they way overpaid for the badge and extra horsepower that will hardly be used in my traffic congested area.

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  Great car horrible nav/media unit - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By stoffe - January 3 - 11:51 am

  This is my second Subaru and boy is it very different then all the other models in their line-up. It drives great and you feel very connected. If anything for a nimble sports car it feels a bit under powered. For the money you pay its a steal. Even if the turbo model would cost 10k$ more it would still be worth it. I even have two Recaro child seats in the back and my boys love it! They even want to squeeze in the BRZ for 1-2h trips instead of our comfy Lexus RX.

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  More than expected - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By bsxyz - August 3 - 3:19 am

  My wife wanted a sports car and we looked at a lot of different models but she fell in love with the BRZ. It took a while to find one but we finally found one in inventory in ATL that was not let in dealer stock and went in and put down a deposit. We had drove the Scion version and it was OK but not great so we werent sure if we would buy it when it came in. It was well worth the wait. Drives much better that the FRS and quality of interior and the few upgraded options are great. Great driving little car! IF you can find one its a great car.

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  There arent enough corners - 2014 Subaru BRZ
  By racerjae - March 26 - 2:13 am

  The BRZ is just too slow in a straight line. It shouldve come with 300 hp from the factory. However, the feel, balance and handling of the car is second to none. The steering is sublime. The brakes are worthless after 20 min on the track but brake kit upgrades are available. Swapped the stock wheels for 18"wheels/tires and lowered it 1". The car now looks the way it shouldve come. The driving position is perfect, the seats are as good as Recaros, the extra features of the Limited version is well worth the cost. The torque dip at 4K rpm sucks but a tune can fix the problem. Only wish I lived near twisty roads!

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  Not suffering the Hyper Blues with this car - 2016 Subaru BRZ
  By Chuck - December 19 - 6:14 pm

  If you are 50 plus and carrying a few pounds, it may be harder to get in and out of this car, but once you are in seat, WOW, the fun begins. If I were prone to drifting, this car could do that. My 16 year old daughter said that starting from a stop light and going through the first four gears reminds her of the push back in seat feeling of jet take off. Great color, only 500 made for USA for 2016. Gets lots of looks. After decades of driving SUVs and minivans, I owed this car to myself and havent looked back since driving off the lot. Hugs the road really well with quick responsive steering and braking. Ditch to ditch low beam headlights that allow for up and down switch adjustment is great for avoiding deer. Recommended accessories are WeatherTech floor liners, Trunk Liner and the NEW 3M™ Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Pro Series. Invisible and 7 year coverage to protect against rock chips and dings as this is a low riding car. Saved on the cost by half by going to Tint shop for Protection Film instead of dealer. Have had the car for two and a half weeks at 348 miles now so still breaking in engine. Premium fuel only. Did buy the extended warranty to 7 year which added to initial cost. Tax in our Washington State County 8.8% My driving experience 27 years in police cars. Bought as commuter.