Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By J.W. - October 4 - 5:30 am

  We have had our Forester about 3 weeks now and I am very impressed with the whole vehicle. It`s very comfortable and quiet. It just feels solid when your driving and, has great response in steering and breaking. We love everything about it so far. Have had compliments on body style and color, (sage green). First tank of gas avg. 24.3 mpg. combination city and highway. Also pleased with that. I was also surprised with the pep of the 4 cylinder after driving V6`s &V8`s. No need for the Turbo in my opinion. If you are looking for a great compact SUV this is the one.

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  Good decision - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Martinelli - October 4 - 1:25 am

  Logical, well designed and versatile

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  Subaru Baja Turbo - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Chris Larson - October 3 - 9:26 am

  I thoroughly enjoy driving my car. I was very impressed with the power that this car has. Great ground clearance, brakes,and handling. I drive many cars every day, this one got my attention. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Great powerband, very torquey. Steering positive and responsive. I havent had much snow around here, but when there is the car has no problem sensing traction loss. People ask me how I would describe this car; I reply that it looks like an underdog boxer but has one heck of a knock-out punch.

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  Love this new model but MPG not as advertised - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By blny - October 3 - 3:19 am

  My 3rd Subaru, but first Forester. Never bought before because it was too small. I am 6 tall, not huge, but this is the first Forester model I feel comfortable both in front and back. My teenage boys are very comfy in the backseat, and they are my height. My only complaint is the gas mileage. I get 20-21 mpg when the local EPA MPG is 24. Thats a big difference, and I am not driving like a leadfoot ! I ease off on gas and coast to stop signs and red lights, and thats the only way I got close to 21mpg. My much larger outback gets about 19-20 locally, so only a 1 mpg improvement with a smaller Subaru.

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  We always buy a Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pat Wood - October 2 - 12:10 pm

  Subaru is a choice of our family because of its reliability and the service at the Dealership, if needed. We feel it is one of the safest cars to drive on the open road in all kinds of weather. (Especially the western NY weather!) We have owned many Subarus and only buy a new one because of upgrading.

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  love this car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jano - October 1 - 6:06 am

  I could sell Subarus if I ever needed a job. This car drives like melted butter in smooth performance. It is a fine highway vehicle in mountains as well as long TX stretches. The solidity & quiet drive are something I appreciate most after driving a Ford Explorer, priced about the same. I would like to have a keyless remote that would allow access were I to lock keys inside; other than that, I have no complaints about this vehicle. I am a tried & true Subaru fan. The gas mileage will have to improve on all vehicles in this country. Subaru will most likely help to lead the way here, but Im getting 18-24 currently.

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  My first Subaru, Love it! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Patrick - September 30 - 7:56 pm

  I must say that Im quite impressed. Of course I did a TON of research before settling on the Subaru Impreza for my purchase, so I expected the impression I have. It is fun to drive, peppy, handles like a dream, great in inclement weather. Controls for stereo, cruise and other features are comfortable and easy to use. Very roomy back seat (compared to my previous car anyway). I really like the styling as well. A couple small complaints: The steering wheel support from the center to the bottom of the wheel.. I like to put my hand there! The center storage console could be bigger and padded for your elbow. Theres a little more road noise than Id like to have... thats about it! :)

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  Five Star Car! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Nikki R. - September 29 - 7:18 am

  I absolutely love my new Subaru Forester. I will be driving this car until I just cant drive it anymore. Ive been shopping for a crossover SUV for about a month now. I bought my Forester two days ago after much hesitancy. EVERYONE in the state of Oregon drives a Subaru and I didnt want to be just another Subaru driver. Sometimes its fun to stand out! But now that Ive owned one, I totally get the hype. The car handles well, its fun to drive and so far it has been good on gas. Ive done mainly city driving and its been between 25 - 30 mpg. There are a lot of choices in the world of crossover SUVs, and I feel as though I drove most of them. This one (for me) had the best driving experience and the best value by far. The mid-trim level (Premium) gets you a lot (heated seats, a beautiful moonroof) and Im happy that I stepped up to it. If youre in the throes of crossover suv car selection like I was for a month, give the Forester a try. Some like it, some dont but the quality, value and driving experience are really top notch.

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  WRX Wagon 2004 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JimDeBois - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My son bought a 2002 WRX and I fell in love. I needed the Wagon so I bought the WRX Wagon with the 5 speed manual. I love it!

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  47 going on 19 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By discolew - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I didnÂ’t need a new car. I stewed over it for a couple of weeks. But, I convinced myself that I wasnÂ’t getting any younger and besides, the Sti is a great family car. I almost bought an Evo but I felt more comfortable with the larger Sti engine. This car ROCKS! I get an adrenaline rush every time I drive it. This car looks great and has top of the line factory performance. Buyer bewareÂ…this is a performance car with a rough ride and road noise. If you are looking for a performance LUXURY car, look else- ware.