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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  Great car, way more fun than many others - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By MFK - August 23 - 3:46 pm

  I used to own a 1999 Legacy/Outback, I purchased this car (2005 Impreza Outback Sport) w/12000 miles and have found it to be a blast to drive. It was literally the car purchased by the little old lady (dealer put in a new clutch before putting it on the lot, I purchased Subaru warranty). Ironically, before I went Subaru in the beginning, I was driving V-8 Mustangs, the Impreza is way more fun, it is nimble, sure footed and safe and has great visibility. Compared to its peers it is an all weather handling beast without over steer, under steer or torque steer (an FWD plague). The other car I have access to is a 2006 Nissan Maxima...I never touch it.

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  Love it - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By gloria - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I gave up an eclipse spyder gts for this SUV I thought I am downgrading but to my amazement this is just as fun as a convertible, drives really good, love the sunroof actually better than a convertible because I could still enjoy the sun without messing up my hair. The interior is a lot better compared to CR-V, rogue, and rav4. I am a very satisfied owner. I still have to wait for winter to see well it does but from what I heard it works really good. Love it! And I will recommend it to my friends. Thanks to the wonderful staff at ganley wickliffe Ohio. I did not feel pressured and was very accommodating. More power to you guys. God bless.

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  Drive One! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By AZGirl - August 20 - 2:56 pm

  I test drove all the smaller SUV/Crossover vehicles. I was surprised at how expensive the Subaru was and almost passed it over. But, I test drove one in AZ mountains and felt like I was in a sports car. Its the perfect car for me. Large enough to tote 2 dogs and lots of stuff around, yet small enough to be responsive and fun to drive.

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  My Subbie - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By JerseyDan - August 20 - 6:56 am

  I love it with one exception. The heater. It is a cold winter and I cant seem to get enough warm air on my feet. It gets very warm from my belt up, but my feet are cold. I only have 3000 miles on it and I am going to have the dealer look at it. May be just an adjustment.

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  Best SUV for the buck! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Premium Forester - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I researched this purchase extensively. Its by far the best SUV for the $. Safety was my #1 priority. "Rear visibility" (a passive safety feature) is the best of any SUV on the market as is the drive-ability of this SUV (great turning radius). The new engine is great and the vehicle is affordable. The Premium w/All Weather Package is the best value (<$24k++). It packs all the most important and safety technology. It rides like a car and looks unique. Time will tell but so far it is proving to be a very wise purchase. I found each SUV I looked at had its pros / cons but in the final analysis of various data points it wasnt even close. I also get a lot of compliments on it.

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  13 years old and going strong - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Mike Fisher - August 19 - 8:09 am

  Really does great on bad roads and steering control is excellent. Visibility is also excellent. Like all Subaru Outbacks, excellent storage space very good seating space. With current estimated value about $4000, this cars average annual depreciation is little more than $1000 per year --- pretty remarkable. Only downside is that it has never been "great" in going uphill in the mountains (underpowered a bit).

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  Rugged, agile, attractive and a bargain - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By John - August 18 - 7:03 am

  We bought this car after a whole year of online research and test drives. Completely satisfied after a month of ownership. We needed a safe car for our 5-year-old twins, and the Legacy is definitely that. Its also a real pleasure to drive. The overall impression is that its extremely solid, but also very agile (not an easy combination). Steering is just about perfect -- responsive and precise. The engine is smooth and has good torque. Visibility is great. Simple, no hassle driving and parking. Interior design is very handsome and oozes quality. Not a large car, but big enough for a family of 4. Superior value for the money. Ill post again after driving in winter conditions.

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  In a heartbeat - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Tebester - August 16 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Subaru. From the beginning there have been no significant problems. The check engine light has come on a few times due to the gas cap not being tight. From time to time the gas gauge reading is off, but it pretty quickly resumes a normal reading. It gets 26 mph on the freeway doing 75. There have been no fit and finish problems. I avoid dealers like the plague. Change oil every 3000 miles myself and have replaced the filters when needed. I just love this car and wouldnt hesitate to buy another after the reliability Ive seen so far in almost four years.

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  Great value - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Sam - August 15 - 4:05 pm

  I have the 2016 Legacy 4cyl Limited for 5 months with ~3500 miles on it. Something to share for folks who might consider this car: 1) excellent road holding - it was very stable and handled turns smoothly in the mountain roads of Blue Ridge pkwy; 2) quiet cabin - first few weeks it sounded loud when starting up but after about 1000 miles break-in it is now very quiet; 3) fuel economy - from DC to NC 280 miles it was 35 MPG with 1/3 in heavy traffic; 4) Adaptive cruise control - rarely need to hit the gas or break, the car does it for you and automatically follows the car in front; 5) poor map operation - confusing and redundant; you need hit five times to "Go Home" everytime; my $100 Garmin just needs one hit; 6) no backup beeping but camera works just fine. Overall I give this car a four and half star.

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  Very Dependable and Fun to Drive! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By clickworthy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  As a former owner of a Jeep Cherokee for 7 years, I have been in heaven with my Forester. It takes curves very well and grips the road very well. Very small blind spots. Steering wheel feels comfortable and the electric windows and mirrors work well. Side air bags and good crash test rating are reassuring. I can honestly say I enjoy driving to work in the morning.