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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  Love My First Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Tony - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased our first Subaru. We briefly considered buying an SUV but after test driving the Outback, we were hooked. We have been very satisfied with our choice. The Outback is perfect for northern climates and handles great on wet and snowy roads. The interior is very comfortable and the base model is packed with nice features like heated seats and mirrors. No matter what the weather is like outside, I look forward to getting behind the wheel.

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  forester 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By zoie - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my fouth Subaru, I like the Forester, it handles well, and overall is a great car. My milage is 26-27 mpg.

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  Great car, could be better on gas. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike Buchter - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is awesome, you cant really ask for more, but I do not like the fuel economy. I am only averaging about 17mpg and 20mpg on highway. Other than that there is nothing to complain about, you will be satisfied.

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  For an entry car, this one rules... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Bo Gus - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was deciding between the Mazda Protege5 and the Subaru Impreza 2.5 TS. After a month of going back and forth between two dealerships, I purchased the Impreza. Heres why: 1- AWD, 2-160hp (flat-four boxer purr), 3- higher stance, 4-more substantial feel to the vehicle, 5-1.8% financing for 60 months, and, 6-$800 below MSRP. Both cars are excellent, but I feel that the places where the MP5 excels are superficial. Things that are missing from the TS (but can be added later ;-) are as follows: no fog lights, no rear spoiler, 15 inch steel tires, poor cup holder design, sub-par radio and speakers, no light in rear cargo area.

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  Poseurs need not apply. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By cgroppi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been waiting for this car my whole life. If you would have told me even 5 years ago that I could buy a car for $30k that did 0-60 in well under 5 sec, had a top speed of 150mph, 300HP, 4WD with an active diff, 6spd tranny and handling on par with the best, I wouldnt have believed you. And it has 4 doors and a trunk? Better than 20 mpg? Ridiculous. This car is not for everyone. It is loud, with an extremely stiff ride. Maintenence is very expensive. It is also a bit scary. It has limits far beyond the abilities of all but professionally trained racing drivers.

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  Baby Tank - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - May 27 - 3:36 pm

  Excellent combination of style and practicalaty. Its surefooted as a mountain goat and always eager to please. I love the interior with all the nooks and crannies to store stuff. I counted 21 storage places, not to mention the places under the rear deck. Great visibility, and it pulls my pop-up camper with ease. The vehicle feels like it was poured out of a mold, instead of manufactured.

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  My first Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By eric - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Subaru because I wanted a reliable car, good gas mileage, and all wheel drive. I dont really know how reliable it is because Ive only had it a year. I got all that with this car except for a clunking noise thats coming from the brakes when you first start the car after its been sitting a while. I step on the brakes and it sounds like the calipers are stiff when they squeeze the brake pads.

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  Subaru fast and comfortable - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - May 25 - 2:29 pm

  I tried the Acura RDX infinity suv. Ford edge,honda crv

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  Youd be smart to own one - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gary - May 25 - 5:13 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru. Ask anyone whos owned one and you know why we come back - they dont "break in" until they hit 100,000 miles. I traded my 99 Forester for the 05 LLBean (Pacific blue = outstanding color) because I loved the body style, power & multiple upgrades inside & out. Safety wise, Im very happy with design and integrity plus side impact/curtain airbags which make this a car that rivals the overstated Volvo. Power is exceptional. Moving from the Forester, very capable/nimble ride w/165 horses, to 250 is unbelievable. It hugs turns better with no lean in turning & braking w/life saving acceleration. Also, Im getting up to 22 mpg on DC beltway driving which will improve.

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  My Suby - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By pea619 - May 25 - 4:50 am

  This is the greatest car I have purchased thus far. It is my 4th Subaru, I presently also have a 2006 325i, which I love, but this car is even better than it. It really has everything you could want - AWD, traction control and stability control(in the base model). What other car can give you all that and still be adorable, affordable and have the "cars that drive great after 300000 miles" Subaru name.