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 Performance Sedan - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Berkrceway - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Impreza WRX with the automatic transmission is a total joy to drive. Confidence inspiring with the all wheel drive. There is turbo lag below 3000 rpm. However, the engine has more than enough power to move along smoothly in rush hour type traffic. When the turbo kicks in, the car really gets up and goes. Great handling. Car design is practical, what with four doors and a reasonable sized trunk.

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  Amazing - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JBandit - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive. Beautiful inside and out. For the car enthusiast, you can add on nearly 100 horsepower with only a few mods. Fast, yet safe, all wheel drive gives complete control of the road. Manual transmission is a thrill. I would never consider buying any other car at the same price level. A terrific buy.

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  Subaru is fun to drive - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By matt saxon - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This has been without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. It has everything anyone could want living in the midwest or any snow belt area. It rides very well, and feels comfortable, for a rugid vehical. The McIntosh audio system is a fabulous feature. Looks, performance and comfort/safety. Its well rounded and complete.

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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By teamtoner - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Subaru but it will not be our last. We moved from a Honda mini-van - what a difference in handling, comfort and safety (we can actually see behind us when backing up. We could not be happier!

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  CANT BEAT IT ! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By ROB - June 10 - 2:00 am

  WE TRADED A LINCLON NAVAGATOR FOR OUR NEW OUTBACK WHAT A RIDE ! THIS OUTBACK BELIEVE IT OR NOT GIVES A MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE RIDE THAN THE NAVAGATOR. I REALLY ENJOY FILLING THE GAS TANK WITH A $20 AND NOT A $50. THIS ALL WHEEL DRIVE IS THE GREATEST.

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  Best Bang for Buck! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Feilo - June 10 - 1:30 am

  The OB has always been on my shortlist of cars through the years and I finally went for it when it came time to part with my (much loved and performance tuned) Passat wagon. The 2.5i is very well matched with the 5MT and I am enjoying true motoring again! Also appreciating AWD for the first time in the snow we have been having here in the Midwest. After ~6000 miles, fuel consumption has been reasonable - averaging ~26 mpg overall in 70/30 highway/urban driving, and have been trouble free. Had to upgrade the rear sway bar and tires to get handling to what I would like but then, thats not for everybody. Fit and finish is OK for what I paid for it. All in all, I am really happy with my 2.5i!

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  The best hybrid of Sedan, Wagon and SUV - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By CCJW - June 9 - 7:23 pm

  Even when Turbo kicks in, the noise level of the cabin is still rather low, but you will hear wind rush through roof racks. Cargo space is plenty with hidden storage rooms arranged nicely, however interior space of front seats somehow feels small comparing to our 2000 Prelude. Body lean is there but the car still feels confident with small hint of RWD like. My wife and I had tested drive other European wagons in the same price range ($30K - $33K) and this OB XT Ltd easily beats them all (V50 T5 AWD, Audi A4 1.8t and Passat AWD) in all areas. We both have been a big VTEC fan for 6 years in 4 different models but the fun factor out from this turbo engine has totally changed our belief.

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  Impreza1 - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By mike310 - June 9 - 4:36 pm

  We got the 2008 hatchback and have 1700 miles on it. Handling and comfort are excellent, its really fun to drive. Performance getting better every day as the engine gets broken in. Used it in some deep snow, traction is great, it climbs steep snow covered roads with ease. So far the mileage is the only gripe. Getting about 20 around town and 26 - 27 on the highway. Hope it gets better when it fully broken in and the weather warms up. Excellent car, we had 2 Legacys before but the new Impreza is roomier than the old model. Id buy another.

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  Love it! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jcbasser - June 9 - 1:16 am

  Hello, Love the car. We purchased the car with 41 miles. I love the feel of the leather and the seats are very comfortable. The dual zone AC is great because I run hot so I always need the AC on. We just took the car on a long road trip with lots of hills and open roads. We averaged 31.5 MPG. Great! Around town I am at about 24 mpg. The fit and finish is great. No squeaks or rattles. My car does not have any vibrations others have noted. My other car is a 2004 Mazda 6 wagon which I also love. However, the finish, stereo, ride, of the outback is great. the power is less then the Mazda, but the Mazda averages only 19 MPG.

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  My favorite car Ive ever driven - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By nightspun - June 8 - 7:36 am

  We were the first people in our state to own a Tribeca. This is the 2nd Subaru we have owned, and are duly impressed with both models (the other was a Forester - owned for just under six years). My husband and I wanted to switch to a slightly larger vehicle to accommodate our needs as we now have a son. The Tribeca met or exceeded all of our expectations on every item other than the gas mileage and some visibility issues while driving. Generally it seems we dont get over 18 per gallon and much of the time it is less. As we dont drive the car as much as some people, it affects our petrol bills less.