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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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By wyattearp - February 19 - 2:46 am

  With just over 9,000 miles on the car I couldnt be happier. Fit and finish is on par with any car that I have seen. Subaru is know for its reliability and loyal customer following and I can honestly say that I am a believer. The car looks great and has all of the interior comforts that you would expect. Highway driving is sure footed with AWD and the interior is pleasantly quiet. The leather seats are plush but also durable enough to take outdoor activities without worries. Interior space is great especially in cargo area and front seats. Commuting mileage averages 27.5mpg in 60% hwy 40% city driving. Recent 700 mile road trip averaged 31 mpg.

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  Awsome car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By jdvozz72 - February 18 - 8:22 pm

  Love the car!

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  Family car for those born to drive - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By tauyeung - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Do your research and youll find out about the excellent crash test rating. However, the Legacy L is also fun to drive when you get the manual transmission. It is not a fast car, but it has the same mass-to-horsepower ratio as a MINI Cooper base model. The Legacy L only needs 87 octane gas instead of 91 octane gas, which saves you money as well. Its roomy enough to move 6 book shelves (one at a time), yet drives like a car. Take it to the snow (which I did) and AWD shines.

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  INCREDIBLE - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By FrknSexy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is an incredible car. I have been driving this for 2 months and truely believe it has been one of the best cars i have ever owned. I am a huge Porsche fan and this is WRX drives just like one its a GT2s little brother.

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  Great everyday car for anyone - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By FMak - February 16 - 3:20 pm

  Rock solid feel, handles like a BMW, cant beat the AWD in bad weather. Plenty of power for everyday use, engine has the nice Subaru Boxer growl. If you want to fly, opt for the Turbo. The mileage is accurate if you go easy, when driven hard expect 20-23 MPG, if you cruise on a daily basis,expect 2-4 MPG more.

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  Very safe car! - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Sandra R - February 16 - 7:12 am

  My husband and I are over 70. This is our second Crosstrek. I was having mobility issues. Im short. Hes tall, very tall. We both can get in and out of the Crosstrek with ease. We love the way it handles and the great gas mileage. We wrecked our first Crosstrek by hitting a deer on the four lane. The safety of the car is awesome. Although the car was totaled, we suffered no injuries. It is a very sporty car. We like that. Loving the Bluetooth feature.

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  Try adding a Bilge Blower Ull luv it ! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Trout Terminator - February 15 - 11:43 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru. They are great and will never leave you stranded, that is including the 1-800 help number. If you want a little more kick, add an inline bilge blower for 25 bucks...take out the air box near the fender and simply add the electric bilge blower with 220 cfm and feel the power increase in the mid range...its a kick in the pants and youll notice the difference immediately. Improves gas mileage too/slightly. Lots of good things to say about my Forester and prior Outback. Do yourself a favor and just buy a Subaru and youll be happy that you did...I love their safety and have seen them after accidents that would have stopped a train in its tracks. These are safe cars!

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  I cant stop driving it - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jimjln - February 14 - 11:30 pm

  An absolute blast to drive. I have the 5 speed automatic, it stays in sport mode all the time.

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  A True Winner - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By jmw14 - February 14 - 12:06 am

  An amazing vehicle for the price. Refined, and crisp styling that turns the eyes. The ride is amazingly smooth and quiet. Subarus best family vehicle in its line-up.

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  tads subie - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By tad - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun Ive evr had on wheels.