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 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Josh - June 25 - 12:20 am

  This was my "realistic" dream car thanks to the FIA WRC. Ive had it for 2 years now and still love every second Im behind the wheel on it. The only problems Ive had with it are that the paint is kinda weak and a bulb in my headlight and two in my taillights have gone out. Engine wise, it hits 6,000rpms or more at least once a day and has done so happily. There is a very minor occasional squeak on really rough potholed roads but 99% of the time it is squeakless. Build quality is excellent. The AWD is fantastic. I would recommend this car to anyone that loves to drive.

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  A Great Small Car Value - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By rally_racer - June 23 - 6:36 am

  Great car for the money. Costs more than other small cars but when you include all the included options it is a bargain. AWD is a must, not only for winter, but makes a big difference in wet conditions. Reliability rock solid and outstanding resale value (previous Subaru owner). Apart from some complains by others, I like the suspension, just enough sport for this 46 year old guy and it soaks up bad pavement very well. Test drove a Civic and Mazda 3 and Illinois roads really did not like those 2 cars. I drive 90% suburban/rural driving (15 mile commute), but even with that short a commute I average about 25-26 from my 5 speed, which is the only way to go.

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  Traded my 04 Impreza for an 08 WRX - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By MP - June 22 - 1:30 am

  I had a 2004 Outback Sport (which I loved dearly) and was nervous about the new model given the bad press on the internet over looks & worse handling. I drove the WRX, came back to the dealer smiling, and lost all doubts -- its a great car. Like most Subarus its neither hideous or gorgeous -- a few years behind the competition in styling and execution -- but it is solid, versatile, hopefully as trouble-free as my 04 was. Yes, it is more softly sprung than my old car but honestly I dont miss the go-kart ride. This car does however have a bit more float in fast turns than my old car due to the softer springs - dont like that. Still sticks great, not a dealbreaker! Give the car a look.

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  2000 Legacy GT Limited - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By J. Meade - June 18 - 12:03 pm

  Quite a surprise for me to first drive this Subaru. I had a couple of older, less expensive Subys in the past. This one truly is a sports sedan that ranks with the Mazda 6, Jetta, Altima, and Accord. With the AWD feature youre one notch above these cars in bad weather. This car is very smooth without being mushy. Quiet and comfortable interior.

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  2008 Outback Sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Jeff - June 16 - 10:06 pm

  The 2008 OBS, as with the Impreza/WRX family, is substantially changed from 2007. Most of the major issues on the earlier models (interior quality, handling, braking, climate control, tires, etc.) have been addressed, mostly successfully. The 2008, IMO, is far closer to the ideal of a WRX w/o the turbo than past attempts. The OBSs ability to travel through rain/sleet/snow, etc. is superb. Still, its appeal will likely be limited to those who value 4wd and a sporty image over size, utility, and gas mileage.

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  Fancy new mom car for the win! (Im not a mom yet) - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Autumn Crossett - June 16 - 2:56 am

  Have had my 2017 Subaru Outback for a month. We call it Gandalf because he keeps me safe by beeping at me when I start to go out of my lane or theres an object in front of or behind me. Incredibly comfortable with limited road noise. Not a huge fan of the stereo but I think thats because the vehicle is so large.

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  Not quite on top, but FAR from the bottom - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By PCtechGUY2003 - June 15 - 6:56 am

  Good all around car, but small things are lacking, or are just annoying. Dont like overdrive gear in it... it kicks into overdrive at 35 mph... which is the average speed I go (I live in the country... the physical speed limit of the roads here is 35 mph). When you let off the gas to coast, and then give it a little gas, the car jerks a little as it jumps back into the underdrive gears. Very annoying, but nothing actually wrong. Only does this at the 35 mph mark. Gas mileage isnt what I would like: 16-18 mpg. Would also like a few more horses under the hood. Dont get me wrong... this car is MUCH better than the 96 chevy lumina it replaced.

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  Ups and Downs - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jt51 - June 11 - 10:46 am

  Fail in love with car at first sight. Fun to drive, handles very well. Love the sound of the engine.

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  my Legacy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By okcutim - June 5 - 5:13 am

  Almost great car that needs some work. No need to say more, I more than like it but less than love it. A little more attention to a few issues and this car will deserve every penny spent on it.

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  2007 STI is a Very Nice Ride... - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By John - June 3 - 3:16 pm

  This is my second Subaru in 3 years, and I am sold on these cars. I had a 05 WRX wagon prior to this, and I loved it. This car however is in a whole nother league. Everything has been tightened up, and it handles like its on rails. Of course with handling you give up comfort, but who cares. For a bone stock car this thing is really fast. I can see why this thing hangs with M3s. Its no slouch.. The Brembo brakes are a huge improvement over my WRX. Mileage around town stinks, but on the freeway it is not bad (around 25 @ 80). Stereo stinks, but I have a double din nav that is going in shortly. Only complaint is the wing. Not a big fan. Plus, cops and idiots seem to be drawn to it.