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 value - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By HDNVALLEY - April 15 - 6:06 pm

  After test driving most competitors, both import and domestic, the Outback had the best combination of price, ride quality and versatility. I really like its quiet ride and the smooth CVT transmission. It handles great in snow. Cold weather seems to reduce the fuel mileage more than I expected. So far Im getting 24-25 MPG with local and short trip driving. After 3200 miles an alignment is the only warranty service performed. The toe-in was off both front and rear and caused the car to wander a lot at 65-70 MPH. Overall Im quite pleased with the Outback.

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  Sporty, Fun to drive, Corners, Off Road - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By DesertRider - April 15 - 1:40 pm

  Owned for 1 month. Lots of fun to drive - corners like a sports car, gets decent mileage - and will climb like a 4WD vehicle. I tested it at the dealer on a nasty climb, and it shone. The responsiveness, compared to the Toyota RAV4, sold me. Gas mileage not as good as rated, but still decent. Averaging 20 - 21 with city driving. Its just plain fun to drive (even though its not the turbo) and I find I like it more, day by day. I wanted 1. Good gas mileage. 2. The ability to carry things/tow. 3. Off road capability. 4. Reliability. I cant speak to the reliability yet, and Ive been working too much to wander in the backcountry offroad - but on the other two counts, thus far, it delivers.

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  Best car on the road - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Byron Cancelmo - April 14 - 11:16 am

  I own a 2005 VW Touareg as well. Each vehicle has its own appeal. Comparing the two vehicles is like comparing Lexus to Mercedes. Lexus being the Subaru. Basically for the money you get everything you need and more. Each vehicle has its own technological features that sets each other apart. Bottom line, I am absolutely thrilled with my new Tribeca. Not only is it one of the nicest cars on the road, there is a sense of independence one feels when driving it around. They are not everywhere. I like it that way, its my little secret.

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  Awesome Deal - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By BlagoDave - April 14 - 10:33 am

  Great do-it-all vehicle, comfortable and quiet ride, loads of storage, good gas mileage, low price (compared to similar size cars), convenient features, AWD dependable traction. The new lines of the OB maintain the sleekness of the old OB while giving it a substantive feel. Some used to normal transmissions find the CVT odd, but the lack of jerk in moving from gear to gear is the way the driving experience ought to be. Some think the electronic parking brake weird. Like the CVT, new may seem strange, but once you get used to it, you may think, "That makes sense." Subaru has a reputation for quirky cars and devoted fans. If innovative is quirky, this car qualifies and created a new fan.

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  Like it more every day! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By JeffNColorado - April 14 - 1:23 am

  Very reluctantly traded my 100% trusty 2002 Toyota for this vehicle. Soon wondered why I had bought the Toy in the first place. This is our third Subaru, the last making it 81,000 miles with no repairs. This Outback is solid, sturdy, and fun to drive. I love the versatility of the wagon; so handy. Construction is excellent; no squeaks or rattles. Have to be patient with it on mountain roads - I just leave it in fourth. Beats my Dads BMW 330xi 4x4 in snow and steering hands down. Fit and finish excellent. Currently 2,642 miles. I drive a LOT on the highway, it is very adequate. Dont expect to pass unless its flat - engine gets wound up and sounds like an over-revved sewing machine.

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  Excellent! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By fannibal - April 13 - 11:45 pm

  Safety, visibility, AWD and transmission. These are 4 things which arent very sexy, but oh my goodness do I love them! Safety features are things which I rely on the IIHS and NHTSA to tell me if they are good or not. The visibility and transmission for this car is amazing. I commend the company for not going for sacrificing practicality in the name of design. The windows improves my mood so much! I absolutely love driving this car and being able to see the sky and everything around me! The transmission is also extremely responsive. The AWD is also awesome! performed wonderfully last winter.

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  In Love With A Car?? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Annette - April 13 - 8:46 pm

  Only 1072 miles on her so far but have nothing but raves for this vehicle. Traded a 2007 Pacifica that I really liked. However this car is much easier to park, wend my way thru traffic and put my groceries in.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By dg - April 12 - 11:10 pm

  Easily the most fun and capable car that I have ever owned. The fuel efficiency is amazing and the size works great for surfing, snowboarding, etc. I definitely recommend this car!

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  New Subaru Owner - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Mark - April 12 - 10:43 pm

  Ive owned Hondas and a VW in the past and am able to say my Subaru Wagon is a nice mix of both Hondas reliability and VWs style and handling. The acceleration in Sport mode is decent but what is most impressive is the excellent, smooth, quiet, luxurious ride and sharp handling. Its a fun car to drive and the build quality is evident.

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  Solid, sensible fun - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Ellen - April 11 - 11:20 pm

  Ive owned it for all of 72 hours but its my favorite Subaru ever (this is our third). Its nimble and surefooted in traffic, with impressive acceleration (I traded in a 98 Acura Integra so I know from fast). The interior, with its two-tone color scheme and silvery center dash panel, is much nicer than the dowdy plastic dullness of earlier Imprezas. The audio system that comes with the Special Edition Package is fabulous--though the satellite ratio sampler features a limited, boring selection. If you love the maneuverability of a small car but hate that vulnerable feeling you get from driving a teensy, tinny compact, put this on your short list.