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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  2004 Forester X - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Neal - April 29 - 12:13 am

  The Forester X is a wonderfully affordable, versatile everyday driver that is fun to drive. The gas mileage beats almost any other SUV, with the trade off being less power. If power is important, get the XT version. I took this car into foot-deep snow here without snow tires or chains and the X just plowed through it as stable and positive as you could want it. The handling is superb. What I really liked about this car was the price - for what you get, they practically give it away. With rear seats folded down, it handled 2 adults and their luggage for a vacation just fine. With a pet barrier, it takes my 70-lb. dog everywhere. In a nutshell: practical, reliable, versatile, fun, cheap.

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  First Subaru Purchase - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Outbackbeliever - April 28 - 12:00 pm

  Well after putting 3000 miles on in one month of ownership, heres my initial opinion. Car has been really fun to drive, decent power and good fuel economy (avg 29 in mostly hwy with the AC). AC does take a bit of power away, but hey, its a 4cyl engine. Overall Im happy.

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  Best car for a decade - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By David - April 27 - 1:53 am

  My 1998 Forester, bought new in the 1st model year, has been the best of many cars Ive owned since the 60s. I have just traded the car at 120K miles, facing a big $$ repair, but nothing you wouldnt expect to wear out after 10yrs/100K+ miles. Overall, my Forester has been incredibly reliable and great to drive in our "bad" Northeastern weather. Ive set out on long drives at night with total confidence, in all seasons. After this experience, Id find it hard to part with the AWD. Looking forward to my new 09 Forester.

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  Sold on Subaru for Life - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By kcan - April 25 - 5:03 am

  Spent around a year researching a new car. This was the perfect fit for what I wanted. It fits all of my practical needs but retains a lot of personality on the road. The AWD system is amazing. This car never loses its composure. The car drives through rain and snow without losing a beat. Then handling is also fantastic, without beating the passengers senseless. Getting about 25 mpg on average w/ a majority of city driving. Inside, the seats are firm and supportive, but comfy. The Harmon Kardon speakers sound great. I have no regrets on my purchase. Compared to Nissan Altima, Volvo S40, VW Passat, and Saab 9-3, this blew them all away. Ill probably be buying Subarus for a long time to come.

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  Safety and 7 passengers at a value price - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Nick - April 23 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a Tribeca because its the smallest and cheapest seven passenger vehicle with a perfect safety rating from both the federal government and IIHS. Its easy to drive and handles well on city streets, freeways, and winding mountain roads. Engine power and acceleration are more than adequate, although its certainly no sports car. Weve never taken it off road but the ride quality is good on rough pavement. The interior is comfortable on long trips. Climate controls are easy to use. The second row seat is wide enough to actually hold three people in reasonable comfort. Overall I am very happy with the Tribeca. Theres nothing else which gives you so many features at the same price.

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  Lots of extras - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dick Cheney - April 21 - 1:17 am

  Combination of tech, audio, comfort and safety features makes this a great car for the price.

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  Very happy... - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - April 13 - 4:40 pm

  Purchased two years ago, drive ~15,000 miles a year. Do mostly highway driving and average 26mpg. Zero maintenance issues so far. Very happy with the purchase, has certainly proven herself sure footed in all weather conditions. In fact I bought a 2009 Legacy for my wife a year later.

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  Great Toy! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By ASR - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  This car, with the turbo, has great acceleration. I drove both models and the turbo is a fun car to drive. The features I have are leather, AM/FM/6 CD entertainment, auto dimming mirror and compass, dual front airbags and side curtain airbags. The instrumentation layout is satisfactory and is ergonomically pleasing. The second row riders have room; I am 6 feet tall and had no problem getting in with the front seats at a reasonable set up for a driver. The only question you can ask yourself is about the over the shoulder seatbelt for the middle passenger. It can be somewhat difficult to use and has a tendency to curl. You really can push this car and have a ton of fun doing it!

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  After 3350 miles - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Marvinlee - April 12 - 11:13 am

  There is too much front-suspension tire road noise. The car is otherwise mostly quiet. The 3.6R engine vibrates noticeably at idle, smooths out in normal driving, then is harsh and noisy at high RPM. The auto transmission lacks a sixth gear. The center-section data display is too dim in bright daylight and the numbers are too small. Air conditioning is OK thus far, but noisy at high fan settings. The steering wheel should tilt down further, and telescope more. The radio is excellent but lacks the desirable speed-volume feature of the cheaper standard radio. The all wheel drive proved stable and safe on a very poor mountain road.

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  Rattle trap - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Dale - April 12 - 10:13 am

  Should have know better as my 06 Forester rattled from the day I drove it off the lot. Within a month the 2010 Forrester passenger side door started to rattle and then the drivers side door. Dealer cant find the source. Its now to the point where I feel like Im driving a popcorn popper. The vehicle gets good mileage, handles well, has great utility and is great in Vermont winters but the rattling takes the fun out of driving it. Im going to start a "Share the Hate Campaign" on You Tube! Id look at Honda or Toyota even though a little more costly than the Subaru. I contacted Subaru Corporate and their response was "Contact your dealer." No responsibility. They just build them!!