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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  Piece of junk, NEVER again - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike Kelly - March 23 - 8:06 am

  This car seemed like a good purchase when my wife and I moved to a hilly location in NW NY. After putting on $600 snows it was only ok in the snow. Soon after, the car began excessively smoking and subaru of north america was absolutely no help at all. Apparently this is normal in these piece of garbage cars. Now with 120k on the car we have had problems with almost everything- right down to the clear coat starting to peel. I have had many subarus and they all had their problems but nothing near this. Never ever again will I go anywhere near this company and I have absolutely nothing good to say about them. It is unfortunate because I truly believed they produced a good product.

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  bestcarever - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By pan merm - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ever made after mercedes slk amg

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  Love my new Subaru Forester - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By pdxlover - March 22 - 10:24 am

  I have driven two Honda Accords with manual transmission for the past 10-15 years. I decided I wanted an automatic and a bigger car for safety. I was torn between the Mazda CX5 and this Suburu Forester. Both were great drives and great looking! One of the reasons I chose the Subaru is the EyeSight technology although I have to admit I thought it had the extra feature of letting me know when there was someone in my blind spot (a feature of the Mazda). When I got it, I realized it did not, but still preferred the power liftgate (not on the Mazda)and the peppier engine. I have no buyers remorse tho and love this car! (Plus my friends are jealous.)

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  Outback LTD Wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By neoneo22 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great overall. Only problem is that CD player fails to function 75% of time, have yet to replace it, however. Had an accident, and while the other car (a brand new mercury cougar) was totaled, this car didnt even have a scratch on it (no exaggeration)!! Very quiet and very comfortable.

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  2nd Subaru - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By coyoteboy - March 20 - 10:02 pm

  This was second Subaru, bought 4yrs ago with 85k now has 150k on it. Dependable car great in Ct. snow storms. Headgaskets, timing belts at 104k. for $1500..Now at 150k, clutch catalytic converter, and filler pipe to gas tank at $2000 for all. No one talks about the filler tube replacement they are plagued with, all Subarus. Our 1999 legacy Gt, My wife loved it, replaced the filler tube at 110k. She was hit head on, not a scratch. Replaced it with 98 Legacy Gt, Puuu, brakes completely went. Was due for emissions engine light came on, Filler tube. 3 out 3 no way. Last Subaru, shame , Forester is our last Subaru but is expensive to repair. Might as well own a Volvo. Its a Japanes Volvo.

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  Very Noisy and Missing Key Feature - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By BigAl - March 19 - 9:32 pm

  Outback has excessive win noise when travelling over 30 mph. Even though the windows and sunroof have been recycled many times, it seems like the windows are open a crack when going over 30 mph. With all the safety features, there is no option to have the doors automatically lock when the car is placed in gear or unlock when the car is in Park and ignition is turned off. A real turn off for me.

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  I guess it hit or miss with these cars! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cdhttlr - March 18 - 5:07 pm

  I bought my Crosstrek in August and since than have never been able to achieve anything near the EPA fuel mileage of 25 city/33 highway. Best ever was 30 highway and 22 city and its been slowly dropping since new. I now have 3800 miles on it and the last highway trip 100% highway other than 4 on/off ramps. cruise set on 63 the whole time was 26mpg. I struggle now to get 18mpg around town. I even removed the spare tire and jack and rear cargo and floor mats to reduce weight. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with it and is probably my driving. Really than why did every other car that Ive owned get better then advertised MPGs? A total of 12 cars total beaters to brand new.

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  Subaru Forester X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Agent_N - March 17 - 2:50 am

  I like my Subie! Where else can you get a vehicle that has all-wheel drive and gets better than 29 MPG with mostly highway driving? I have owned my Forester for 3/4 of a year now and have had no problems so far (I purchased it used with 32,000ish miles). It gets around better in bad weather than the Jeep Cherokee Sport that I had previously owned. The interior has some rattles and the materials arent the best, but what do you expect to get on a vehicle with all-wheel drive for $22,000 or so? Gas mileage has varied from 23 in very cold weather (mostly city) to 36 at 55 MPH. I dont have a lead foot so that helps :) I usually average 30MPG at 65-75 MPH. 70-80% highway & the rest city.

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  SAP - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By gsctht - March 16 - 10:15 pm

  Traded in our 10 Legacy that we loved for the ground clearance of the Outback, ordered June of 12 and received in July so a year now and have loved everything about it. Ride was sportier in the Legacy and it probably isnt of Audi or BMW quality..(Maybe better) We have taken several long trips very comfortably and on the Hwy can easily get the 30mpg promised avg hand calc over the last year is shy of 26 and we do in town driving. 2.5i strong enough for anyone unless you just love having the 6 cyl, live @ 4000ft and go down the hill all the time. Works great in the snow. Nav is good not great, large back up camera. Recommend to anyone, Great Value.

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  disappointed - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By sholescurtis - March 16 - 2:34 am

  Since this is my first Subaru, I feel I may not have a good understanding of what to expect. I am quite disappointed by the car after only having it about six weeks. I am barely getting 20 mpg, far less than advertised, and one of the major reasons I purchased this car. I do find the engine extremely loud and bothersome but again, this may be characteristic of a Subaru? I feel it definitely lacks power but I was willing to sacrifice that for decent mpg, which is why I am frustrated beyond belief. I would seriously reconsider purchasing another and yet I realize that anyone I know thats owned a Subaru, loves them.