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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  fun drive for low $$$ - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By cfe - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Traded Lexus RX300 for WRX & feel 20 yrs younger. Very fun w ample storage for activities. 9500 mi. Took time to learn power characteristics (weak low end). Rough throttle tip-in w somewhat lumpy power band. Superb traction & AWD system. Very tossable w some understeer (sedans have bigger rear sway bar than wagons). Likes being driven aggressively. Easily squirts though traffic. Stable & relatively quiet hiway cruiser (w16s, 17s noisier, rougher ride based on test drive). Some rattles but curable. Solid chassis. Stereo upgrade barely acceptable. Better mileage than expected. Exceptional paint. Would buy again. Great dealer experience.

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  Love My WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By tdubb - November 25 - 6:16 pm

  Without a doubt this is the most fun Ive ever had driving a car. The WRX is the ultimate driving machine for anyone. All I can say is go out today and buy one.

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  Subaru Outback AWD Best Vehicle Ever - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By mike07734 - November 25 - 3:28 am

  I purchased my Vehicle in June 2010. Its the 2011 Limited AWD 2.5 4Cylinder engine. Subaru Dealer has been the most attentive, most friendly, best ever Dealership I have ever delt with in my entire life of owning cars. Acceleration / power is great, car rides very smooth, very solid car, very quiet, comfortable, its tons of fun to drive especially in snow puts many other cars and 4x4s to shame plus I can average 31mpg due to the way the engine is so perfectly mated to that CVT. This is an exceptional vehicle inside and out, built quality remarkable, value is outstanding. Service from dealer on scale of 1-10 is an ELEVEN !! Outback is an extremely good vehicle.

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  TS- My Third Subaru - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By zoieee - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Im really enjoying this vehicle. Ive owned it for over a year now and I still find it fun to drive. That says a lot given the number of cars Ive owned over the years and the fact that this is, as my title indicates, my third Subaru (My wife drives a 98 Forester and expects to for quite some time). The car is "peppy", comes with most of the "necessary" accessories and still elicits comments from strangers at the gas pumps. The recognized safety features cannot be overlooked. ...a recommended vehicle

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  Outstanding Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SAGE - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Ouststanding.... The WRX is great to drive!!!!!!

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  Enjoyed vehicle during the last year - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By rcthompson04 - November 23 - 1:50 am

  I purchased the vehicle last September and have enjoyed it since. I have driven it in practically every kind of weather and it handles wonderfully on the freeway or on a windy rural road. I would highly recommend the Eyesight system and the weather package for the vehicle as well. The sound system is impressive as well.

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  Gravity-defying, unique and fun car - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By SR - November 22 - 3:50 pm

  Impreza is sort of a middle between focus and RAV4 and then it has a class by itself. The fuel economy could be better but it was a trade-off to AWD. What caught the eye first is the interior finished with better grade plastic, and chrome accents, leather wrapping are a nice capping. Fuel economy is ranged between 20-26 mpg pending on your driving style (go easy on that pedal and use some hyper-miling techniques). Interestingly the car looked like a lowered suspension version of Lexus 400h with Corolla-esque lights. I struggled between premium and sport, finally decided 17" + taller susp. > sunroof. Road noise is slightly higher to other cars I test drove.

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  Great car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Ro - November 22 - 10:46 am

  Had this car for over 2 years and have no regrets with my decision. Never owned a Subaru before, but I think I will from now on. Great in the snow, this car literally saved me from an accident several times. Had a Honda for 10 years, feel much safer in this car. Still love the interior, leather, heated seats, interior lighting. Back seat has adequate room. One review commented on the engine ping for several seconds when you first turn off. I addressed that with the service dept when first got the car, it is normal due to cooling down/environmental controls on this car.

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  Great Car - Sunroof= Still Good car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By GT818 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car, nicely manufactured and very fast. I love the braking and the speed put into this car, easily a good buy.

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  Joy to Drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By vchxxx - November 22 - 8:06 am

  I have 4000 on the odometer and this car is still a hoot to drive. Everything works well, except Tiptronic is a bit hesitant to upshift. AWD great with the turbo. Other two cars are a Lexus GS430 and Miata. My preference is still between the Miata and Subie. Love the looks of this car. Ride is firm but comfortable. Great car for the money.