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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  A Car to Care for You - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By SubaruSue - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Outback Limited is the fourth Subaru Ive owned. Built to last, they handle superbly in any weather. The ride is smooth and comfortable, overall fit/finish superior. Subarus dealerships have improved in customer service significantly in the last five years; Im now more satifisfied with my Subaru dealer than with the local BMW dealer Ive dealt with.

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  great all around vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mcbrunl - October 8 - 8:46 am

  This is our first AWD vehicle. We did a lot of research via web/word of mouth and were led to the Subaru Forester. We were not disappointed, it has performed in a very admirable manner since we got it. The ride is very comfortable, the gas mileage is very decent (around 24mpg). the handling is exceptional. We did have a couple of body discrepancies that came with the car, but dealership rectified them promptly. We are totally content with this vehicle at this time.

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  Heating issue - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Arnab - October 8 - 6:13 am

  Got a 2.5i Premium model. Its nice but the engine heat stays long after the drive (30 miles). It was hot under the engine cover for 3-4hrs. Coolant level was OK.

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  Solid and Fun - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By subie - October 7 - 10:00 am

  After 5 months of ownership the car already has 12500 miles. Love it. The car is quick to heat up on the cold mornings and faster to cool on the hot sunny days. I thought the MPG would be less than 27 highway, 21 city, but the 3.0 engine is definitely the way to go. Test drove everything from sedans to minivans and found the LL Bean to be the right choice for space, power, safety and fun. I know the reviews talk about the wind noise, but between the Passet, Camery, Sienna, Odessy, Saturn Vue and L series and BMW 3 series, I feel the Subura Outback LL Bean is the quietest on and off the road.

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  Ooh ooh got my first Subaru - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Average Joe - October 7 - 1:09 am

  It was time for a replacement for my Jetta TDI. Living in New England it is four wheel drive or walk home. I am a retired businessman living on a fixed income so getting the best value is important. I narrowed the search to a Kia Sorento and the Forester. Both were impressive on the test drives with the Forester edging out the win by being tighter and quieter. The layout of the cockpit was better in the Forester and I was able locate and understand marginally better. Once I began driving I became more impressed with all of the aspects of the Forester. It does things for me like; reminding me to stay in my lane, put my brakes on to slow properly, eyes in the back of my head with the camera. It is not going to win a drag race but I can merge into traffic with no problem. Bottom line is, It feels solid and drives the miles in an honest and straightforward way. I am actually looking forward to snow season this year.

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  I look to forward to my commute - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike Ward - October 4 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased the vehicle loaded with almost every available option because I considered it an excellent value. After three weeks, I still feel that way. My only concern about driving it is that I will start collecting traffic tickets for speeding, as this rig just wants to go fast. I purchased the car less than a week after I initially drove it. The reason I was interested is that my wife drives a Forrester XT, and I have enjoyed it so much that I wanted a Subaru with a turbo for myself.

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  Owner, Driver - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By frontierman - October 4 - 10:00 am

  It is agreat little sport UV. Great gas mileage ,excellent ride and handling. Brakes are excellent, reliability is superior to most vehicles.

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  Fourth Subaru.... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Kevin - October 3 - 10:03 pm

  I am the previous owner of a 77 awd wagon that I logged 300k on and a Legacy GT 02 and an Outback Legacy. I like this Sub the best except one thing. There is a small rattle coming from the rear hatch area that the dealer cannot fix after multiple visits. Just going to live with it. Car handles great and yes, its worth more now than what I owe and I put nothing down! Really holds its value well. Fast enough for me with 168hp 4 cylinder and cruises easily with the automatic transmission. For those getting sub-par gas mileage ... change the air-filter+ oil frequently and use Chevron gas additive Techroline Plus. It makes a BIG difference. Was 20-22 now 25- 26mpg. I know this car will hold up for 300k.

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  ALMOST A TEN.... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By kevus - October 3 - 5:33 pm

  Our 1st new car... we got the GT sedan, and really love the car. ALOT of power and still has tether anchors for our toddlers car seat. Premium fuel only means the gas bill is a little high, and honestly the fuel economy is not that great, but I love the power it has, and the fun to drive factor makes up for the thirsty engine.

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  No complaints. Whaaaat? - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Rusty Castleman - October 3 - 5:53 am

  As an engineer, I expect a lot from a vehicle and am hard to please. We traded a Volvo XC-90 which I never liked because so much about it "doesnt make sense." So far, Ive not uttered that phrase a single time about our Outback. Engine is very smooth and quiet, ride is great, very quiet inside and well appointed. The Eyesight system is phenomenal! The adaptive cruise control is amazing; works so well that in stop-and-go traffic the car will drive itself almost - you only need to lightly touch the accelerator to make it move once it stops. Fuel mileage is great at 33 mpg on the highway. With the 4 cyl engine and CVT transmission, it is a little sluggish at slow speeds, but (thoughtfully) you need only to shift down with the paddle shifter for the extra power you need - as soon as you let off the gas, it shifts right back into Drive. Of course you can move the shifter to M to shift manually. The only thing I find lacking is the navigation system, which like every one Ive ever seen is hopelessly outdated from day one. (Why dont they just link to Google Maps and be done with it?) Other than that, its everything we hoped for.