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:
Showing 1671 through 1680 of 7,752.00-
Very pleased first time buyer! - 2010 Subaru Forester
By Faltsan - October 19 - 11:40 amI traded in my 05 Corolla on 12/29/09 to get the 10 Forester as we had moved to Madison WI and I could no longer stand getting stuck in the snow with the Corolla and needing to be pushed out. I chose the Forester over the RAV4 (even before the recall issues) and the CR-V because of Subarus outstanding safety ratings and superior AWD system. It has been absolutely terrific in the snow and foul weather which is the main reason why I bought it. I am a bit disappointed in the gas mileage which has been ranging from 16-18 for city driving. We got 21 when we drove on the hwy. I am hopeful the mileage will improve when the weather gets warmer. The poor quality stereo is my biggest pet peeve!
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Vehicle stops with no warning - 1999 Subaru Forester
By Misty - October 19 - 4:26 amI love the handling and ease of the vehicle. Approximately 6 months ago the vehicle completely stopped on me on an interstate. This has happened quite frequently and the service department cannot figure why. I was told to drive the vehicle until it dies so that they can determine the cause. I feel this is a safety issue and Subaru does not want to help. Dont expect help from Subaru headquarters or the Farrish Subaru dealership in Fairfax, VA. I love the vehicle but will never buy another one.
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Subaru Crosstrek XV - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Erin Wallace - October 17 - 10:44 amI love this car. Its more handleable than the 2005 Subaru Outback Legacy it replaced for us. Its solid and quick. Acceleration is a little hesitant, surprisingly, but it has been really cold here since we purchased it. The only truly disappointing thing has been that the heater is noisy enough that we have to raise our voices to hear each other and/or the radio when it is on high. That seems like a ridiculous problem that could have been engineered differently. Otherwise, we are in love.
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Good Car except for a few details. - 2013 Subaru Impreza
By mossman11 - October 17 - 8:47 amHave a 13 Limited Sedan, and agree with others here that the Stereo and Tires are two weak spots. Replaced both on mine, along with the speakers, and the car rides quieter and I enjoy my aftermarket Eclipse unit with NAV after using it in my last car and transferring it over to the Subaru. Otherwise, mine is well made and has no rattles after 8,000 miles. The paint is holding up, no stone chips. A/C good, plenty of heat and the heated seats are a nice feature. The leather, while not luxurious, appears very durable.
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Needs refinement- but I love mine! - 2001 Subaru Impreza
By John B - October 17 - 2:00 amI bought this car new, and have put 47,000 miles on it in 2 1/2 years. The clutch was replaced under warranty at 30,000 miles for chattering, particularly when cold (~30-40 degrees). Im about to replace it again, but at my own cost. The gearing is very low, making the car very responsive to gas pedal movement, but very jerky in traffic. One more gripe: the rear seat doesnt fold down. That being said, its a blast to drive, and all wheel drive gives excellent traction, regardless of weather conditions. Despite my complaints, my next car will be another Subaru. You cant beat the value.
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Like the All-Wheel Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
By Dave D. - October 17 - 2:00 amIve never owned an all-wheel drive vehicle before. The first trip we took after purchasing the car it snowed 7 inches. The all-wheel drive feature was great. Other vehicles we passed had traction problems. The vehicle also has surprising acceleration when passing on a two lane road.
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Im Happy with it, but... - 2000 Subaru Legacy
By JRes - October 14 - 8:23 pmI bought this car new and it has had its problems. I like the ride and the power is good although I agree that the engine runs too fast at higher speeds. This car could use a better gearing spread or a sixth gear. Heres the list of the cars problems: bad electrical harness, replaced under warranty; leaking sunroofs replaced under warranty 2 times, broken front swaybar, not under warranty; rear sunroof shade wont move in its track, not under warranty, and I have just started to notice a steering shimmy that does not bode well.
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Great Wagon! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
By jsrwcase - October 12 - 10:00 amI have had this wagon for over a year with no issues, other then thin metal and easily scatched paint. The 2.5L engine is great in the city and is very smooth on the highway. Not as fast as a WRX, but for the $ I would say you cannot find a better deal!
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JUST PLAIN FUN! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
By RANMAN - October 10 - 3:26 pmJust traded in my Mustang GT to get my new STi. Spent the better part of the last 4 years scrounging around to get parts that would speed up the Stang. Such a relief to buy a car with everything you need straight out the dealership. Made with quality parts that are made to last. Unlike the Mustang which consists of parts that are made to replace. Must admit, my STi was modified, but I had visited other STis before I found the one I purchased and was impressed with them all. Could not drive to 7-11 without being "tested" by a Honda tuner in the Stang. SERIOUSLY. Interesting, that imports now drive by me in the STi without even revving their engines. THATS what I call RESPECT!
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Problems - 2002 Subaru Impreza
By TS - October 9 - 8:06 amHave had the following problems with my Impreza: 1) Engine Hesitation 2) Intermittent Starting Hesitation 3) Intermittent backfiring from underneath vehicle (sounds like someone threw an empty tin can out the window) SOA unable to fix problems
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