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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  Love my WRX! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By David1 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is excellent given that its a turbocharged 4 - ride quality is first rate - handles well when you push it, but is comfortable as a daily driver. And you just cant beat AWD in the rain/mud/snow!

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  Fun! Fun!! Fun!!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By skiwee - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Baja has proven itself in several snowstorms in the Northeast. (Changed Bridgestones to Dunlop Wintersport M2 tires.)Unstoppable, reliable, great handling and ride. Only positive comments from onlookers, so far.

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  great car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By hodge - July 27 - 2:00 am

  sold my 93 jeep grand cherokee with all extras and bought the forester. the suburu is far superior in every respect except for interior size. my next car will be another suburu in about 10 years.

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  This is one awesome car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mike A. - July 26 - 11:32 pm

  My 2016 Outback 2.5 Limited now has 2600+ miles on it with 2000 put on during a round trip to St. Louis and back. I love this car already. Its very roomy and comfortable, handles well, has plenty of acceleration (especially considering its a 2.5 liter four cylinder), gets 33+ mpg on the highway, and in every way so far, has exceeded my expectations. The sound system is plain awesome, and the safety features just outstanding. While traveling on an interstate doing about 65, a car suddenly switched lanes and cut in front of me. The Outbacks Eye Sight system detected the treat and automatically applied the brakes and slowed me down. I cant speak to its reliability yet, but expect it to be very good based on Subarus history. I have several minor complaints...both the clock and the outside temperature display are on an information "strip" on the lower part of the dash, and are quite small and can be difficult to find quickly. The manual(s) have a ton of information in them, but can be tricky and a bit difficult to use 1) because of how they are organized, and 2) because the writers first language was clearly not English. I think Subaru could have done better in both areas. Overall, the car is fantastic and I am very pleased that I opted for the Subaru. In my opinion, it offers great value, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone considering it.

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  Excellent 99 Forester Keeps on Humming - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By TNC2005 - July 26 - 9:23 pm

  Bought this car as a family car when moving up north to snow country between the Catskills and Adirondacks. Has always performed to expectations. With the right tires -- the original Yoko Geolanders, or the replacement Goodyear Triple Treads -- it grips exceptionally well, handles nimbly, accelerates smoothly and rapidly. My mechanics say its got the bones to reach over 300,000 miles. So far, w/ 119K miles, its on the 4th set of tires and its only needed regularly scheduled maintenance. Still looks and drives like a new car. Unless some dealer comes out with a similar SUV wagon that gets >33 MPG, this car will be maintained and driven as long as possible -- hopefully 14 more years.

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  Excellent fun! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By JimHinCO - July 25 - 1:10 am

  I simply love everything about the car. Amazingly fun to drive, excellent performance, luxurious, unique, safe, and the envy of so many friends. I have a slight buzz from the sun roof from time to time, and I do wish it would have come in a color worthy of its flashiness...but amazing none-the-less.

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  The Blue Pearl - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Tim from Portland - July 25 - 12:39 am

  Stayed with a Subaru. This is our 4th Subie in 15 yers. 1st one retired after 250000 miles. 2nd one (Outback 07)was totaled by a hit and run We lurched this on for all of the safety improvements.

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  Get Back to the Drawing Boards - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By sfsailman - July 24 - 8:46 pm

  What a dog this car is. Funny looking side panels, what are those about. Ever try to transport a dog in the back? No ventilation = unhappy pet. Cup holders are useless since they are too far back. And the thing auto shifts at the strangest times. Now it sounds like its blowing its nose around 1500 RPMs. Im going back to Toyota where I should have stayed. Give me back my Tacoma, please.

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  Great Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Carol Bertanza - July 24 - 7:00 am

  I owned a Toyota Highlander. I have a very bad lumbar problem. The seats were to short in the highlander for leg support. My Forester seats are great. Everything about my Forester is great. Fun to drive, the sun-roof is so big its like having a convertible when open. Most important VERY COMFORTABLE - cant say enough GREAT things about this car. Best I have ever owned!

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  LOOOOOOOOOOVE this car! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By shaina0707 - July 24 - 5:55 am

  Ive only had my Crosstrek about 3 weeks now and Ive put about 700 miles on it. I drive a mix of city and highway and have been averaging 28.8-29.1. My mom bought one a month before me and she drives only city in a busy shopping area, so she is not the most fuel-efficient driver (quick starts/stops). I absolutely LOVE this car - it handles so well, feels so secure and solid on the road, very comfortable, has all the conveniences I need (heated seats, rearview camera, HD radio, etc), and on top of that both my mom and I get compliments (esp the wheels) wherever we go! I love driving this car and am excited for the AWD in winter - this drives much better than my RAV4, glad I switched to Sub!