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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  Stealth Wagon!!! Glad I waited for 04. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SeaBiscuit - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Glad I waited for the 04s - redesign is stunning with mucho BIGGER scoop, sexier front end and rear tailights, interior ceiling is upgraded (was cheepy in the 03), headrest/seat is combined (cool), seats are more bolstered with improved fabric, Tach in CENTER with silver edgings around gauges, paid $1,100 for aftermarket sunroof (love it). Car handles beyond my expectations. Look forward to my commute now and constantly look for other WRXers.

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  Go Baby Go - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Impreza Fan - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best I ever drove. I really loved the Preformance. It is amazing for a car at this price. If "you" ever get a chance to dirve one, dont hesitate. It might just be the best experiance "you" will ever have driving a car.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Jim - July 29 - 2:46 am

  This is our familys third Subbie, and still impressed. My WRX is more fun to drive, has great performance, handling and fuel mileage. A perfect car for Western PA driving. Love the interior and refinements of climate control, sun roof, heated leather sport seats. And the awesome WR Blue color. Super Fun Car.

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  Love it! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Alice Kiepura - July 28 - 9:32 pm

  I really enjoy our Outback. It is easy to get in and out. Easy to back up. And easy to drive, it holds the road and has pick-up when needed.

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  Driving is fun again - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Mhowell - July 27 - 10:36 am

  This car is awesome. I actually enjoy driving again. The acceleration is breathtaking. Riding in this car is fun, driving it is an experience. I left a beloved (underpowered) Camry for this car, and I will never look back. If only the gas mileage was better, but then I dont drive this car for economy!

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  From Mini to this - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Matthew Golland - July 27 - 2:23 am

  Big, agile, but a little slow with 2.5. Not bad thou.

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  Satisfied - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jonn - July 26 - 10:26 pm

  The engine is very responsive. the ride is very soft and comfortable. I can feel the traction cruising at curves.

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  Great but not enough storage - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Jane - July 26 - 5:33 am

  I love this car. The smooth ride, styling, sunroof, equipment, cargo space, tinted rear windows and gas mileage. My last car only used premium and got 13 mpg. I haul tools, ladders, dogs and people. With plenty of room. However, the glove box is small and the center armrest doesnt hold much stuff. It could definitely use more storage cubbys for little objects. I have no place to store my CDs. My last Subaru had over 100K with no problem!

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  Your going to love driving this car! - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By S.D. Jones - July 25 - 8:30 pm

  Was looking for a fast sporty car that had the flexibility to put the family in when needed. Meet the WRX. Faster than most of my buddies cars and the back seat has ample room for 2, 6 foot adults. The car is a blast to drive. The driver experience from handling, visibility & ergonomics is great. Upgraded infotainment features are better than previous models but still lacking. The standard radio has poor sound quality. Must set the equalizer to get decent sound. Everything is at your fingertips. The interior is upgraded from years past. The graphite accents are a step above previous models. The exterior has an aggressive look. The graphite wheel package (premium) really makes the car pop. Just drive the car & you will love its get up & go youthful vibe. The twin duel exhaust and engine roar complement the overall experience. @ 28k for a premium model, you get a lot of car for the money. Wind & road noise is not great. Typical Subaru, but you have to concede in some areas if you want to stay under 30. Trunk space is decent for this type of car. They do suggest premium gasoline. Id put it on your list to test drive if your looking for a car in this segment. I looked at Ford & VW, but chose another Subaru based on past experience and overall value. Plus its a blast to drive.

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  Very Reliable Subaru - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Big M - July 25 - 4:53 am

  I bought my Subaru after test driving it in the snow and loving the way it handled. I currently have 150k on the car and it runs perfect. I will buy another Subaru again based on this experience.