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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  Legacy Keeps Getting Better - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By LegacyFan - July 24 - 11:00 pm

  This is my 4th Legacy, and by far the best one yet. The new Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade rocks, and the car is so much value for the money! It feels solid and tight in any conditions, handles amazingly (the test drive will make you buy this car!) and when you look at the sticker price compared to similar European makes costing much more, it makes you feel smart and lucky. Wish it had Bluetooth, love the new music and cruise control buttons on the wheel, would like more ambient lighting inside (which the Germans do to great effect). Elegant but not fussy, this car is comfortable, fun, sporty and luxurious all at the same time. Simplicity of design still works and defines a nice car.

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  A car not pass up - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By zenith13 - July 24 - 1:16 pm

  This is my first Subaru. Coming from a celica, and with this car being made jointly by Toyota and Subaru, I felt close to home. The engineers nailed it on this one - the 200hp to weight ratio is perfect and the handling is great. I had a problem with the nav system twice and had to take it to the dealer and have it replaced, but other then that it is a great car to drive and a car that a car enthusiast should not pass up.

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  Forester 2.5 X - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Peter - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  Have had several Subarus over the years as I live in snowbelt country. Car gets you there with its AWD. Have had very few problems in the past, thus the purchase of a new Forester. I didnt need all the frills so I got the plain X model, but it has all the stuff I need. Great so far.

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  Best Subaru Yet - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Fastmover - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Subaru Outback. This car is built so well, no problems, always reliable. I love the handling, the feel of the steering, great brakes, wonderful amenities. I highly recommend this car. This car is refined enough to take to the city for the latest opera, yet tough enough to cross steams and go where I really waant to take it.

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  Subaru Outback Ltd by NoNickYet - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nonickyet - July 19 - 4:56 pm

  I love the Transmission. The ability to go from automatic to electronic shift is great. The standard 4 cyl engine is powerfull enough to get you in and out of tight traffic situations. It rides and handels well. My only complaint would be the cabin area is a little tight.

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  Four-Channel ABS - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By era174 - July 18 - 11:33 am

  This is my first all wheel drive car. i thought AWD is better in bad weather (snow, black ice, wet roads). Some experts at Edmunds Subaru forums pointed out SNOW TIRES are a key factor, not AWD. Of course, AWD with SNOW TIRES are better, but AWD alone doesnt help that much in bad weather. My salesperson showed me the four-channel ABS under the hood. Its much better than normal three or two-channel ABS found on almost every front wheel drive vehicles.

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  Not much slower than my STI - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Martin - July 16 - 11:23 pm

  I traded my 2008 STI on this vehicle. I was impressed by its performance and the quality of the design. I share this car with my wife and she loves this car.

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  New to AWD - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Kevin - July 16 - 8:20 am

  Bought a Subaru because I drive way to much for a lease. I got a slightly used (Dealer Demo) 07 2.5i 4EAT w/sport shifter. Excellent value for the size of car. Gas miles are good, power is good and looks are stunning. Nobody know what you are driving. Lots of extras for these cars. Mostly Turbo related but items can be found for the 2.5i (non-turbo).

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  Great car, Awesome Harman Kardon audio! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Steve B - July 16 - 5:20 am

  Replaced a Honda CR-V, was a very good decision for us. The Outback is roomier, more versatile, has better features for the money. So far, we are very pleased with the decision. CVT took some getting used to - the wind up/wind down is not something I have experienced before. Resulting gas mileage is a reasonable trade off. We thought about getting the V- 6 - glad we did not.

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  best "car" so far!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By zpsbob - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Needed to replace one of our company vehicles.. needed pickup function and ability to handle 4 real adults. This little guy does it all!! Not many choices in this category... Avalanche is too big/expensive/gas hog... Explorer Sport Trac is ugly as sin, thirsy also, plus didnt care for the ride. This vehicle is loaded as standard eq: power windows, locks, cruise ,tilt, air, CD, sunroof, etc. I opted for the Sprot because I didnt want the standard leather seats (personal preference) and the cloth seats are excellent on long trips!! Look hard and find one with monotone paint... theyre out there...