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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  Comfortable, reliable value! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By sunnyedog - June 20 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 7 years ago and drove the heck out of it. And just like the Eveready Bunny it keeps on going 170,000 miles later, always providing ample power and handling on road and off. I can fit a 36" dog crate in the rear cargo area. Paint has held up looking a clean and shiny as the day I bought it. Mechanically, appearance and comfort have always met or exceeded my expectations. I am about to trade in for a minivan (to increase cargo space). I will miss my Outback LTD Wagon, the quality and performance, comfort and it has always been reliable!

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  Im Lovin It! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By AR411 - June 18 - 10:23 pm

  No, Im not talking about McDonalds. Just got the new 2010 redesigned outback and couldnt be happier. Thought I might miss the shift feeling, but instead the CVT is much better as youre not trying to anticipate the jerking when the car shifts, especially when accelerating up a hill. Love the new more rugged body style and updated interior. Not often when a car is able to get bigger, faster, smoother and at the same time 3mpg better gas mileage. After 70 miles already averaging 25.5mpg with 50/50 city/highway. Cant believe how smooth the ride is, feels like a much higher end car. The last Subaru I owned was back in 93, and I must say its been too long!

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  Excellent! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By darkfire757 - June 18 - 12:34 am

  A little backstory, I was originally looking at a used Audi or Chevy Tahoe, I then ran the numbers and found a base Forester wasnt too much more. So I went in to test drive the Forester (with auto and alloy wheels), I thought it was ok. Then I tested the Outback back to back, WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The Outback is smooth, refined, quick and big. Even though it is a 4 CYL it is not underpowered. In Wyoming (7200 ft) I can do 80mph at 2100 RPM. The audio system is great, I love the iPod capability, and I have the All Weather Package which I would strongly recommend. I love this vehicle and the CVT is great, it is very smooth.

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  A Very Nice Ride - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Larry - June 17 - 5:00 pm

  In my opinion Subaru has a peppy engine, AWD and much better visibility. It is fun to drive. With 800 miles driven in mixed city/highway conditions the car is averaging about 24 mpg. The dash readout inflates that number by about 1 mpg. The engine is exceptionally smooth, better than some V6 engines. Bad stuff: Passenger seat is too low. Radio is very good except I get some static in the low frequency range on AM. Best car I have owned.

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  Hot looking ride - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Edmund - June 17 - 8:57 am

  I have a 2012 Legacy and this new Impreza is definitely better. Its much quieter. It handles better. With the Eyesight package its definitely safer to drive. I did a lot of research before buying the Impreza. If you have any doubts put them to rest. This car is very nice and I would recommend it highly to anyone who is considering it.

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  As promised - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By acura convert - June 17 - 4:20 am

  Its a low cost crossover. I read the other reviews and it seem like people are expecting luxury grade materials. You probably should have driven past the Subaru dealership if you were looking for a German luxury ride. This car is a great value. It does everything well enough and should be pretty reliable. Not flashy, but very competent. I wanted a good mix of MPG, space, and snow handling, so it was perfect. My previous car was an Acura sports coupe, so driving a mini SUV is a little bit of a letdown in terms of handling, but that trade off comes with safety and versatility that I was lacking before. The stereo is pretty bad, but I will replace it soon enough. Also, no rattles so far

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  Its got its tweaks....but Id purchase it again! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Stephanie Rutledge - June 16 - 8:39 am

  This car has probably got the greatest turning radius of any vehicle Ive ever been in...it practically turns on its hind wheels! Very easy to park...parallel parking is a snap with the turning ability and the backup camera. Its solid on the road - although I havent tried it in snow...I have taken it on rutted dirt roads and it drives like a dream. The pickup is smooth and instantaneous (which is what I wanted...I wanted those ponies to race getting onto a freeway....and they do :) ) For a 4 cylinder engine...its got some moves. Mileage is a little less than Id hoped, but not too bad. Its a heavier vehicle (obviously) than my Honda civic so Im putting gas in it about a third more often than before (most of my weekly driving is in town) but it takes regular so the cost isnt outrageous. The interior design is stellar...there are almost NO blind spots in this car! The entertainment center and the climate control are my biggest disappointments. I got the basic package...and the sound system is less than wonderful. Its ok but...could be better. The climate control is a little difficult to maneuver while driving and I would have preferred something other than dials. A better design would have been to place that portion of the dash at an angle to make it more available to the driver. The control keys on the steering wheel take a little getting used to....and the Bluetooth can be a little frustratingly slow and cumbersome. Outside of those tweaks...Id still buy this car. Im enjoying every minute I drive it.

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  2010 Subaru Legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joseph - June 15 - 12:50 am

  After test driving the Ford Fusion (nice vehicle), Toyota Camry and the Subaru Legacy and carefully researching all three, I decided to purchase the Subaru Legacy (1st time Subaru owner). The Subaru was the only AWD vehicle I tested out of the three. It was fun to drive and held the road very well. I tested the Subaru on an absolutely nasty day (rain all day) and it responded very well. I have owned my Subaru for over a month and cant wait to get behind the wheel.

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  Smooth Operator - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Luvoursubby - June 12 - 8:16 pm

  We absolutely luv to drive our Tribeca. Have taken on two long trips and will not give up the wheel. Visually styling is distinct and pleasing. Interior cockpit feels young and vibrant. Exterior side and rear view especially is downright cool. No issues thus far in 16K miles except Nav system freeze up, but replaced immediatly. Mechanically sound as Lexus or Acura.

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  Perfect "sports" SUV - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Teresa Parker - June 11 - 8:20 pm

  I have missed driving a sports car but love the ability to sit up a bit higher in a SUV. The Subaru Forester combines both for me. It handles like a sports car but has the advantages of an SUV. LOVE IT!