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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  A robust little wagon - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Chris in IL - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car as a dealer demo back in April of 00. Overall ownership experience has been great. Torquey motor with enough punch for around town driving, decent mileage and super reliability. AWD is great in inclement weather (once the sucky stock Bridgestones were replaced with Pirrelli Scorpions). Plain-Jane wrapper, but at least it doesnt look like an atheletic shoe (think RAV4).

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  Very nice but not quiet. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By tfh - September 1 - 7:46 pm

  Had a 1997 Outback limited and really liked it. Got a 2005 3.0 VDC. Very impressed by improvements in interior and the new six cylinder engine. Does well in snow. However, at low speeds when using normal acceleration it makes a very noticeable whining sound. Took it in to dealer where purchased and a mechanic rode in it and said the sound was normal transmission sound for that car. Be sure to drive the car at low speeds in quiet area before buying if you desire a quiet car. As nice as it is otherwise, I would probably not buy it again. Also has significant wind noise at highway speeds (as 50 mph and above). Otherwise it is really a nice car.

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  Subaru listens to its owners - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Ralph - August 29 - 4:20 pm

  Have 2500 miles on the Outback, had a GL w/200k before. This is a great improvement, the car is significantly quieter, and the torque acceleration is much much improved. The entrance/exit is tough, and could be improved by memory settings so it would slide the seat back and forward when you exit and enter. Non multi-port FI leaves the occasional accelerate/decelerate bounce in slow traffic. Overall I really like the car.

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  Legacy hasnt disappointed - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Penguins9 - August 28 - 2:20 am

  Have owned this vehicle for almost three months and couldnt be happier. I have yet to drive in the snow, but overall handling is good. The interior has a nice sleek design with a nice sporty exterior. The most impressive aspect of this car is the smoothness on highways. After searching nearly six months for my newest purchase, I narrowed my search to the Legacy and Civic. I went with the Legacy because of price and AWD. In my two months, I have been extremely impressed with Subaru.

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  fast grocery hauler (and dogs, firewood, - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By siveson - August 28 - 2:00 am

  At initial purchase this was the most bang for the buck in my price class. Although the styling might be taken as dowdy by some, this car is the swiss army knife of vehicles. I commute 110 miles each day(80 highway, 30 dirt) and I find the car very comfortable. Gas mileage could be better. The motor and AWD are the big reasons to have this car. Ive put 25,000 miles on this car in less than 4 months and it shows no signs of slowing down. The car will see action in both auto-x and rally-x this summer. The most amazing thing is that with an experienced driver at the helm I have never seen a faster car down a dirt road..."UNCLE!"

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  Still fun to drive after a year - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By BKRider - August 28 - 2:00 am

  After a year of ownership, I can still say this a great vehicle. Things I like: 1) Handling...never feels out of control 2) 6 disc CD changer. Standard in the S-Premium and does an admirable job! 3) Overall space. For a smaller family, it fits perfect 4) My neighbors with their huge SUVs have to park outside thir garages and scrape the ice off their windows...ha! Okay...what I dont like: 1) Fuel economy. Rarely have I got over 22 MPG in mixed driving. For that mileage, I would expect a little more oomph...especially up top. 2) Cramped back seats. 4 six footers would be a squeeze. 3) Cupholders, of course.

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  Rugged reliability - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By charlesdrive - August 26 - 9:12 pm

  I have owned many previous Subaru cars in the past (most recently Impreza and Legacy) so I am used to the usual knocks against Subarus. Engine noise is a bit loud, pickup is not great but this car is safe, rugged and I like how it has a higher ground clearance which is helpful if you live in an area that gets measurable snowfall. While my Legacy handled well in snow storms it had low ground clearance which caused problems. The Limited trim with the navigation and XM radio are definitely worth the extra expense. This car is fun to drive and has a slightly different appearance from other Subaru cars. I have not gotten to drive in snow yet but it has handled well in wet weather.

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  Lack of wow - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By jim mcgrew - August 25 - 10:24 pm

  Acceleration is adequate at best. Engine strains when you need extra power. Fuel economy is just ok. Handlingis ok but you feel safe in car. For a car like that they should offer high intensity front lights.

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  Quick small sedan with a crappy interior - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By mitchell - August 23 - 4:16 pm

  Owned the car for about 5 months so far. Before i bought it the dealership did rear pads and rotors along with timing belt replacement. It got horribly gas mileage in the winter time, i do a short commute, and let the car warm up, but i have never got this bad gas mileage. about 230 kms per 35-40 liters of premium. All seemed well until i had to replace both front wheel bearings a month ago, costing me over $1000 at a Subaru dealership. I suspect not many other repairs in the near future, and seems quite solid overall.

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  I like it, but... - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Roadman - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for reliability, however Ive had problems. The front boot on the axle broke and cost 200.00 to fix.(the dealer wanted 500.00! The "check engine" light was on for 35,000 miles and the dealer told me twice that it was a "bad" computer chip. It was the catalytic converter, which needed to be replaced (which is why the light goes on in the first place) These knuckleheads should have fixed it in the first place! NOW, my "all wheel drive" gears are frozen. Its going to cost at least 1,000.00 to fix at a local mechanics place and I dont even want to think what the dealer would charge, theyre crooks.