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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  Check of the Roof Rails on Outback Subarus!!! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Molly - February 10 - 10:31 am

  I purchased my 2016 Outback in March. I notice the roof rails on the car when I purchased. They didnt sit flush to the car. Showed the service department. Subaru technical support was called in to check roof rails. New set was ordered, put on car, worse than one that came on car, took back to dealership and said I wasnt satisfied. They called Subaru again, they said send to body shop, that was done, still not fixed. Was given 800 number for Subaru and told to get work order number. My car has been in shop 3 times and not fixed. The dealership has offered to give me a trade in value, less that purchase price. I do like my Outback, but Im wondering if they know what to do to get this problem fixed. If you have a 2016 or 2017 Outback, or looking to purchase, please check out the roof rack. Was told Subaru is aware of this problem, please notify your deal ship and Subaru. This is a Subaru problem, not deal ship, let Subaru know you know this

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  2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Celia - February 10 - 4:33 am

  I wanted a vehicle with AWD, more cargo space and good MPG. I narrowed my search down to the Rogue and the Forester. As for the Forester, visibility is amazing.The handling is great. Very car-like and corners well with the stability control. Im getting 26 MPG average so far. You cant beat that for an AWD SUV. The sunroof is huge! My biggest complaint so far is on the highway I was behind an 18 wheeler and I was pulled a bit from the wind difference. But thats it. I love this car and I am very happy with it.

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  Car for areas with snow - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By lew716 - February 9 - 10:05 pm

  I know that this model will be replaced this summer with a newer version, but I love it and needed a replacement for my previous Outback. The car has plenty of room, comfortable seats, and handles snow and other bad weather with ease. I chose the Eyesight feature and found it excellent. The newer version should be even better. It has the capability of stopping accidents, and controls your cruise control to ensure that you are following the vehicle ahead of you at a safe distance even when they slow down. The car can carry most things a homeowner would want either on the roof rack, or in the back with the rear seats folding flat.

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  My first AWD - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By kiana408 - February 9 - 5:53 am

  I love this car! I really needed an AWD for Tahoe and couldnt stand another season of having to chain up in the snow. After researching AWD Vehicles, Trucks and 4WD SUVs, this appeared to be the best choice for me, someone whos always driven a fuel efficient Honda Civic. It handles great! I drove it through the Sierra Nevadas then the Santa Cruz Mountains all in my first weekend. Smooth clutch, super stable around corners and sharp turns. Nice look, comfy and roomy inside. My first and foremost concern when purchasing a new car was safety for me and my child. I feel very safe in my new car, so happy with my purchase!

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  If not the Greatest - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Ramza - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the GREATEST cars ever. Its my first car as a teenager, and let me tell you, ive driven an M3 before... and this thing... its quite similiar. Dont get me wrong its not a super fast car but it is a Super quick car. A 5 spd is a MUST!! If you get this thing in 5-spd, you will never regret it... if you push it into the powerband this work of beauty goes off like a rocket. Leaving everything behind. Looks very sporty, very admirable, Definetly an eye catcher. Not to mention its damn comfortable inside. No complaints about the Sound system either, its decent.GREAT Value and a Great buy.

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  Good car, cheap interior - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Hans - February 7 - 5:00 am

  I owned an 03 XS Premium, which I traded for the 10. I love the added room and new exterior styling. Things lost from the 03 - the handling is less nimble and more boat-like, there is less usable cabin storage space, the radio is not as good, the cabin fit and finishes are not nearly as nice as before, and the red display lights and small lettering for the steering wheel, radio and fan/heat/ac controls are annoying and hard to read (dont designers know that red is irritating??). I will keep this car for a long time; I just wish Subaru didnt cut so many corners on the interior.

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  Our first Subie - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - February 6 - 7:53 am

  Only had it for a couple of days but so far it exceeds all expectations. This is as pleased as I have been with a car purchase since I was 19 -- Im 54. Acceleration, fit and finish, fun to drive, utility; it has it all. This is my wifes driver and she loves it. Great deal to boot!

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  50,000 km and a huge bill - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By kloc - February 6 - 7:52 am

  Our 2003 Forester has been maintained by our dealer since purchased new in late 2002. From day 1 it has had a coolant leak, a fact that has been pointed out to the dealer at every scheduled service. The dealer, of course, could not find the source of the coolant lead until after the warranty expired, whereupon we were told that the head gaskets were leaking and the car had developed piston slap to the point where driving the car was ill-advised. The master tech told me that Subaru has told dealers to ignore the problem until the warranty expires. Last Subaru I will ever purchase; this was our 7th.

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  Great Ride - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By cuda - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Im 28 and bought my WRX in Oct. 2003- been very pleased with my purchase. I would label this car a "drivers car." You get the feel and handleing of a sports car--the AWD of an SUV (but with a little better gas mileage)--and the convience of a four-door vehichle. It comes with alot of standards. Everyone has heard about the turbo lag--it is present. It is just a different driving expereince that takes a little to get use to. Overall, a FUN eye-catcher that looks mean sitting still.

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  hfgh - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tyler - February 6 - 2:00 am

  this cr is very nice it is also very fast nice car and fun to drive