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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  First Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Joe in Houston - April 5 - 12:43 pm

  I have been driving expensive sedans, coupes and roadsters for years (BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Porsche) but recently needed a vehicle with good road manners, hauling capacity, decent mileage and that burns regular unleaded. I am tired of dropping $40- $50 for cars. My sister loves her WRX so I found myself test driving the 2.5i Limited. I am very impressed with this car! Rock solid, sure-footed, handsome inside and out. And on road trips Im getting 27+ mpg. Kudos to Subaru. My first 2,000 miles have been great...many more to come.

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  1 week / 1-1/2 tanks of gas - Loving it - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DRL - April 4 - 8:56 pm

  In just over a week I have driven my new 2.5i just over 700 miles and am thoroughly impressed. The ride is quiet and wonderfully smooth even on rough roads (paved and patched - no offroading yet). The winding country roads where I live are handled with ease. After 30 years of driving a manual transmission, I test drove the CVT and was hooked. Performance is smooth with very quick response. The 2.5L engine wont win any drag races, but it has plenty of power and punch for daily driving and highway merging. All while pulling an amazing combined 29.4MPG (mostly highway, small town and country roads) on the first tank and a half of gas. I am absolutely delighted with the car so far.

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  Great Car on and off road - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Boston Khan - April 4 - 2:43 pm

  I have had it for over a month now and it is a superb vehicle. I love the look and the drive. Really wanted to step up and buy the XT but decided I did not need extra horse power especially with the premium gas and sticker costs. Compared it with Infiniti G35x, BMW325x, Audi 1.8t, VW 4motion (primary competition was VW), for the price, performance and build Subaru wins hands down. The interior and the exterior asthetically has been improved to now make it a full on contender. With the snow we have had in New England it is a great car to own, glad I did not go for the Legacy which was cheaper after the 3 feet we got in Jan.

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  Great buy - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By jnaz - April 3 - 11:40 pm

  I recently purchased this vehicle, the gas mileage is great and it is a pleasure to drive. The back seat and trunk are both a bit tight but I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Superior SUV - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By weglit_mh - April 2 - 3:20 pm

  a dream to drive!! Subaru has outdone themselves. I can hardly wait to find an excuse to take the car out on a drive. Even driving in traffic is "fun". distinctive and appealing exterior design.

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  2nd to SEX! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxratd - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This little car is a BLAST to drive...I have driven alot of cars, and owned some top named sports cars...this car is WAY more fun to drive. Everything is exactly as it should be.

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  New 2008 Impreza - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By jchaplain - April 1 - 9:56 pm

  After researching cars for under $20,000 including the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic I ended up buying the new 2008 Impreza which has a brand new body style this year. I read a few reviews that said this car lacks style but I feel the exact opposite. I got the silver 2.5i sedan premium package with a spoiler and it looks awesome, very stylish. Plus the biggest feature the Corolla and Civic does not have is the all wheel drive which makes the car extremely safe and fun to drive. If youre looking for a great car under $20,000 I highly recommend the 2008 Impreza, and this comes from a guy who never pictured himself in a Subaru!!

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  Wagon of the Year - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By driver - April 1 - 3:03 am

  Had Legacy GT wagon since 6/05 and love it. Im a closet gearhead but my job has me carrying a lot of trunk stock so I needed a wagon. This has it all, speed, agility, fuel mileage, space, and cool styling (for a wagon). 14,000 miles and still happy. Wished I had gotten the sunroof.

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  All Weather Reliability - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Denni Antonio - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this wagon for my winter ski trips to Vermont from Long Island.Three trips with three people,skiis and gear for days away from home.There was just the right amount ofroom,comfort,reliable driving and good gas mileage(27mpg) I expected.Imagine that when my last car was a 1985 Jag Sovereign imported from Germany.

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  Value packed - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - March 31 - 3:08 am

  We opted for the 6 cylinder. Vehicle is very peppy...plenty of power. Love all the features you get with the full electronics package. I especially like the Eyesight Technology.