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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  Impreza is awsome - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By sullietal - March 31 - 2:00 am

  2.5 TS waggon. 4 spd auto. Ive owned Hondas and Mazdas. This is the most solid and well built hatchback I have owned. They call it a Sport Waggon. I feels very sporty in round town handling. It darts in and out of traffic far better than my accord or 323 ever did. Fun! Fun! Fun! And I dont feel guitly about it. It get good gas mileage and costs less than a similaly equiped Honda.

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  Grown Up - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Alan B Antill Jr - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru. My previous two; 2002 WRX, and 2007 WRX TR. I was looking at an STI. The Legacys price changed my mind. While the 2.5i Legacy cannot compare to the outright rush of driving a WRX, the car is plenty peppy enough for daily driving. The handling is a pleasant surprise for a car this large (the largest Ive owned). I expected buyers remorse to set in, but every time I drive it, I like it more. I havent pushed it, because Im still in the break in stage. The car has a solid, stable feel, and plenty of amenities. It is a grown-up car instead of a boy rocket. The CVT has grown on me. I rarely use the paddle shifters, mostly to save braking down long grades.

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  One of the Nicest Cars That No One Talks About. - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By simy - March 29 - 6:44 pm

  This car is about as practical as you can get. AWD doesnt sacrifice MPG & comes in handy in snow. Its not flashy, but it looks nice, esp. w/tinted windows. My mechanics love Toyota & Lexus mechanically, but recommended the Legacy, it won me over. Got a good price, a little over $22K, practically 0% financing & Costco cash card. The PZEV reduces smell when starting up in the garage. Heated mirrors, wipers & seats in the Premium model. Rocker panel lights up when doors open. Hazard light button placed pefectly so when you shift the car to Park, just depress w/index finger. Little stuff that no one talks about, but its been thought out. Its really a nice car that doesnt draw headlines.

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  Its a great car. - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By RAS3 - March 29 - 9:03 am

  Ive had my WRX 5 dr for 2 years now; 22k miles @ 24.5 avg mileage. I wrote a review on 11/23/07 and what I wrote then still holds. On top of that, I believe that the Subaru AWD system is superior to my Audis, even w the performance tires on it. Ive been the only one to make it up our hill several times over the past two winters (on ice), passing sport utes of all types splayed across lawns and shoulders. Ive also had no problem following large Mercs at high speed on interstates - slowing only when my senses returned and the realization that a large fine would be very painful to me. Its a great car.

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  High mileage, still runs like new - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Snow shredder - March 28 - 11:50 pm

  No major mechanical problems. Routine stuff like brake calipers and pads but nothing major. Still is rock solid, lots of power (V6), great in the snow, slush and rain and fun to drive. Presently have goodyear assurance tripletred tires and recommend them on this car. All in all, still love the car.

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  Truck to SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Lee - March 27 - 7:23 am

  Settling down doesnt mean slowing down. I had an 02 Tacoma Limited and traded up for this new toy and have no regrets. Great performance and power when you need it while its tame looks might suggest otherwise.

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  superior quality for value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By e. v. willhelm - March 26 - 2:00 am

  first time suburu owner. exceedingly pleased. 3 important criteria for purchasing a vehicle -reliability, safety and value. i got all of these plus comfort, performance and good looks too. the immense moon roof was the icing on the cake in decision for forester. if only suburu would listen and take action on few suggestions, i would be a repeat buyer for sure. ARE THEY LISTENING?

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  What a great car! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Roodriver - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had my 98 Forester for a year/14,000. Couldnt be happier with it. Mileage is good (21/27) so is the power. The seat adjustment range is wide enough that most everyone gets comfy. It hauls much stuff and passenger room is good. I replaced the speakers it sounds better, but the system could use an upgrade. Needed good all-season tires with low noise. Still, the noise is acceptable. Im gonna be driving this puppy for a loooong time.

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  A Good Buy! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By TomQ - March 25 - 11:03 am

  I was looking for a fun car that is unique and practical. The WRX Wagon is fun, unique, and practical for sure. The power is enough for the street and having fun at a track. The all wheel drive can make a bad driver look good :o) (i appreciate that) It is reliable and robust. Designed from rally roots, its a beast on dirt roads too. Being a sports car, Subaru did not add sound dampening, which means if you are on a tar and gravel road, you will hear it, but this reduction in weight is a plus overall.

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  at 2,000 miles - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By funnycar - March 25 - 10:00 am

  a little launch lag, but after that hold on, its a whole lotta fun!