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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  Love it! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By rwambold - January 28 - 7:33 am

  Im a picky car guy, and I love this car. I became die-hard loyal to Subaru when I owned an Outback wagon for 4 years. I traded it in hesitantly but boy am I glad I did. The Tribeca is the perfect mean between an obnoxiously large SUV and too-small station wagon. The controls are well thought-out, the engine performs smoothly and beautifully whether you are gunning it in sport or manual mode or just cruising around town, and the interior is perfectly roomy (do bear in mind this is compared to the comparatively small Outback wagon). I read some static about the exterior design when the car first came out, but I love the styling too.

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  Finally - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By fast as hell - January 28 - 7:30 am

  I love this car. This car holds corners while on the gas, like a go-kart. It can be scary sometimes. I get stares all the time. This car looks and feels like a race car. I heard it has 237hp at the wheels. If thats true, I do not want to feel 300whp. In the rain, you can shoot off a green light but watch out if you have to stop fast. Your rear may go sideways but it will straighten out. In Florida you can modify this car because the roads are flat and straight. Up north there are hills, corners, tight spaces, so stock is very much plenty. I pick this over the EVO because my wide shoulders fit in the STI seats.

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  Hidden Gem - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Baystar - January 27 - 9:50 am

  I traded in my 2003 Audi A4 Avant because it was so unreliable. The Tribeca is a hidden gem, it has a great ride and all the features of a Lexus RX but costs $12,000 less. While the critics complain about lack of space in rear rows that only applies to the 7 seater, the 5 seater has plenty of leg room. I think Subaru should stop trying to market the Tribeca as a 7 seater. Mileage could be better, but it helps that the Tribeca runs on regular gas. Handling is good enough that I dont miss the Audi. The overall ride is quiet, smooth and feels very sophisticated. The stereo is very good and helps make the commute highly enjoyable. The nav system has worked fine for me thus far.

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  smooth yet tough - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By crusin texas - January 27 - 7:00 am

  A perfect vehicle for almost any occasion. Rush hour, around town, highway or back country roads. It handles superbly and responsive. If folks are aware of the notoriously short Texas Highway on-ramps then youd appreciate this cars power. Can go from a mere coasting at 20 mph to 70 in no time. Able to move down and around country roads without fishtailing all over the road. Around town, the maneuverability and quickness is great. Only had one problem -- stereo and climate control unit failure. But the dealer serviced the car quickly and provided a loaner until car was fixed.

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  Excellent car with minor quirks - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By ssubiedoobie - January 26 - 3:31 pm

  Great car traded in my sport car, BMW which was in the shop frequently. Having said that I am done with "German" Engineering. I got the Outback for obvious outdoor activities as well as daily driver. The car handles well around sharp curves, their are to minor quirks with the car. 1) audio system to blue tooth, sometimes fades in and out. 2) Ignition keys, this I find more annoying I have not had ignition keys on a car for over 6 yrs but if you can go "retro" then it should not bother you. Overall great car, fun to drive. Impressive off road not only for its handling but the fact that it handles those bumps flawlessly. Works well on potholes also.

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  Dejvu All Over Again - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Big truck driver - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Neding a small and reliable car for daily commute, I looked over Honda, Nissan, and the Dodge Neon, finally deciding on the Suburu Outback Sport.I have been driving a 1998 Dodge Ram 4x4 crew cab for the past three years and needed something more economical for my 35 mile one way daily commute. The only thing getting used to was the size difference.Exterior looks great. Bought used but well taken care of. Its a pleasure and lots of fun to drive. Interior could be appointed a bit nicer for the price of the car, Who ever designed the cup holder to sit in front of the dash vent and heter/air controls should be looking for a new job.

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  Fast and Safe - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Zipperhead - January 26 - 4:13 am

  This vehicle out preforms most cars on the road today. It is one one of the safest cars on the road and even comes with AWD. The interior and design is much like that you find in more exspensive cars from Lexus and Infiniti. You can not beat this car for the price.

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  Subarud in Ohio - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By mark ostapack - January 25 - 6:12 pm

  Going from a 99 civic DX everything seems different- quieter, tighter control, more comfortable, less road noise and rattles, more power, and so on. WRX was my first choice but that will be another time. The Imprezza is very pleasing. The shifting and handling is not too different than the WRX which is my main amusement in driving. The hatch back allows me to get my occasional bale of hay or put my fishing or golf stuff. Ill have to wait till next winter to see the AWD in snow. For now it feels like all 4 wheels say go and it takes to the road. I hope it holds up a long time automobile buying is a drag.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By skibum - January 25 - 4:06 pm

  First off, I was dubious of the new transmission at first, but I cant believe the mileage Im getting with the CVT, its been between 29 and 32mpg so far. Ive found it to be very controllable as well, and the simulated gears look like they will work well in the Sierras this winter. The upgraded stereo sounds terrific, tons of room and ridiculously spacious in the reclining back seat, and many improvements over my previous Subaru, a Forester. No squeaks or rattles here.

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  A good choice! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Clint Collins - January 24 - 3:20 pm

  Really like the safety features of the car. Very smooth ride. Would definitely recommend taking a look if you want the best in safety and performance.