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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  Family fun mobile - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By DJones - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is fu to drive and handles the road great dallor value is tops fit and finish is 1st class

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By ntorbett - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I planned on keeping my 00 Protege until it died but for a WRX I traded my reliable economy car for more power. Generally not rash to buy a vehicle, when I found a WRX wagon on sale for a great price I bought it the day I test drove it. For anyone into spirited driving on gravel roads, a WRX has no rivals for the cost. Compared to the sedan version, the wagon is sluggish but the utility of extra interior space has been worth it. Everyone I know who has considered a wagon and bought a sedan has since regretted the lack of room. Fuel economy: 22 mpg day-to-day, 29 highway, 9 when running wide open.

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  Absolute blast to drive. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By antdiesel3 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  If your a looking for a practical performance sedan with the accent on performance then look no further. This car is definitely in a class by itself. Discretely packaged, quiet, comfortable and an absolute blast to drive.

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  WRX Rules - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By XStop - December 26 - 10:00 am

  well i can say the wrx is the best car i ever driving in my life i love m y car and theres nothing in this world that can stop me from it not even my girlfriend lol SUBARU u guys are the best i love u guys for makeing a car for me and my friends to chill in lol and my love put the pedle to the metal on it my car club is really happy with my car im the only one im my city with a WRX thanks again SUBARU

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  Im Back With Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By wunderkid49 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After a brief fling with a terribly made Ford Taurus, Im back with Subaru. Bought it three years old for under half the new price. The wagon seems adequately powered to me, even with the automatic. I can haul my recumbent bike inside, and still sneak my six year old in the split back seat. The handling is a real pleasure, and the brakes are powerful. Averaging 26 mpg in rural driving. Security system can only be disarmed by the remote, and I cant figure out how to disconnect it!

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  Love my Tribeca - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By k mohsen - December 24 - 10:36 pm

  We got it during the xmas break. Though our winter was not that snowy this year it was great going up and down our street. Major difference from our fwd VW. I love driving it. Kids love the DVD and headsets. I would definitely get another. Mileage has been better than expected. I drove Montreal to Toronto and managed to achieve 27 mpg @ 65 mph. That is 6 mpg more than the rating. Nav system drove me a little nuts. I could not figure out what the little flag meant. It could have simply stated the word "Start".

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  Sports Car? - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By BD - December 24 - 3:30 pm

  We traded in an 01 Outback wagon for a sedan for my wife. Kids in college, time for a fun car. This thing handles! The "small" engine is 175HP and it has some legs. During the test drive I took a 90 degree turn on a back narrow road at 30 mph. ABS kicked in for second then hit the gas and she never missed a beat. The car is fun to drive (not that my wife has let me get my hands on it since the test drive). Sharp looking too. Inside nice with leather, moon roof, 6 CD player, and many other features. I think the taupe leather is going to be tough to keep clean but other then that, we are happy. This is the last year for the sedan, grab one while you can.

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  4th Subaru (better each time) - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By ShawanoJim - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I got a leftover 02 L-wagon for $600 under invoice w/3.9% financing. I love the car. Great seats and driving position. Wagon has lots of room for luggage/stroller and grocery bags. Everything is solid on the car. A well equipped vehicle for the L (base) model. Subaru’s are the most reliable vehicles I’ve ever owned (as good as my Acura Legend and Toyota X-cab 4x4 Pickup!). Very easy to service for the weekend mechanic. Truly Subarus have best in class crash test ratings. Glad we had one when someone decided to cross a divided highway in front of my wife w/ her ‘95 Impreza. Have looked at crash ratings ever since!

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  Riding off into the sunset - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Jim - December 22 - 10:07 am

  I test drove several cars and a few trucks including the CRV, Rav4, Tacoma, and Escape. I loved the Forester Premium XT Turbo and ordered one in early January. I love the minor changes including the boxier front end. I have only been driving it for a few weeks but I am more than pleased. I wasnt looking for mind blowing mileage since I ordered the turbo, and am happy averaging 25 MPH with a mixture of city/highway driving. On a recent 400 mile trip I averaged 28 MPG. The comfort is very good and the visibility is outstanding. Subaru has vastly improved the quietness of this vehicle. The leg room is great, even in the backseat. My 5 10" 250 pound frame fits this SUV very comfortably, and the vehicle is easy to get in & out of. I was never real technical and the backup camera, blue tooth phone capability (downloaded my entire phone list, works great) , and simple GPS system meet my standards. It has starlink (similar to onstar) and Siriusxm radio I am currently using, will evaluate and decide whether to keep them.

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  Love my "Roo" - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By James - December 22 - 1:16 am

  Had this car for a year now, it is my 3rd Subie and second Outback. Put 200,000 miles on my 1998 and loved it, almost broke down when I sold it. We bought this one in California; and after two road trips to SF and Tahoe, shipped it to Germany and have driven to Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam. She slides along nicely on the Autobahn at 100 mph with ease, the 2.5i at under 4K rpm! Very comfortable with me and mom in the front and the two kids in the back.