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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  Johnny Cash-black on black Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Alp Traveler - August 19 - 7:09 am

  The above ratings may have been rated higher if I had enough miles on my car to properly assess them. I have just 500 miles and have not actually had a chance to experience what some of the questions want ratings for. I was driving a 2003 Vibe, this is 2015. I loved her(my Vibe), no complaints, no mechanical issues, but....it was time to move forward and treat myself to a new vehicle(she had a new owner within 24 hrs of listing). The problem, no vehicle spoke to me until...I test drove the Outback, MULTIPLE TIMES, over a year period to finally make my move. I did spreadsheet after spreadsheet, comparing mpg, insurance, specs, tire size, safety features, read reviews, etc. of my narrowed down search of about 4 different cars by different companies. I ended up ordering a 2016 Outback with all the bells and whistles, including the 3.6 engine. I LOVE it, it has nice and smooth acceleration and it drives solid. I was unsure how I would feel about the CVT but find no complaints at all. I did decide to purchase the 3.6 vs the 2.5 because I did not like the CVT and the 2.5 lag while test driving on the highway, accelerating on the entrance ramp of the highway and passing. As mentioned above, my spreadsheet statistics meant I was only going to put an extra $100+ a yr into my gas fund by going up to the 3.6 vs the 2.5. For those of you who eat out frequently, that means you might eat out 1 less time as a family for the advantages. It is presently fall, my winter will be upon us soon so I can see how it drives on the snow and if the driving ability matches all of the reviews I read previous to buying my car. I ordered the black on black because I did not like the look of the black colored wheel arch molds and cargo rack when looking at purchasing the white Outback. I did not order the tan interior, although I think it looks VERY SHARP with a black exterior because many reviews, including conversations with various dealerships, made mention of the tan leather taking on colors from blue jeans, etc. I plan on keeping Johnny Cash for 7-10 yrs, I wanted a no hassle interior (no regrets, my car looks very sharp). I love the concept of the luggage rails pivoting out upon the need to use them. I carry many items on my rooftop but do not like the extra noise and depletion of gas mileage by having a fulltime rack on my roof as I did with my past cars. This concept is waaaaaay cool! Should you need a longer roof line to fit your Thule box you can switch the rails to different positions so they provide a longer roof line. I ordered the Eyesight and love it! I especially like the cameras, the side mirror warnings and the adaptable cruise. I have not driven in conditions that allow the fog lights to "do their thing" on curves but the concept sounds promising. I will revise my review as I put more mileage on my car. Dont hold your breath though, on a good day I may only put 10 miles on my car. After a few road trips this winter I will be able to better assess. All I can tell you is, everytime I get into my car or look at it I am totally geeked. I made the right choice.....sorry Grand Jeep Cherokee and Honda CRV you just didnt speak loud enough to me. If you are in Metro Detroit, Michigan, I highly recommend Al Serra in Grand Blank. They will work with you, not pressure you, not trick you and make your purchasing experience smooth. I checked out 3 other dealerships, some of them 2xs. I was so unhappy that I was willing to fly out to the east coast to buy my car, until, I found Al Serra. Areas of improvement: Passenger seat-no lumbar adjustment Heated seats-does not reset to "off" when car turns off Dealership All Weather Mats- less than ok, I ended up buying WeatherGuard and love them Heated Steering Wheel-no option Small Glove Box Subaru site-no ability to purchase seat covers, yet their motto is pet friendly. This makes you needing to go off-site in order to purchase.

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  best car I ever bought - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By pbohn - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of power with 2.5L dohc 4cyl. good auto trans performance.

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  Moneys Worth and Then Some - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Ronnie - August 18 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car new and still own it after almost 9 years. This car now has over 100k miles and the only maintenance I have ever done is oil changes and replaced the front brake pads at 98,000 miles. That is correct the front originial brake pads lasted until 98k miles and the back pads still have 1/2 wear left so they have never been replaced. The AWD works great and I will buy another Subaru when and if this one ever wears out. If you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle then I dont think you can beat a Subaru. I only wish they made pick up trucks.

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  Wife loves it - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Leo - August 16 - 9:53 pm

  Purchased used 1 yr old. 120K miles on the car so far. Never had mechanical problems. Wife loves it. Replaced McIntosh head unit after warranty ran out with aftermarket radio (First time replaced under warranty). Auto transmission jerks when downshifts from 2 to 1 gear at stoplight. Dealer inspected, no issues found. Average 25 MPG mixed driving. Replacing front brake pads every 20K miles. Wind noise is annoying after 65MPH even with replaced window seals. Needs more luxury features for $30K vehicle. It was my second Subaru after I loved WRX but probably will not be buying again. Better choices available for the money.

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  Great car - great buy - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Kenneth - August 16 - 11:26 am

  So far so great with the Outback. The ride is very smooth, stable and comfortable and has very good ground clearance. Actually fun to drive. Controls are well positioned and easy to use- as is the trunk\hatch. Great MPG - 1st check was a little under 27mpg (mostly highway but awesome for all-wheel drive!). Very peppy - dont bother with the bigger engine - the 2.5L does very good getting up on the highway. Great safety and reliability ratings to boot. Very happy we went with the Outback.

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  An Amazing Machine - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By USA STi - August 15 - 7:06 pm

  This car is simply amazing. I looked at getting an 03 E46 M3, a 99 C2 Carrera or this beast. Because of my height the Porsche was too uncomfortable and the M3 although amazing, was too uninvolving and everyone has one. So on came the STi. The power delivery, handling and breaking are amazing. I love the way it looks, and the rear wing is there for a reason, at 100mph it adds 50 pounds of downforce to the rear - the car was built with one thing in mind - performance in all areas. If u like performance cars that handle like their on rails, can show up $100,000+ cars and have around $30,000 to spend, look no further, u will not be disappointed. I am so happy with my purchase...

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  What a wagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By oneputt - August 15 - 4:40 pm

  bar none, best bang for the buck going. Test drive and buy. Thats what I did. You will love this car. Turbo lag is an issue but with practice it is somewhat eliminated. Fun to out -accelerate 90% of the cars on the road. People unfamiliar with a wrx wagon have no idea what they are up against. Turbo plus awd is a winning combination when out performing other sport cars. I have over 50,000 miles on this car and every morning it is a pleasure to get in it and drive. I have never felt this way about any car. Buy one and you will know what I mean.

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  Loving it - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bogs - August 15 - 5:36 am

  Got one for my wife and she is extremely happy. We opted for the Limited with pretty much everything but NAV. I test drove both engines and went with the 3.6R without hesitation. I cant wait to try out this winter at our mountain house.

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  1st Japanese car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Doug - August 14 - 9:13 pm

  We traded an 03 Z-71 Tahoe w/ some reluctance due to satisfaction w/ that vehicle but, desiring better mpg, opted for the Outback Ltd. 2.5 XT(turbo). After a few days, I was driving and literally burst out laughing w/ delight. What a cool vehicle! Fast, fun, comfortable--absolutely no comparison to a thirsty, lumbering Tahoe. I now intend to trade my A4 w/ only 14k miles in on a Legacy GT. The Outback will smoke the 3.0 Audi. Still cant believe such a vehicle is available for such a low price (relatively speaking).

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  Subaru Quality You Can Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jehan - August 13 - 7:16 am

  This is an outstanding car. Before you buy anything else, take it for a test drive. It really hugs the road especially in the rain. It is a comfortable ride ,not at all rough or truck-like.