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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  Greatest car ever built - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By solly - July 3 - 11:13 am

  Ive owned over 25 cars, American muscle through Porsches to Ferraris. I am a car nut. I have used this 02 WRX daily since purchase, (thats about 7 years now), and will never give it up until it is just no longer feasible to repair. The WRX has been so reliable and trouble free that I am amazed it was only $22K back in 02. It is almost as quick as any non-turbo Porsche (I had the dealer upgrades installed, bigger turbo and cooler, exhaust and short shift kit all for $6K), seats 4, has a huge trunk with fold down arm rest for my skis. Holds the road amazingly well and acceleration is brutal. Seats are the best I ever had. Great road feel. Goes through snow like butter.

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  My 1st Subaru! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By ebravol - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Outback Sport Wagon (5-speed manual) is my first Subaru. What made me hesitant about the 2004 model was the placement of the front cup holders. The 2005 Outback Sport has the front cup holders the center console between the seats. Also, there are rear cup holders. The car is very responsive and has great power given the engine size. I am getting about 24 mpg. The rating for city is 23 mpg which is 1-2 miles better than the 2004. My 6-foot friend sat in the back seat and said the leg room was good. Also, there is lots of storage compartments.

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  Lovin the Outback - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By anythngbutGM - July 2 - 1:16 pm

  We just purchased an 08 Outback 2.5i Limited with the LL Bean package, navi, and VDC. We really like this car. The 2.5 base motor is plenty powerful around town where it sees most of its activity, and after its first fill up we can proudly report 28 mpg. The seats are outstanding, the build quality is as good as a Lexus and the huge panoramic roof is awesome! Also, Subaru safety along with the excellent AWD system should help us weather the New England winters with ease. Seriously, if you are looking to buy something like a RAV4, CRV, or Forester, give the Outback a try. It is well worth your time.

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  First Subaru - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By linksmasgrybas - July 2 - 12:32 am

  I am 62" and fit perfectly, something that is hard to find. My wife bought a Volvo SUV and I find getting in and out of the Subaru easier that doing the same in the Volvo. The comfort level is exceptional, especially since I drive anywhere from 150-200 miles a day. My mileage is also exceptional for this car, but the problem I do not like about it the fact that I have to use premium. Sort of cuts down on the savings of the better mileage. The care handles like a dream, has every bell and whistle you can get, which I am not used to yet, but will be shortly.

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  New Forester- Very nice re-design - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Runnin - July 1 - 7:13 pm

  Compared to the old design, this is much larger, more quiet, smoother, substantially more comfortable, higher up. More mainstream look. More SUV then jacked-up wagon now.

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  My First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By KentuckyRanger - June 30 - 10:50 pm

  I was disabled back in 06 and I need a car I know is going to last. After months of research the choice was obvious, I just wanted to wait till the 09s were out because they come standard with VDC which was well worth the wait after driving it. If you have any common sense youll find it almost impossible to throw this car out of control. Theres a store in the neighborhood that just sprayed their lot with sealant, very slick when wet. It rained yesterday morning so off I went. Around and around, I couldnt get this thing to spin out! Finally I just went in circles until the car went beyond what the tires could handle and I slid sideways. 20 Stars!!

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  Will know more in 5 years - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Alfred Letellier - June 30 - 5:55 pm

  Weve owned the car for less than a month, so we cant rate any reliability categories, but it is comfortable with nice features and an almost reasonable price compared to other new vehicles in its class... of course, theyre all overpriced. Sure would like to see a warranty that matches the claims of reliability, like a 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper.

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  Fabulous value for the money - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Len 2.5SE - June 30 - 7:20 am

  Great lease deal due to fantastic residual values. Features and equipment at a level far in excess of price point of 23K. Interior quality at least comparable to cars $10K more expensive. Handling, ride and comfort above average. Quietness is ok but nothing special. Overall Im extremely happy with the car.

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  My final selection - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By gusser - June 29 - 1:13 am

  I was very impressed with the performance and ride of this vehicle. It took a few hours to get the feel of the steering (small wheel, which is comfortable) and the transmission (cvt) rather than the upgraded radio i had the dealer install a hands free phone system, a auto dimming mirror, mud flaps and rear bumper protector. I had a Pontiac Aztek which i was very fond of and was hesitant about the move to the Subaru. But, i immediately felt comfortable with everything about this vehicle. My first tank provided 30.5 mpg, which is great. the seats are a little smaller than the Pontiac, but comfortable for me, my wife does not like the passenger seat. Thats it. Very nice car.

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  A better STi - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Eric - June 28 - 8:26 am

  As the happy owner of a 2004 STi, I was blown away with the new front end design of the 2006 model. In no time I had a 2006 Blue STi with gold wheels. This is one of the most amazing cars on the road. Power is impressive over 3000 rpm, but some slight turbo lag is evident below this range. But once the turbo is on boost, look out, you will be hitting redline before you know it. Whats even more impressive about this car is its handling and braking. I regularly enter corners at speeds my mind is telling me are too fast, but the car grips without protest. This is truly one of the most forgiving performance cars Ive driven. And it stops as well as it goes. Lets just say the brakes are awesome.