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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  Cant go wrong with a Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By hunghog - January 7 - 1:06 pm

  We have only had this car for a week or two and love it. The ride is great and we are very happy with the purchase. What other cars can you buy with AWD standard and great mileage. The EPA mileage estimates are all low for every car starting this model year. We went on a short highway trip about 100 miles at 70 mph and got 33 mpgs. Bought car for wife as a grocery getter and trip car. We actually test drove the legacy because that was the car I wanted but felt the new Impreza had more leg room and a better ride than the Legacy.

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  Legacy GT, Thumbs-up! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By perrito - January 5 - 6:00 am

  Just walked away, actually, drove away in a new Legacy GT with auto (red/black leather). What an amazing car. The calm thrust, great handling, and sure-footedness of all wheel drive will be of comfort in my colder climate. Its fantastic - you have to test-drive it if you are in the market for a sporty sedan, and it is roomier than it appears.

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  Happy with purchase, esp. gas mileage! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By J&J - January 5 - 5:10 am

  We bought our new 2009 Forester, after going in to look at an Impreza. We had just been in a bad accident (totaled our car) and we were impressed with how easy it was to get in and out of the Forester. We prefer a manual shift as we live in the mountains and have been impressed with the mileage. We are pretty much averaging 30 mpg! We have 1800 miles on the car. Weve only taken 2 long trips on the highway and we even hit 32 mpg at times on those. The car is a little underpowered, we have to downshift to get up some of the hills when we didnt have to downshift in our VW Jetta. There is a LOT of room inside, especially leg room. The hatch makes it easy to load and unload.

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  First time owner - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By First time owner - January 3 - 7:26 pm

  This is my very first Subaru car (2009 Impreza Outback Sports), and Im loving every minute of it. Ive test drove the base model version, and Ill tell you that the Impreza Outback Sports was a very good choice. Also, Ive driven the Outback Legacy as a loaner car, and Im not very impress by the way it drives. Impreza Outback Sports is very fun to drive, very smooth on bumps and pot holes, and hugs the road very well. Although the gas mileage is under subpar, I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. Furthermore, what I really like about the vehicle is the interior room, and the seats are very comfortable.

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  awesome - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Solberg - January 3 - 5:56 pm

  Bought it fron uncle at EXTREMELY lowprice and it is a great car. My wholelife i have been a scooby freak eversince the familys first subaru (loyale).Every person i get into one of these never goes elsewhere. Great car, handles great in snow, fun to drive, extremely reliable, and quite peppy even in automatic form. I love the steering andhandling and on dry road you can feelthe tarmac sucking grip of the "Subarusymetrical AWD", Comfortable car also. All around great car and would recomendany Subaru to anyone no matter what their needs there is a Subaru for them.

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  fantastic car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By domestics stink - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My poor nissan pickup truck is getting lonely. I cant get enough of the outback. Comfy, quick, knockout to look at. Subaru has truly out done themselves. We have the L.L.Bean Edition with the boxer 6...wooooohoooo. And having a bit of a growl when you stomp on the gas kinds feels good too. Only complaint is no memory seats. Small small price to pay. Fantastic value.Kudos to Subaru for taking the next step to making the perfect car.

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  First of many - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By 128OBS - January 2 - 6:43 am

  What initially interested me in Subaru was the reputation for handling and safety. My first test drive sold me and now I don’t want to drive anything else. The flat 4 engine and the all wheel drive make it a unique vehicle. I especially appreciate how it handles in the rain. I have not experienced any problems. All I have done is regular maintenance. I plan to keep this car. I may buy a second Subaru, but I’m keeping this one.

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  Waiting for bad weather - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Al Schnering - December 31 - 3:56 am

  Car so far seems very solid, takes the curves very nice. We are looking for mileage and safe driving in bad weather.

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  Subaru All The Way - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Rick Ketter - December 30 - 9:56 pm

  I have driven my Outback 353,000km now and have never had a break-down. It has never failed to start and gives me very acceptable gpm. It is a strong car and holds the road very well. The vehicle goes anywhere a typical 4x4 can go and does it without effort. The only quirk I have is an oil leak somewhere, probably the head gasket, that is causing some smell. I will have this looked at in the near future. The body is in terrific shape with only a small spot on the drivers side rear wheel well edge. When it is washed it looks like new and could go in a show room. I will definitely buy Subaru again if this one ever quits. So far so good. I had a mechanical done and it passed with flying colors.

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  Sooo Much Fun!! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jilsmom - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely LOVE my new Forester!! Downsized from a Ford Windstar(NEVER again)....great to drive-wonderful mpg- 26 on first two tanks. Love the moonroof and 6cd changer.Has lots of get up and go....