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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  Its not all that its cracked up to be - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Marnie Gonzalez - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Subaru Legacy for 10 months and in the last 2 it has had to be in the shop 3 times for various reasons. I have been severely disappointed in its performance. I owned a Subaru in the past and had virtually no problems, this time around I cant say the same thing. I will not be buying another Subaru in the past.

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  98 2.5RS to 08 spec.b - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By arkay4 - May 31 - 7:13 am

  Owned and loved a 2.5RS since 97! Very agile car and wonderful off roads but it had missing features when the kids came: folding seats, tiny backseat, latches, high profile trunk (cargo nightmare), stripped interior. Looked at the 328ix, LS 350, Evo, STi, TT, G35, 6s. All great but the spec.b outperformed and had everything I wanted on my RS. "The WRXs older brother," a lot of punch with significantly more sophistication. Interior features and ride make this a serious luxury car with a kick. The spec.b was not designed to be as rugged as the RS (my off trail days on hold!) but Im very happy with my purchase and ecstatic now that Ive had it for 6 weeks and booked 4-digit miles :)

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  Legacy Wagon 2.5i - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Greg - May 31 - 1:00 am

  Last year I purchased the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i wagon. I have been very impressed with the overall fit and finish of this vehicle. Its safety features were excellent and numerous. Its projected resale value was excellent. This vehicle has met and exceeded all of my expectations. I will be a Subaru owner for life.

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  2nd Subaru and Better Than the First - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By ERH - May 30 - 9:28 pm

  My wife loves her Subrau Baja and swore she would never part with it. Two grand kids later we needed something with more room. She test drove the Outback and decided it was just too big for her and she couldnt get excited about it. The Foresters driver seat just didnt fit her comfortably. The 2018 Crosstrek has proven just right. She loves the comfort, handling, quiet cabin, adaptive headlights, Eyesight safety systems and the bright Sunshine Orange exterior and gray interior with orange contrast stitching. When I told her she needed to drive the Baja so I could wash her Crosstrek she gave me a dirty look. I guess you could say she is very happy with her Crosstrek (Crusher). Im very impressed with the performance and mileage (even during break in). The Crosstrek is averaging 33 MPG on the second tank of gas. Motortrend just did a comparison of the Crosstrek against a Nissan and Jeep and confirmed the Crosstrek is no slouch. It had the fastest acceleration to 60 MPH. I know the Crosstrek is quicker than our Subaru Baja with its 2.5L engine. The Crosstrek gives us about 5 inches more legroom in the backseat over the Baja without sacrificing legroom in the front. The only con is limited storage behind the backseat. With 2 car seats in place you are limited to 20.8 Cubic feet of storage. We just put snow tires on Crusher for the winter. The Baja was exceptionally secure with snow tires during winter driving. My wife is hoping the Crosstrek does just as well. No car is perfect yet the Crosstrek does so many things well it will be hard to find anything in its price range that delivers a better total package.

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  2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By groksurf - May 30 - 2:11 pm

  Lots to like about this vehicle if you do 50-50 street/highway driving and off-road mountain and desert roads of moderate difficulty from time-to-time. I wish it came with all-terrain tires rather than the stock Bridgestones. There are only 2, maybe 3 tires that will fit this vehicles 18 inch rims with oversized front disk brakes. Ive done the research and I think the Yokahama Geolander A-T-S is still the only all-terrain contender that will fit without troubles with the brakes or sidewalls. Gas mileage has averaged 23 mpg with about 70% highway and 30% streets, conservative accelerator and brakes.

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  Small But Good... Could I Have Another? - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Vinny - May 30 - 10:30 am

  I was hoping to get a nicer car but with gas prices exceeding $4 a gallon I didnt want to be getting 17 mpg so I leased this Subaru Legacy for 2 years at an excellent rate. It gives me an average of 31.2 mpg overall and it has decent kick for a 4 cyl. I also own a 2003 Forrester but is noisy on the highway, this car is solid, very little road noise. I only got the VDC because thats all there was, I mainly turn it off. The leather is nice and along with the wood trim, it makes the car feel much more than $26k. The only complaint is that its a bit small. Wishing I bought it so I dont have to worry about mileage, much better then expected :D

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  Impressed - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By new subaru owner - May 29 - 10:30 pm

  After test driving everything from the new BMW 3 series and infiniti G to the Mazda Speed6, my wife settled on this car. I cant blame her as the performance was better than most of the "luxury" comparisons at almost $10,000 savings. The interior build is also very efficient, comfortable, and surprisingly attractive. While this car wont turn heads like other cars on looks alone, it will turn heads when the HP takes over. Great crash test ratings as an added incentive. Standard all wheel drive is also much needed in our New England home.

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  Nice but needs improvements - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By ebomb - May 29 - 8:26 pm

  So far I would say that this car is good but not great. The boxer engine lacks torque. Going up hills requires lots of down shifting. My other cars have way more power and they have similar or smaller engines. The AWD is excellent and is the main reason I bought it. The OEM tires are not that good. They lasted about 18,000 miles before needing replacement. The gas mileage is not good. I get around 23 mph and for an engine that lacks power it adds injury to insult. The build quality is very good. No problems so far and seems tight. I like the way it handles. Very responsive and the steering feels tight. I think many of my issues have been addressed by the 2010 model.

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  Brings Pleasure Back to Driving - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By JasonK43 - May 29 - 2:10 am

  I forgot what pleasure can be had out of driving a car until this Impreza came along. For a 2.5 N/A engine, this thing is peppy! Great handling, good speed and excellent ride at high speeds. Its my third week with the car and I already have over 2,300 miles because I cant stop finding excuses to take this baby out! Love the standard wheels on the Outback Sport, as well as the seat warmers and two-tone paint (I got the silver). Few minor changes I would make to this car, but other than that, this car is such a joy. Gas mileage has been better than EPA estimates! (How often does that happen?) Avg. 29.5 Hwy, 22 City

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  Super Compromise - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By BrettRobi - May 29 - 12:20 am

  The Forester XT is a great compromise between practical and fun to drive. It has all the practicality of a Subaru with AWD, lots of room to haul stuff and the Subaru reputation, plus with the turbocharged engine it is a blast to drive. The Forester is a bit outdated in terms of electronic features, no navigation or trip computer, the windows and moonroof require the key to be on and other little niceties are missing. But a super car overall.