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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  I didnt want to love this car so much.... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Diane - December 23 - 1:07 am

  I had been driving a luxury wagon for 10+ years, and it was time to get something new. I always assumed Id once again buy expensive and keep whatever I got for 10 years. We looked at wagons/SUVs from Volvo, Lexus, etc., and had the budget to buy any of their models. We didnt like the Volvos. The Lexus RX350 was nice, but seemed a little too fancy for our needs. Also didnt like the lack of visibility out the back window. When I walked into the Subaru dealership, I was just there to cross the Outback off my list. (And it was only on the list because I kept seeing them zipping around on the freeway and had been experiencing car envy, which was odd considering that I always thought Outbacks were boring). I walked in, saw the Outback model parked on the dealership floor, and fell in love. There was no turning back.....that was the car for me. We bought it fully loaded, paying less than Id paid 10 years ago for my luxury car. Its been a couple of weeks now and I LOVE this car. I dont know if I will keep it 10 years. Its nice to know that I dont have to, because the price was much more affordable. The car drives like a dream and it has everything I wanted inside and out. Ive read all the criticisms of this car, and can honestly say that Ive not experienced any of them. The car has ample pick-up, although yes, I have to step on it a little harder than I did with the old car. Once I adjusted to that, its been smooth sailing.

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  I finally found a car, I can trust !! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Marge Jesberger - December 21 - 2:53 pm

  My daughter wanted to buy my 2001 Subaru. I told her "over my dead body" and I meant it literally. I have had my share of unreliable transportation over the years, one cars transmission even gave up, when we were driving it out of a showroom. When we went looking for a new car (this car was a demo so it was practically new), my husband (who takes care of our finances) almost didnt buy it. The salesman wasnt ready to budge another 100 dollars off. If we would have walked away from this car, I would have been heart broken. It is now 2008 and I think it has been in the garage maybe 4 times. I can depend on it day after day to get me to work, shopping, wherever. I will never take it for granted.

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  Great in the Snow - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By danwatson - December 18 - 7:07 am

  I purchased a 2011 Outback Premium new in May, 2011. It now has 52,000 mostly trouble free miles. The only problem was with a power window that would get stuck and the dealer had a difficult time finding the cause. Other than that, its been very reliable. We live in a ski resort at 8,000 feet and the extra power from the six cylinder engine is well worth it. Even with the bigger engine, we are getting over 25 mpg with a combination of highway and town driving. Styling is subjective, but I think both the exterior and interior are attractive. We have a 100 pound golden retriever who loves riding in the back. I wish it had a little more leg room in front and rear, but its adequate.

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  Gotta go Out Back - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ellard - December 17 - 1:48 pm

  Not the fastest but holds the road like it is glued to it

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  10K and all is OK - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joe-in-MD - December 17 - 12:16 pm

  We just passed the 10,000 mile mark and I am very satisfied with the Legacy on all counts. Perhaps Im getting used to the CVT, but the MPG just gets better and better. Drove from MD to Williamsburg, VA and clocked 33 MPG. Averaged 75-85 MPH highway with AC full blast. Would buy another - or perhaps the similar Outback.

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  2017 WRX - WoRX for me! - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Brock - December 16 - 10:05 am

  2017 WRX Limited - 6M, Navi, Harmon Kardon, Blind Spot Monitoring, Homelink, & much more... How have I survived this long without considering a WRX?? Ive had a Lexus IS 300, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and this WRX simply outperforms these other two by a country mile! The grip is incredible. Power is fantastic. I love the way the front end pulls you out of a corner while the rear is pushing at the same time. The shifter feels great. Visibility is incredible. The Harmon Kardon system thumps. ...all with safety, reliability, and resale value to boot! The ONLY thing sorely lacking is Apple CarPlay & Android Auto! Subaru, add these ASAP!!

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  Lapis Blue SUV - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Christine - December 16 - 4:59 am

  Know the value of your trade in and use it to your best advantage! Be persistent and youll end up with the car you want! I really like my Subaru Outback!

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  Gotta love my 2008 Outback - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Dr. Bob - December 15 - 4:03 pm

  I recently traded cars with my wife. She got the 2007 Lexus ES 350 and I got the 2008 Subaru Outback LL Bean--I won the trade. (OK, we both think we won.) My loves: I (a 6 guy) love the front seating and the views through the windows. I love the solid, absolutely confident feel that the car will go exactly where I point it. I really like the gas mileage. This is a 6 cylinder car, I average 26.1 miles and get 29.4 on the highway driving at a steady 72 mph. The seat fits me like a glove, I love this front seat. Lastly, I love the cargo capacity. You cannot possibly fill this car up. My wishes: I would love brighter headlights and a bigger back seat.

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  Excellent Car. Still an excellent car. Still Great - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Rich Brown - December 14 - 7:45 am

  The 2007 Subaru Forester is a great car. Solid, reliable, roomy, trouble free. I will buy another one. My car was rear ended and sent off to the shop. The Subaru people did a great job making it look like new. They missed replacing a key part and it was very unstable. Subaru said it was fine, but an independent shop spotted the problem and fixed it . The car runs like its brand new! Smooth and comfortable. Im going for 250,000 miles before I even think of trading it in for another Subaru. My 2007 Subaru is still running great. No problems. Wish all cars were made this well.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By XCCoachLou - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. I have 4000 miles on it since I bought it in June. First, it is extremely comfortable. All the controls are logically placed. It is very easy to change the radio, or adjust the temperature. The visibility from the Drivers seat is incredible. Secondly, the ride is incredible. In heavy rainstorms, it felt like most other cars on dry pavement. It was sure and steady. The gas mileage has been better than EPA estimates. On a recent 250 mile road trip, I got over 29 MPG and that includes being stuck in traffic for an hour. Finally, it is quiet. It is quieter at highway speeds than any other car I have owned, including sedans.