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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  Great car! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt from Pittsburgh - December 12 - 7:50 pm

  Ive been wanting one of these for a long time and am thrilled to finally own a Subaru!

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  Faultless - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - December 12 - 7:43 am

  I have put approximately 2000 miles on this car and it has performed flawlessly. The upgraded interior and features remind me of a Volvo (I have owned 4). The performance and handling is like my old BMW 530i. It gets 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, and uses regular unleaded. The car is well designed inside with lots of convenient features. The ride is very smooth. This car is a great alternative to a Honda or Toyota. Dollar for dollar it has more value, in my opinion, and it also drives better than a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4.

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  I love my Outback! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Donna - December 11 - 5:33 pm

  I owned my Honda Accord for almost 10 years and wanted another car that I could keep that long. I researched safety, performance, reliability, value, mileage, everything. I thought I was going to get the Forester, until I drove it. Too "trucky" for me, and the dealer suggested I drive the Outback. Smooth ride, nice interior, fun to drive; I was sold. I chose the 2.5L engine for the mileage and the fact that it is a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle, at least in California. The option to shift it into Sport or Manual while climbing hills is huge and really helps the engine performance. Its nice to drive a car that you dont see every fifty feet on the road!

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  Great Suby! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Eric - December 11 - 2:26 pm

  After a bit of consideration, I decided to grow up and get a Legacy GT Spec.B. All I can say is, Woohoo!. The car is very comfortable, quiet and performs very well from the factory. As a guy who really gets into my cars and appreciates the offerings of the aftermarket world, the Suby steps up here as well, with numerous offerings. The 6 speed manual that the Spec.B comes with is very well nearly worth the price difference between it and the regular Legacy GT in and of itself. Add the Subaru STi short shifter and the gearbox feels nearly German, which is a very good thing! Bang for the buck, the Spec.B is definitely one of the best values, and with help, the car can take on the best!

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  Traded My Legacy for an Impreza - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By ChuckB - December 9 - 9:20 am

  This is my third Subaru and I traded in a 2001 Legacy Sedan Limited Edition for it two weeks ago. I selected the 2008 Impreza because of its looks, performance, price and safety features. I test drove a 2007 Impreza Outback Wagon (the dealer was trying to give it away) and was not happy with its performance or appearance. The re-designed 2008 has an upgraded appearance and performance with a sport car attitude. While it may not look like a traditional Impreza, I think the exterior is sharper than the 2008 Legacy Sedans (looks like a VW Jetta). I am very happy with my selection, its driveability and (of course) its AWD and great handling (better than the Legacy).

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  Im lovin it - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DJ-ATX - December 9 - 12:33 am

  Ive had it two weeks now and have put about 300 miles on it already. Im absolutely thrilled with it. I had a BMW X5 prior to this and to be blunt, I like the outback better! It is peppy, drives like a sports car, gas mileage is fantastic (comparatively speaking) and its so quiet inside. This is my first Subaru and I wish I had thought to buy one years ago. Im totally in love. And since its so new, I get tons of looks, stares and compliments! We cant wait to take it to the beach or on a trail! My recommendation - RUN, dont walk, RUN out and get one as quickly as you can.

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By JOHNNY - December 8 - 4:03 am

  I had a chance to test drive the Evo MR a day before I bought my STi and let me say that there was nothing to compare. The STi was in a class of its own. From start-up to shutdown its all I ever wanted in a car. I have never smiled so much as do when I drive the STi, especially when a Mustang pulls next to me.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Provocyclist - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car! Its a sports car in baby wagon guise. Subaru actually under-quoted the horsepower rating by 30hp. 3 weeks after we got it, my dad and I drove from Utah to Ohio and back, and Roo performed flawlessly. The view from the drivers seat is great, and all-around visibility is super. The only thing i can say bad about this car is how small the back seat is. Im pretty short, so i fit fine, but if youre normal size, its tight.

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  Scary fast but needs refinement - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By WRXtheWonderSube - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car based on performance and looks. Once you overcome the turbo lag, this thing stands up and darn-near lifts of the pavement as it flies away. Unlike Front-wheel drive pocket rockets, the power transfer to the ground is smooth and devoid of torque steer. With side and rear spoiler, plus the standard fender flares, it looks great...hunkered to the ground and read to roll.

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  Larger interior is great - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Third Outback Owner - December 2 - 5:00 pm

  The larger size finally resolved the "too small" feel of all the previous Outback generations. It feels more durable. The interior and exterior designs are both very satisfying. The CVT noise distracts from the driving experience. Radio/stereo isnt too swift. Paddle shifters work well for downshifting going down hills, but revs the engine too high on highway merging and hill climbing. The Hill holder is a nice feature. Rear seats fold easily, far better than former Outbacks. Steering feels firm and secure, but is not weighted well, taking a while to get used to. Handling is secure for this size of car.