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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  Small SUV with a HUGE Attitude! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dr. Nutty - November 21 - 10:00 am

  A great car to drive! Instant power for passing, and a AWD system that keeps you glued to the road in all weather conditions. This is the most enjoyable car i have ever owned. The XT has plenty of room, plenty of creature comforts, including an awesome stereo! I drive 80 miles roundtrip daily to work on a two lane country road, and needed a car that could safely get around logging trucks, etc and handle the snow and ice we get during the winter. After 18,000 miles, i think i picked the perfect car for living in northern Idaho.

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  Solid as a rock - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By cskyun - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Current employer bought this car on my request, for the work that requires me to drive 48K miles a year. I have not had a single problem with this car and got me out of many sticky situations (some were intentional, just to see how it performs). Drives sure-footed way in rain or snow of Kansas. Descent gas mileage and with that price and safety rating, this is the best value out there. Currently own Chevy Sub and Lexus ES300 but I prefer and feel safer to drive this car in any weather, qith the family. The brakes also deserve a praise. I remember a reviewer compare the handling as if it was running on "rail", and I can not find a better description

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  what fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Sterie - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This wagon is a stealth sports car.Excellent performance, fun to drive, great sun roof. Roof Rack is stronger we carry double kayak and tandom bike on top. Can also carry mountain bike inside with out disassembly. Wife had a hard time accepting payment for an ugly station wagon, but has since changed her mind and always wants to drive. Good cd player, great heated seats and individual heat controls.

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  Were so happy - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Jeff - November 21 - 9:50 am

  With our new White satin Pearl Forester ltd. Have had one month now and very pleased. Ride is "tight". Car seems solid. No rattles ( I was a little concerned about this after reading reviews before we purchased-but so far so good). 4 speed trans is better than expected as "sport shift" mode makes for crisp shifting and even in normal "drive " position the spacing between the gears is such that the final rpm at highway speed is not too much higher than a 5 speed might be.

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  Good Family Car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By tm - November 20 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had this vehicle only a few weeks and already love it. I traded a Toyota RAV4 2007 for the Outback. The Outback is a lot quieter. I have an 8 year old and a 3 month old and swear the back seat is wider. I love the space in the back.

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  Great first impression - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By angelino - November 18 - 6:40 pm

  First time Subaru buyer. Attracted to Outback by its upscale and well executed look, and 4WD reputation. Stable and comfortable road manners. Well controlled noise levels at speed. Looking forward to driving this puppy up mountains and through snow this winter. Harmon/Kardon stereo puts out great sound from CD, but strangely weak and tinny FM sound. Car still in break-in period. Expecting performance to improve.

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  This car is sweet... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Ron Jackson - November 15 - 5:50 pm

  I have to say I truly love this car. I bought one in Oct 04. I went to the dealer really just to look, but they had exactly the one I was looking for (color, options) and I bought it right then. I have had one minor problem with a faulty cooling fan relay which they fixed and also gave me a good will offering for the trouble. This car handles great, has great acceleration, is comfortable, and everyone I know would like to have it. Random people ask me about it quite often. This is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned and I have had about 7 or 8 different vehicles now. If you have the money, go buy one.

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  Blast to Drive - 2014 Subaru BRZ
  By curves1 - November 11 - 8:28 pm

  This is the first 2 door rear wheel drive coupe I have owned, and it is super fun to drive. My prior cars have been SUVs and sedans. The low seating position, combined with the super responsive steering and manual transmission are amazing. When I see cars that cost 2 to 3 times more, I think they way overpaid for the badge and extra horsepower that will hardly be used in my traffic congested area.

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  I love my forester! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By cray - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Forester. It has all the room I need for a family and a dog, but handles like a car not a truck. An SUV that is comfy and fits into "compact car" parking spaces! Plus, all the features that are options on the competition were standard on my Forester. A great value and a great vehicle for an SUV driver that doesnt like trucks!

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  A Perfect Fit - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Carl Armani - November 11 - 9:46 am

  I needed a midsized sedan that my wife would enjoy driving. My short list included the Ford Fusion, the Toyota Camry,and the Mazda 6. I test dove all four and the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i with the new CVT transmission became my first choice. I like the styling, it looks expensive and its clean aerodynamic line illicits lots of raves from friends. The car is roomy front and back and all the controls are accessed easily. The ride is solid with no swaying in the corners and adequate suspension on bumpy terrain. This is not a Hot Rod, its 4 cylinder 170 HP engine with the new CVT automatic transmission gives you adequate acceleration for all sensible driving needs. Gas mileage 25/32.5.