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 truck/car - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By al hart - September 10 - 4:23 pm

  Convenient. Handles great in bad weather.

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  Little dissapointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JLouie - September 10 - 11:13 am

  I bought my 2009 Subaru based on safety rating and new design. Im mostly happy with my purchase but several small improvements are needed: Three separate windshield cracks within the first six months! Most of my driving is done on I5 Hwy. I owned a Jeep for 10 yrs, and Jeep windshield are even more upright than the Subaru and you do get plenty of dings, but it didnt crack instantly. The paint is too thin as small rocks from the road takes chunks of paint off and I now have several rust spots on the front grill/hood area. Interior silver coat on the plastic interior door handle,etc. are easily scratched and same with exterior paint. Stereo and AC is weak.

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  Another Quality Redsign! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By punchycool - September 10 - 7:10 am

  I have the 05 Impreza 2.5RS Sport Wagon with auto trans. This is the 2.5L non-turbo motor in case you were wondering. It fits my lifestyle perfectly and has room for two quality carseats in the back seat. The redesigned interior is very impressive; trust me, it takes a lot to impress me and Subaru has done a great job changing it up to modernize things. I really dig the new look of the black interior. Good layout for controls, good cupholders. Quiet engine and low slung hood line are perfect for all drivers. I love the height adjustment of the front seats, a very thoughtful touch for 54" wife. And if I may say so, Subarus willingness to make me a great deal on this model, made me jump!

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  First new car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Ashley S. - September 9 - 11:03 am

  Fun to drive. Looks great. Nice fit and finish. Many features standard. Add a spoiler and mud guards and the car is ready to go. Waiting for snow to test out the AWD.

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  2016 Outback w/Eyesight - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bob Merrifield - September 8 - 6:35 pm

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  On your left...Move over Bimmer(s)!!! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By stevegs got a subi - September 7 - 5:13 am

  Well its been about 3 weeks now since I purchased my silver GT Ltd Sedan and not one ounce of disappointment in my decision.I am still very impressed. I have always thought the Subaru made excellent AWD rally racing cars and the WRX/STI models are great high performance cars although with too much of a boy racer look. Take your pick especially with the Big Shopping Cart wings! If only Subaru would make something with similar performance.Well the wait is over and the GT Legacy is a force to be reckoned with now if only they make a STI version with 300+ horsepower that would would leave those with Audi S4s and BMW M3s crying in its wake!!

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  2013 WRX Hatchback - 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX
  By leob1 - September 7 - 3:55 am

  This is a very practical, fun, AWD performance car with outstanding value for the money. A 0-60 time of 4.7 and ability to surpass 60 easily in second gear gives lots of confidence merging into traffic. The whine of the turbo is intoxicating combined with the rumble of the flat four boxer engine. It is super practical with the hatchback and can accommodate large items easily (seats fold down); big screen TVs, large boxes, mountain bike, etc. The hatch also works as excellent rain protection when you are loading (unexpected surprise). The AWD is incredible for inclement weather, but be sure to get at least all season tires so you can stop and turn in easier in snow (had stock summer tires).

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  Superwagon - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve Braden - September 7 - 2:28 am

  The only beef I have with my Outback is how it takes a few seconds for the transmission to engage when going from reverse to drive, and the acceleration is a little abrupt. Otherwise I am loving it. The ride, gas mileage, performance, comfort accessories etc are all great. Its a lot of car for the money.

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  The best looking Subaru yet! - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By BlvdKing - September 6 - 10:56 am

  I have really enjoyed this car so far. It doesnt have the performance it should possess by the look of the car. I have the leather seating and love the comfort and material quality. It handles amazing and drives almost as nice in snow and ice. Subaru makes a true "all season" car. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a fun to drive, fairly economical, great looking, and quality built car. The only thing it is lacking is the turbo performance other newer subarus have like the WRX and WRX Sti.

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  As always... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By i know more than you - September 6 - 8:36 am

  As always, the NA market doesnt get the best. Everywhere in the world except North America they get the original Legacy, which has HIDs, DVD, GPS, navigation, better tires and windshield wipers, more toys, better looking front and rear bumpers, as well as many others. On the other hand, since many Americans think bigger is better, we get bigger engine (but not more horsepower) and bumpers (the original smaller ones look 10 times better). And since typical Americans are not willing to pay "too much" for a "Subaru," the Legacy comes standard with poor all-season tires that dont perform well in almost any situation, especially in snow and rain.