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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  Fun little car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By robm2 - March 29 - 7:43 am

  A fun car to drive. Not nearly as comfortable as my older VW, but for the same price, I have better handling, AWD for winter snow & ice, and better reliability. The premium package is a must. In Canada, it is the Sport Package, and heated seats are now a necessity, (I had them in the VW, and will never be w/o them again). The 170hp/170lb-ft N/A engine is adequate, but if you want some thrills, you may be disappointed. I am selling my 08 2.5i and have already ordered an 09 STI.

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  Buy Only If You Plan To Keep It! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By TURBO9956 - March 28 - 11:03 am

  Squeaks and rattles seem to be the norm. My automatic transmission has never shifted right - its slow to do everything (my dealer says its normal). The engine clicks and rattles - again, "normal". So, I decide that I will trade it -nope. I almost passed out when I received my offer. Tried to sell it, nobody wants it. I received a "guaranteed trade value" from Subaru HA! they dont even want it back. The back seat is a joke.

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  A good solid B+ - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By walorado - March 27 - 11:10 pm

  Had a Subaru or two along the way, and decided on the 08 Premium because of a value package. Great vehicle with a couple of small hiccups. Had a minor issue with the AC but was resolved under warranty. Replaced the drivers door speaker 3 times, also under warranty. In fact, the stereo is a real weak point in the car for me. Really lame speakers, and I paid for the "upgrade." Seats are comfortable and fit my rather copious rump easily. Plenty peppy even here in the high country of Colorado. AWD system is very good, but the 2008 model lacks stability control. Without it, the cars rear end can slip out if you arent careful in the snow. Id buy the car again, though.

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  Ever want to hug a car? - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By damienG - March 27 - 5:50 pm

  I have been a VW fan for the last 15 years, at one time saying I would never buy anything else. That was until my 96 Jetta GLS. To say I was disappointed with it is an understatement. While looking for a replacement for that car, something fun like VWs without the problems, I started looking at the WRX wagon. I needed a wagon and 4 doors, otherwise I may have ended up with a GTi. I took the WRX for a test drive, and that is all it took. This car is pure joy to drive! I had to get one, and I did. I have been driving it now for six months, and I still love it. I still look for reasons to take it out and I am still volunteering to drive my friends to and from the airport. I love it!

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  Nice looks, good performance - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Cyclone411 - March 27 - 5:23 pm

  This car handles better than my last car (1999 Passat). It holds the road well and has good power across the RPM range. I would like more cargo space, but knew I was making a compromise for reasons of cost. Car looks sharp in the Outback trim and is well equipped. I wish the drivers seat had adjustable lumbar support and the ability to angle the headrest back. Could also benefit from a telescoping wheel. Overall happy with my purchase 1000 miles into ownership.

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  This car is AWESOME! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By gryphon - March 27 - 12:16 pm

  Hands down, awesome car, even with two small children, plenty of room (between a Civic and an Accord in terms of rear, more like an Accord in everything else). Swallows up the pavement. Definitely get rid of the RE92 (stock tires). Awesome handling, awesome acceleration, awesome price!

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  Subaru Forester XS 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By harold martens - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our families first Subaru, and will definitely not be the last. After a protracted period of test driving many competing models, we settled on the Subaru Forester XS for its sturdy feel, excellent visibility, ease of manueverability, included options, and safety features. Our dealer of purchase: DON DOCKSTEADER SUBARU in Vancouver Canada offered a 24 hour, no obligation test drive which finalized our choice.

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  I love my Subaru!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By datafeedback - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Perfect, perfect, and more perfect.

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  should have stuck to honda - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By naturallite - March 27 - 10:00 am

  milage and handling is great for a suv, havent had any problems with the engine, but the interior is made of cheap materials, feels like cloth over cardboard, cup holders are a joke, what kind of an engineer designed those? , small covered conpartments in the doors are flimsey and the hinges bend, have taken it to two dealers (40 milers away) no dealers in small towns, and was told nothing they could do, but I shouldnt lean so hard on arm rests? give me a break, they shouldnt have put hinges there in the first place, overhaul the interior to quality, and they would have a good product.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Scott - March 27 - 5:30 am

  We purchased this car with 12,000 miles on it. It doesnt have as much power as other cars on the market, transmission shift terrible. Nav system isnt that great, poor graphics.