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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  2009 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By fred - March 3 - 2:43 pm

  Im used to full size pickup truck but with gas prices being the way they are decided to test drive the Forester. So far Im very happy with my purchase. Getting like 24.5 mpg combined according to trip computer, 27-28 highway. for a little car it has enough room for hauling a good amount of stuff. Im 6 foot tall and with the 09 I was able to adjust driver seat to comfortable position then got in the back seat and was still comfy at least for short rides. Havent had bad weather since Ive owned it but it feels nimble when driving. No its not a Hemi but does a great job for a commuter car and loaded even for base model. And lots of room.

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  My Subaru Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mira - March 3 - 10:50 am

  This is my 1st Subaru and the 1st SUV. I have about 700 miles on it and love it so far. Ive been averaging 18.6 mpg in the city. Once in a while I can hear the rear seat belts making noise, especially if you have something leaning against them. Overall very comfortable ride, fairly smooth. Radio controls on the steering wheel are nice, but I manage to hit them accidentally when turning somehow. Gas cap rests on the exterior paint during refuel, dont really like that, but its minor. Im 5.9" and steering wheel adjustment is fine, no problems, plenty of leg room. My insurance went down a little due to Subaru being a safer vehicle. It handles like a smaller car, and has plenty of cargo room.

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  A great pleasure - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Chr3s - March 2 - 11:50 pm

  We searched for a new Jeep to replace the lease we had and because of the economy we found it was not affordable. I did my research and looked at the Tribeca and fell in love with the interior. We purchased the 5 passenger SE. Sorry but it truly has more space than our old Jeep. The crossover look had some time getting used to but it is one sweet car. This one has great pick-up and very quiet. It looks like a car from the future with its dash and design. I just leased a Honda for myself before I found this one....but I know now what my next car will be if they dont try to improve it!

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  Fun "Car" to Drive - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DDillman - March 2 - 6:33 pm

  We have driven 6000 miles to date in the last 5 months. This is a very fun "car" to drive. My wife is 51" and loves it. We looked at ALL of the other options out there. Until this we could not look at Subaru due to the fact we use the 6+ passenger seating often. I still dont know how my 10 year old fits in the 3rd seat. She says its very comfortable. As long as the family is happy so am I! What a fun car to drive, very sporty. I am looking forward to ski season to see how this vehicle does in the snow!

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  Happy Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By MitchSubaru - March 1 - 3:13 pm

  Nothing like this car on the market. Yes, theres other all wheel drive crossovers cars on the road. Nothing compares as versatile. Perfect car for a small family. Adj: Roomy, Luxurious, Sporty, Safe, Solid, Smooth, Design, Extremely Happy

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  In Summary - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By jtvb - March 1 - 1:46 pm

  I have to say - this is my first Subaru and Im pretty impressed with it. It seems well put together and pretty solid. Its a great commuter that handles well. With all the negative hype about Subarus and fuel economy, I seem to average 26 mpg in mixed driving and during my daily commutes. Good little car - I can see myself getting another Subaru!

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  Inexpensive WRX alternative - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tjhenn - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I looked at the WRX wagon initially, but decided the extra $4000 and higher insurance rates werent worth it. The TS is a fun, sporty driving car with the benefit of AWD and the Insureance Institute for Highway Saftey best crash rating. I like its "quirky" styling because you dont see much else like it on the road. The 2.5l engine provides plenty of power for freeway driving and the mountains. Much better than the Saturn its replacing. The back seats might be a little cramped for adults over 57" on long trips and Id like to see alloy wheels and keyless entry made standard, but those are my only major gripes. Very solid, fun car to drive.

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  2003 outback - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By dmaher - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I have found the outback to be one of the best cars i have ever purchased. The ride is comfortable, the milage great, and the all-wheel drive just pulled me through a major snowfall. When other cars couldnt stay on the road, the outback not only kept going, but was remarkably stable and gave no hint of losing traction. On my last trip the Outback got 28 mph despite above 70mph driving. I would buy another without hesitation.

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  Why buy an SUV?!? - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By William Roe - February 28 - 12:19 am

  The obsession with big trucks and SUVs baffles me. This Subaru is PERFECT, and gets much better gas mileage! We just returned from a 2000 mile trip with 3 kids (2 in car seats) and 2 adults and a back full of luggage. The 2.5i engine did just fine in the mountains, and we had no problem with room! Was the back seat cramped, yes, but the 30MPG was fantastic! We have had this car for 1 year now, and Im very happy with my decision.

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  Very Classy Car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Trace & Mike Francis - February 25 - 7:30 am

  My husband and I were originally looking to purchase the Murano, and as I was conducting research, I came across the Tribeca. After going to the dealer and seeing it in person, we had to have it. We absolutely love this car. We have the Atlantic Blue with grey interior. Its like a cross between the BMW X3, Infiniti, the Lexus and the Murano. A lot of features to have fun with including the rear DVD, and it drives like a dream. We havent had the chance to test out the sports/manual transmission drive yet, but maybe when we go on vacation, well be able to test it. Several people have already stopped to ask us what the car is, and we have gotten many curious looks when driving this car.