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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  Theyre on to something here - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By legolas11 - January 5 - 2:40 am

  This is a great car. Safe, fun, practical, and great looking both inside and out. I had been saving up for about 4 years to buy my first car (I am 17) and after test driving cars like the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, and the Suzuki SX4 Sport, I am much happier with an Impreza parked in my driveway. I live in NY and the winter here, though not the worst in the country, are still pretty bad. The geography doesnt really help with winter driving either. Having all wheel drive vehicle is a necessity and this car fits the bill perfectly. It gives me peace of mind to know that I have the added safety of traction from all wheel drive, no matter what the weather is.

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  Best 1st Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By 917shadowfax - January 4 - 6:30 am

  Hands down I think this is the best first car a teen could have. I love it. Having been in search of a car and having saved $10k for a car, I wanted to make sure I was getting a quality build, reliable, fun, usable, and most of all SAFE car. Having bought the 5-door the Impreza had more usability, resale value personality, and safety then the Elantra I looked at, and I got it for the same price as an Elantra with the Extended Warrenty and a lower APR. I really love my car. Its beautiful inside and out. Plus it has AWD, something found on only one other car in its class.

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  Wow! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Frank W. - December 31 - 3:43 am

  After considering & test driving the Rav4, tiquan, Honda CRX, I choose the Forester. It is everything I expected and more. The visibility is fantastic, itss like driving a greenhouse, you can see everything. My mileage is going up, now about 24-26 mixed city/ highway. Not bad. Fit and finish are great with no real complaints. Parking is a snap!

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  Nice - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By wfb - December 30 - 10:00 am

  For the money, this is a wonderful vehicle. My daughter cant determine if its a car or a truck, so it became the "car/truck". This is the second Subaru weve owned and the difference between the two is amazing. They have made a lot of improvements in handling and interior sound (the Baja is a lot more quiet than our 5 year old Outback).

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  Great Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By J. Kenney - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for about a year now, and other than gas, the only expenses have been for the regular oil changes. Incredibly reliable.

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  New Turbo Subie Owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By TLH - December 29 - 6:23 pm

  7 mo/7000 miles, so far so good. Almost bought a RAV4 V6, but didnt like paying extra for accessories and hated RAV4 looks. However, would have bought a V6 Forester if available vs turbo-4cyl. While the car is fun, sometimes it seems it cant decide whether to downshift or use turbo, so performance is jerky with some lag at times. Could be due to 4spd auto tranny (or my driving style, which is avg to a little aggressive). MPG is ok, 20-23mpg avg, with up to 25 seen during a recent 1000 mile trip. I installed aftermarket oil temp and turbo gauge b/c I like to be more informed about engine status vs silly idiot lights. However, I still think its the best small SUV on the market, no regrets.

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  Great gas saver for North Country - 2014 Subaru Impreza
  By moose72690 - December 29 - 12:49 pm

  I bought my Impreza brand new and now have about 3,000 miles on it. So its still very new. However I am averaging 31MPG on the mountain roads of Vermont. I was pleased to see that I got Power windows, power locks, bluetooth, aux/usb, and a CD player in the basic model. I added the roof rack, spoiler, and mud guards which makes the car look good. I would recommend adding those if you are getting the base model, otherwise they look like a toyota matrix. As far as comfort goes its not to bad. I fit as a 62 205lbs man. The hatchback provides plenty of space for groceries and camping equipment..... If you are concerned with MPG and need AWD then this is a wise choice.

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  2011 WRX - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By NH WRX - December 28 - 10:00 am

  So far this is the best "car" Ive driven in a long time. Its certainly fast and hugs the road like a rally car should. I was happily surprised that I dont feel like Im sitting too low to the ground while driving.

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  3rd subaru - great vehicle - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By mdk - December 28 - 10:00 am

  First and second Subaru were winners , and so is my third Subaru. thought the 2.5L engine would be too small for this vehicle but to my surprise, it isnt. the cvt trans is smooth and i am getting 25 mpg. mixed city and hwy. not bad for a big awd vehicle. it is a very comfortable ride like a luxury car but the price is affordable. interior and exterior design is nicely done. the interior finish looks like too much plastic, but so what, the price makes up for it. i am sure it will have Subaru like reliability. looking forward to many years of fun in this car.

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  Grandmas new ride - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bruceb - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Traded old Vo XC-70 for this top of line Outback. Safety, value and fun ride were criteria, not to mention high Consumer Rating (thanks CR and Edmunds). Read all 200+ reviews before deciding on 3.6R Limited (thank you all, especially 3.6R people who were right on the mark). The 3.6R has great get up and go. Looking forward to driving in New England this winter. Care drives like a luxury SUV, nimble and elegant, that is when grandma lets her old man (not yet 60) take "Stormy" for a ride (took delivery day Hurricane Earl hit Cape Cod).