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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  Its true, all of it. - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By tone - November 26 - 7:21 pm

  Its true, all of it. Its fast, its fun, and its practical. I always wanted a WRX ever since I test drove the 2.5 RS in the late 90s. Now Im 41 years young with 2 kids and Im having a blast driving this car where ever I go. There is a distinct aura just driving a Subaru. A lot of Subaru owners flash there lights or wave and say Hi to other Subaru owners while driving on the streets. Its really cool and friendly. I have the base 2016 WRX 6-Speed with a short throw shifter. At 2500 RPM and above my car has enough turbo spool built up it can challenge anything. I really mean anything. I just press firmly on the throttle and the car just moves like Im riding on a puff of air gaining so much speed. Mind you I only accelerate like this on spirited drives during on-ramps to get on the highway and never with my kids. The handling is great not excellent but just great for everyday driving. If you need more feel for the handling prowess obviously get the STI. I test drove both and I know I will never get close to the limitations of the STI. You can feel the hardware in the STI. But as far as acceleration I would put the WRX and STI neck and neck in terms of acceleration with the STI just ahead by a little bit. The only minor negative issue with the WRX I feel is the shifter. Im at roughly 1,500 miles right now and Im finally feeling comfortable shifting quick. There is a minor notchy feeling going from first to second. But youll figure it out in a couple days by maybe holding the shift knob in a certain way and shifting in a certain way that can alleviate that notchy feeling. Otherwise I read Perrin has a shifter stop that can help. Id definitely recommend using the Costco auto buy program. I paid $200 dollars below invoice for my WRX. It was no hassle. The Subaru dealer in my local area showed me the Costco price and it matches my researched internet invoice price. Also they subtracted the $200 dollars. Super Easy. Heres my down payment and I was out the door having fun. If youre looking for something cheap, practical, fast, and fun I totally recommend the WRX. Also the WRX is a Lego. It has so much potential for upgrades and customization because theres an abundant amount of tuner parts available.

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  Mileage update - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By user update - November 25 - 5:13 pm

  I have only 2,100 miles on this vehicle, but my first driving impression was really rewarding and it has only improved. the mileage is excellent, average 30.5 with my highest at 34.1. This fill up i exceeded 504 miles and still had 1.5 gallons left. The car is very solid and it is really great on the highway. It has every useful feature you need, with no unnecessary, frivolous add-ons. I am really impressed with the handling. I just dont understand why previous owners are not happy with the additional room and the new style. I think it is great looking and performs flawlessly. It even has lights under the doors to light the ground. How cool is that.

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  VDC wagon - underestimated sleeper - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By willoc - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Im going on two months with the car and enjoying every drive. McIntosh audio is much better than the Bose system I had in my previous Infiniti. Soundproofing is excellent, this car has TRACTION you cant even break the tires loose on full throttle and it accelerates pretty well considering its weight (3800+ lbs). Has a very solid, safe feel. If you are getting out of an SUV like I did, you will find this car every bit as capable as an SUV yet handles like a car and I just got 26 mpg on a road trip. awesome !!

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  Finally...The Car Ive Wanted - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Cam - November 22 - 5:50 am

  I have wasted a ton of money in negative equity with a 07 Camry, 08 Altima, and 08 Accord (lease) before coming around to Subaru. I wanted to wait on a review until I put it in the snow. It was amazing. Everything about this car with its value really added up to a great experience so far. The dealer was great about letting me test drive and had a great purchase incentive. They got me out of my Honda lease and into one of the last 09 Legacy on the lot. The premium sound system is amazing. The car drives extremely well and the interior design is great. I like the 10 exterior better, but am in love with my 09 so far. Amazing ride in snow, rain, and in the sun. Highly recommended.

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  Discover Subaru - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By solarwinds - November 21 - 3:32 pm

  We got a 2013 Subaru Legacy Limited... The interior toys are not as modern but functional and reliable. But it definitely out performs then the Nissan Altima we lease. Handling is great, power is smooth,, MPG consistent 28 mixed up to 33 - 34 hwy, depends on how you drive. The AWD is incredible and the car feels solid... In NJ 2014 winter it was flawless blast through snow and take the potholes great... Subaru give you a great road feel and confidence you cant get from other i4 FWD cars. Rain, mud, dirt, curbs. The Legacy eats it all up People who drive my car say wow.

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  GO FOR THE 3.6R - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By TONY - November 21 - 10:48 am

  We traded in a 2015 2.5 limited for a 3.6r Limited. Much better car overall with the six. Smoother, quieter, and definitely faster. We did a recent trip over 2 mountain passes with the 2.5 and it had to work hard to keep up. Gas mileage suffered. The new safety features on the 2017 combined with the 3.6 made for a better driving experience.

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  a definite value pick for a compact SUV - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By jamesosan - November 20 - 10:26 pm

  This vehicle is blast! A nostalgic cruiser for the senses. The panaramic roof set back brings all the smells of a coastal day trip to the senses. The turbo 4-boxer compliments the incredible handling. The overstated concerns for a 4 speed tranny is an effort in futility. If we were questioning the lastest porsche with this tranny in play than there is a viable arguement. But this is a compact SUV for the small family or weekend enthusiast. If a gearhead is looking for the ultimate in performance than its an overstated perception that compact SUVs are not race cars. This car is a blast. When I pop the roof open it draws my three year olds attention away from the tv and towards the sky!

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  I LOVE this car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By KentKings - November 18 - 10:00 am

  over all the car top to bottom is great.. family car/sports car/safe car.. all in one.. i did alot of research before purchasing a car.. and after doing the math.. dollar to dollar this is THE car

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  WRX Go Go Go - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By rjones1138 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Nitpicking, the back seat is small and the interior is smaller than some cars in the class. Uh, it should come with trunk straps to hold things in place :). This car is always super fun to drive.

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  The 4cyl. is strong enough - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Rick - November 17 - 8:56 am

  This car fits my lifestyle. I have two children in car seats and at least one bicycle in/on the car at any time. Living in the NE I also have to deal with snow so I wanted AWD. The price and gas mileage of the 4cyl. looked amazing but I had strong reservations about getting that model as I live in an area populated with short but very steep hills. Then I took a test drive. The 4cyl. with CVT suits my needs perfectly.It is not a race car but there is always ample power for any situation. No problem driving up hills with 15-20% grades. Outside of the engine, the car feels solid and grips the road in a very reassuring manner. It is an excellent family hauler for the dedicated weekend warrior