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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  Proud To Be A WRXer - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Jonny Gray - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My boys talked me into this car. I changed jobs and actually had a company BMW 741 IL - a fast but heavy lux car. When I had a very limited budget and a lot of weather to content with, I needed a high performance AWD car. Man has it been great! The car performs like a race car - very quick once the the turbo kicks @ 3000rpm, the tires are sticky around any curves, and the brakes put you in FULL control... I love this car so much, I will be moving up to the STi (as soon as my wife lets me...) If you have a chance, buy this car. You will not regret it - unless you try to fit 3 boys, wife and dog in it. Wont work! Enjoy

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  Subaru great value - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Apollo - March 31 - 10:00 am

  The Subaru is a very reliable car, that has great gas mileage. The car is quick and agile. Turning is superior as well as fun. Overall this car is a good buy.

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  I like it - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By bmitchel - March 30 - 3:33 am

  Went to the dealership looking to get a 2009 and fell in love with 2010. I am not a small guy over 62 and the car has enough room for me to comfortably drive and have a standard adult sitting behind me. I live in New England and AWD is a must. For the features and price there is no car like it on the market. My only issue is that if I dont have the key on me I have to go to the front seat to open the trunk. Most cars have some mechanism that if the doors are unlocked you can open the trunk

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  Great commuter car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Elf72 - March 30 - 3:20 am

  This is my second Subaru - I traded in my Forester when I moved 90 minutes from work as I wanted more creature comforts for the long commute. This car does not disappoint. Smooth ride, great gas mileage, and the Limiteds upgraded interior makes the trip comfortable as well. Plus, when winter hits, if the AWD works as well as it did in the Forester, Im all set.

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  This is the car of my DREAMS! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Etiklleh - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. After two Legacy wagons and an Impreza Sport Coupe, I was ready to go for the real style of the line. I have NOT been disappointed. I get comments all the time about how classy the car looks. As for performance, I get the most out of the 4 cylinder engine. And the handling is outstanding. I am loyal to Subaru through and through, and Ive even converted several friends and family.

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  New Guy On the Block - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By yahtahey - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my LL Bean Outback. Comfort, Design, and Quality of workmanship. I inspected my new Subaru for 40 minutes when I went to pick it up.I am an aircraft mechanic by trade for 46 years. I found no items on the underside of the car that required repair of any kind. I only found 2 items under the hood when I got home that were minor, and I took care of them myself, as they did not affect warranty.

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  Better Than Expected - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Vera - March 27 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this car after viewing Consumer Reports; safety and handling are definite concerns. The Forester handles like a dream in inclement weather, really sticks to the ground around curves. Gas mileage runs 22-23 mpg, was expecting a bit better but still good. Only thing I dislike about the car is the drivers cupholders and center armrest, not convenient nor comfortable. Otherwise, its a great car!

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  Great value, fun! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By cdb9000 - March 26 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this car 4 months ago, replaced 2001 Toyota Landcruiser. Tired of paying $75 premium, now I pay $35 regular to fill it! Owned 2 Volvo wagons (new) before my LC, and the Subaru compared to those in comfort and luxury. I looked at the Honda CRV and Rav4, too. CRV had good safety, but so cheap inside I couldnt stand it. Rav4 has very poor rear crash test, and I dont like when Mac trucks come up on my rear when Im stopped and sitting in a car with no bumper. Acceleration is fine, its no BMW or 8cyl, but gets me from here to there safely and in comfort! The Subaru has 5 star safety ratings all around - very important to me (and kids). Check out IIHS website for crash ratings.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By bak2subie - March 26 - 2:10 pm

  After exhaustive test drives and visits to a variety of dealerships, two small suvs stood out. The new Ravs are nice, especially the 6 cylinder, but the 2009 Subie XT was the ticket. Had to drive over 100 miles to get the color (sage green) we wanted. This car is fun-fun to drive. It will go fast, like changing lanes and passing 18 wheelers in a less than 3 seconds. Our 2002 Rav could only try. Fit/finish is up to the toyota standards and thats good. But the ergonomics are much better. All around visibility is great. Tight U-turner.

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  Curtain Extra? - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Barbara - March 25 - 8:50 pm

  I only had my outback for 1 week, and soon far we love it. We didnt receive the curtain for the back area. I thought that was standard. Does anyone know? We ask the dealership, and they reply that was extra.