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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  Burns oil - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Michele - October 19 - 11:40 am

  This 2015 Subaru Forester was my first new vehicle in 12 years. I did my research and test drove a lot of other vehicles before choosing it. Everything was fine until the oil light came on before the first scheduled service. I checked the oil and it was a quart down. I put a quart of oil in and mentioned it when I took the car in for service. The maintenance person I spoke to was completely mystified as to what could be wrong. I have had the car a little over a year and a half and have had to put oil in it three times. The dealership has had me coming back every 1200 miles to do oil consumption test "to see what could be wrong". Three weeks ago I got a settlement notice of a class action suit against Subaru for excessive oil consumption in the 2014 and 2015 Foresters. So, all along the service people must have known what was happening and I can only assume that they were told to lie about it. I like the car, its fun to drive, but I really resent being treated like an idiot by the dealership I will never buy another Subaru. In my opinion they are completely unreliable.

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  Goes like stink! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By White Devil Subie - October 19 - 2:20 am

  I bought this car after owning two Acuras (1998 CL and 2002 TL). I like quality, safe, reliable but high performance cars. This Subie has been the best car I have ever owned. It is also a very stealth mobile in that hardly anyone recognizes what this car is and what it can do. It gets decent mileage for what it is (a high performance car). It so fun to drive and is sure-footed in the snow and ice in Kansas City. It climbed up a serious incline on 14th Street in KC during a major ice snow without hesitation while all the other drivers were spinning their tires. My advice if you live in a snowy or icy area in the winter is to have two sets of tires (the stock Potenzas and good snow/ice tires).

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  A 3 series beater - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By BZ - October 18 - 9:10 am

  Researched small AWD sport sedans for over 3 months and drove the Audi A4, BMW 328i, Acura TSX, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo 2.5. The Legacy GT out performs all of them at a price that is $10,000 less than the 3 series. Build quality is superb, and the ride is extremely quiet for a 3200 pound sedan. The negatives are: the rear seat is a tad firm, but more than adequate for anyone less than 6 feet on an all day trip and lack of storage compartments. This is my second Subaru (the first being a forester, which has 71,000 miles on it, and has been trouble free). The Legacy GT is quick, quiet and handles superbly - a truly remarkable car at an attractive price, compared to its competition.

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  First Subaru former Toyota owner - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By marcob68 - October 17 - 10:20 am

  Great handling, mileage now averaging 27.6 mix of mostly highway and 10% city. Interior finish is excellent and everything works the way it should. Acceleration without turbo is very good and no problems cruising at 75. Radio and CD changer sound quality are very good. Much tighter handling than prior Toyotas.

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  Smart Buy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kent - October 17 - 5:26 am

  Good value, drives more car like than truck like. Car drives well and has good power with turbo. A person could get buy with out turbo,but may be a little under powered for some. Gas mileage avg 19-21 mpg back and forth to work. Transmission and all wheel drive work fine. Hood scoop and chrome like pedals and foot rest are a little kiddish on a Forester. People looking at Forester would want power passenger seat more. Good handling for SUV, seems nimble. Rear window overhang creates more dust and dirt on window and would be better without that design. Traded in BMW 325xi which is the most overrated car I have ever driven. Glad I purchased Forester over Toyota or Hondas equiv.

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  2004 wrx STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By vtecTHIS - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this a great all around car. fast,handles like a dream. sticks to the road like you wouldnt beleive. it is on par with many high end exotics. it will hang with or beat my fathers porsche gt2 in all aspects. my hats off to subari for FINALLY bringing the sti to the usa. hopefully the battle for power and handling will continue with mitsubishi as it has for years overseas

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  Fuel saver safe fun - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By GJM - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2 weeks ago and already have over 2000 miles on it.Im getting 30 plus on the highway and Im looking forward to the snow.Handles well.I never drove a stick before but picked it up quickly on this model.

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  Wow! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jfish - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in an anemic 200 Outback w/ the normal 2.5 for the new XT. This car shows that Subaru pays attention to detail, and acutally improves wht needs to be improved, and can leave the rest alone. This car is fast, handles great, outstanding comfort! It was more $$ than the old 2.5, but well worth it. This care GOES!

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  Mostly a Great Car - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By zentec - October 16 - 3:52 am

  I have moved from a Honda Civic to the 2013 Impreza. Car drives much better than the Civic, about the same gas mileage with a lot less road noise. Seats are better than the Civic, most of the interior is on par or better.

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  Fast and practicle fun - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Midlife - October 14 - 11:33 am

  Very predictable handling and holds on tight to wet roads. Handling in the snow is very good after the summer only tires are changed to mud and snow tires. Auto temp control works well. There is actually enough room in the back seat for an adult human of average size, but not for an extended trip. Trunk space is good with room for golf clubs and groceries. Ride is tolerable to good,except on a real rough roads, you wont lose your teeth. Lots of road noise from the tires, but much better with with the M/S tires. The rear wing is annoying and attracts alittle more attention than I care for. Gas mileage is around 22-24 for me but I drive conservative. I look forward to driving it every time