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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  I love the turbo! - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By mcm0455 - October 1 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car after much debate on what to buy to replace my very solid 13 Honda Fit. I purchased the Forester for $3500 under invoice and 1.9% financing. I have owned 8 other Subarus in the past 25 years and have always had positive experiences. The engine and transmission is really what sets this apart from the competition. The engine really has no lag and pulls strong through the rev range. Because I travel to 8000ft+ several days a week, the turbo really makes the drive easy. I look forward to some spirited driving after the first 1000 miles, should be a blast!

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  You get what you pay for... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MG - September 30 - 2:36 am

  Since there are pluses and minuses for all vehicles, we did not feel that the Forester had any major weaknesses; WRONG! Starting with trim levels, if you want any lumbar support, you are forced to buy the limited trim which translates into a higher payment. I could easily do without leather or the extras however with a bad back, the choice was essential. The transmission is not shifting correctly and it has been a fight with the dealership. It has been eight days since we met with the Subaru rep and while he agrees that the transmission is not right, the dealership has still not called; how lovely. Very poor performance in the mountains on a recent trip and the door skins are very thin.

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  Dont Overlook Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By roger33 - September 29 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased this car about a week ago. We looked at every SUV in its class. The Outback surpassed all in ride, comfort, build quality,safety, and price hands down. I had never really paid much attention to Subaru before this. I have a feeling it wont be the last Subaru we will own.

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  Forester Fun - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By scooby - September 29 - 6:30 am

  This is a very comfortable and fun car to drive. Plenty of power when needed even though fuel mileage is not that good. Fit and finish exceptional.

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  Fast, Furious & Fun - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By OlaMoto - September 28 - 1:23 am

  Its a love it or hate it new body style and I love it! The car is clean inside and out. The navigation package offers a streamlined interior eliminating needless gadgets/buttons. The drive is amazing, smooth and controlled! Caution, one test drive and you’ll be joining the Subaru Owner’s Club!

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  Great Discovery - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By amd - September 26 - 10:23 pm

  A real find. All the equipment of an Acura RDX and more. 6 cyl and reg gas a real plus. Drives like a sports car with plenty of power and excellent road hugging ability. Typical excellent Japanese quality of fit and finish. Very happy with the discovery.

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  Most bang for buck - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By KC - September 26 - 8:00 pm

  Im writing this review because I just finished my 45-mile commute in the snow and it was actually a pleasant ride. The car is stable and comfortable in any situation: high speed, low speed, rain, snow, dirt or mud, etc. Its not perfect: I am seriously upgrading to a Legacy GT Wagon or an A4 Avant, but for $21k, its the most practical, fun, and reliable car out there. Just dont expect luxury. 40,000 miles in 1.5 years and no problems except for a few rattles, which is something youll hear a lot with Subarus. I drive 80mph to work in dry weather (all highway), and I get only 21 mpg, so lack of a 6th speed is disappointing.

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  New 2010 Outback - Nice improvements! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bam - September 26 - 6:13 pm

  This new Outback has a ton more room than the previous model, rear seat and cargo room are great! The ride, smoothness, and quietness, are very impressive. Very solid feeling, no rattles or issues so far. The quality look and feel of the interior is excellent, very thick and padded carpet is a nice touch. Seems like a very good price/value for all that you are getting in this all-new Outback.

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  Forester in the rockies - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Mountaingirl - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love my forester. I have never had any mechanical problems with it and i am at 28,000 miles. I live in the rockie mountains of colorado and the AWD has made life so easy come winter time. while i see others digging out their cars i just hop in and drive away.

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  Luv it - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By stosh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Has exceeded every expectation. I have put 60000 miles on the vehicle in two years and I still look forward to getting behind the wheel.