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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  A Great Value - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Bohunter49 - March 20 - 1:00 am

  Subaru outdid itself with the 2010 Legacy. This car has a very solid feel to it. The CVT is smooth and responsive. I like the feel and the sound it has when accelerating. Much nicer than a conventional automatic transmission. We live in the "snow belt" so the AWD is a huge plus. The interior is roomy and sharp looking. We got the moonroof and all weather package, both nice options. So far we are very pleased with this car. Anyone looking for a "family" sedan should test drive one. This is a lot of car for the money.

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  My subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By seabeewife - March 19 - 5:36 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Handles awesomely in the rain, snow, ice and dry pavement. I cant think of a better car I would want to own.

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  Excellent Performer in Colorado Mountain Snow - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rockymntnguy - March 18 - 10:22 pm

  Bought my Limited 8 months ago. Already 21K on Colorado highways, mountain roads & Denver city streets. Commute from my cabin near Bailey in mountains an hour to downtown Denver. That drive is on Highway 285 up & down from 5,280 to 11,000 ft. Lots of passing. Then on 2 lane county asphalt road for 3 miles from highway. Then county maintained gravel road to my cabin. Have also made many drives on I-70 to for summer hiking & winter skiing areas. Traded a Jeep Commander V-8. Big change. Yes, a 4 cylinder CVT takes some finesse but accelerates and passes just fine. I drive it hard & minimum MPG is 27. Get 31 on easier mountain highway trips. AWD performs well. Very satisfied.

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  2007 STI - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By STIIN253 - March 18 - 4:23 pm

  Love the car. So fun to drive everyday. Puts a smile on my face and it feels so confident in all situations. Bought it august 31 2007 and already have 12k miles on it. I recommend anyone to drive one and fall in love.

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  A Great Little Wagon - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By joybell - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had two Subaru vehicles that lasted over 10 years without major repairs. I hope that my new Forester will be just as economical, reliable and practical to own. I really did not want an SUV, just a Japan-made Subaru wagon. I feel that is exactly what I got, with a bit of SUV styling. It certainly has a lot snappier engine than the older Subarus (1.8L) that I owned, which makes it more fun to drive. I am very happy and looking forward to many years of ownership of my 2003 Forester X.

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  Scooby DO - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Luzbel - March 17 - 12:55 am

  I believe this car is for the person who is focused on having a reliable, functional, simple yet user friendly, safe SUV. If you want a car that will change and powder you, this isnt it. This a car for someone who wants some of the luxuries of what is expected in modern cars but not really super fancy. When I set out to find a new vehicle, I looked for, reliability, power, all terrain capabilities, handling, decent looks, space, economy, and comfort. All of these have been met and surpassed.
  
  The car looks well built and symmetrical. No weird chattering or shaking, no cheap plastics, no seemingly loose parts, and according to my research on engine and trans, they are bullet proof (figuratively speaking). Thats to be expected from Subaru though. 5th on the best quality cars in 2015.
  
  I was afraid that the 170hp 2.5 Boxer would not be enough for an suv but I have never been more wrong. It has ample power and moves briskly. Its not the turbo version by any means but definitely gets out of its own way and, not that I recommend it but, it has enough power and torque for spirited driving, off-roading, and hills. Ive never liked a car that cant react quickly to the throttle, and the throttle response is great. I believe Having power is just as important as good breaks and handling to get out of dangerous situations and the forester has it all. Im also a manual transmission kind of guy and I went with the CVT because of my Girlfriend and the economy. Im blown away by the performance of this thing. Die hard, traditionalist, Manual trans folks, it ok to trust the CVT its nothing like the laggy ATXs of the past.
  
  I have not done much off-road driving but what little I have done, I can hardly tell the difference between tarmac and gravel. This car likes to grip the road and not let go. Im newish to AWD and the level of command this car has on less-that-desirable road conditions is outstanding. Compared to something like the RAV4 this is true AWD and behaves as such.
  
  As stated above the handling is great, you point the steering wheel and there it goes. At first I was a little turned off by the lack of steering feedback but the comfort it provides when driving down bad roads is a blessing. You dont have to fight this car, it is under your command and will do your bidding. The body roll is minimal. It has less body roll than many sports cars I have driven, coupled with the symmetrical AWD, its fun on the twisties, for an SUV that is. The braking is also very responsive and I have already had experiences with people cutting me off and it just digs in to the ground but doesnt take away your control. If you want to test a cars brakes, come to Florida during season. This car is Florida season approved, if there was such a thing.
  
  Looks are great, much preferred over the past models Subaru has put out, but then again thats a matter of opinion. The forester doesnt brandish fake scoops or anything to augment its looks and thats how I like it. I like simple and it looks great while being simple.
  
  The space is ample inside. I traded my crew cab chevy 3500 for this and I am happy with the space. Nowhere near a large SUV but I keep thinking its larger on the inside. Might have to name it Tardis but its not blue.
  
  For the power and space the 2016 Forester offers is really economic. It has enough get-up-and-go but also has superb gas millage and if you find the sweet spot and hit the cruise control you can easily surpass the EPA rating.
  
  The way I define comfort is that the car does what it needs to do when it needs to do it while making the experience a positive one. It doesnt have temperpedic seats with butt warmer and a coffee maker, but as previously stated this is not what Subaru had in mind with this car, or so I think. This does not mean its uncomfortable, I like the seats (great lumbar suport), tilt and telescopic steering wheel is really nice to get that perfect "in control" feel. The leg room is ample and the storage is great. Getting in feels like a large car, and looking out of the windshield feels like an suv. The windows are big and there is virtually no blind spot to speak off. a quick glance to the side, after looking out of the mirrors, is more than suited for merging. Batman could drive this and not worry about raising his insurance premiums due to his limited neck rotation.
  
  Overall, I couldnt be happier with the car, Its what I wanted, something nice, comfortable, reliable, strong, with excellent off-road capability and economy that matches that of cars. Very well rounded vehicle.

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  I Love My Car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By sjl - March 14 - 5:16 pm

  I love everything about my car, its been 3 1/2 months and 7500 miles and I still love it as much as the day I got it. Its so much fun to drive. I love my stereo and heated seats. Im averaging 32 mpg overall. Thank you Subaru for making a sporty-sedan that doesnt look like it should just be driven by a young kid. The Legacy has a very sporty-but-classy look to it. I, unlike many others whove posted, didnt drive all the comparable cars in the class because my funnest car (and ugliest) Ive ever owed was a dumpy old Outback wagon that would never die. If that old 200+ thousand mile car could be so much fun and reliable to drive, I knew Id be happy with this one. I was so right!

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  2005 Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bryan - March 13 - 12:43 am

  I have had the ability to side-by-side compare a new CR-V against my new Forester because my mother-in-law bought a Honda two months before I bought the Subaru. She drove my Subaru a half dozen times & wishes she had got the Subaru in hindsight! She does love the fact tha ther Honda CR-V is known for excellent reliability. My opinion in comparison - both cars are practical and fun to drive. I feel the Subaru has a bit better finish and a more solid feel to it. The spare belongs in the car, Honda. Im partial to the aesthetic of the Subaru, but that too is subjective. Handling is another matter though, no subjective opinion here - the Subaru just handles better. Both need better MPG!

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  2005 Legacy GT Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By DC - March 10 - 12:13 am

  Awesome drivers car! Very quick, stable and predictable. Drives like a sports car. Great heater. 100% reliable so far with 20K miles. Excellent in snow, we had 3 feet in one snowfall last week, and with a 400 driveway it has to be good. Be aware that the 17" tires are fairly expensive and if you need extra wheels for snow tires, you will have to get alloys. No steel wheels available as far as I could tell, and I tried locally and on-line. Very comfortable seats. Mine was a program car with 12,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 20,000 miles on it. No one will regret buying this car. It does everything very well and I know of no weaknesses except rear visibility.

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  Love this car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Drew - March 9 - 8:43 pm

  I average 27-28 MPG combined between city and highway....SPT Exhaust sounds great! Very comfortable, love the pearl white paint, good looking gauges. Very happy with this car!