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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  stylish and fun - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By BuddyL - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This two-tone silver vehicle was stunning on the showroom floor. The ride is remarkably quiet and when the accelerator is punched, hang on, because she wants to go!

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  Great fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By NoritakeDR - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Stylish good looks, great handling, and a very fast motor make this car the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. I test drove the non-turbo and found the engine to be lacking. The downside of the turbo is poorer gas milage and you must use premium fuel, but the vehicle is extraordinarily responsive, particularly on hills. I drove the car on a trip of 300 miles and it is a bit wearing over the long haul because of the light weight compared to a sedan which I previously owned, however in town the vehicle is a real blast to drive. This is a great car for weekend lovers.

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  GREAT Vehicle!! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By OregonDart - July 22 - 8:36 am

  We went shopping for for a car for my girlfriend on Sept 5th...my birthday...great present for me - hehe.. Anyways, we were looking at the usual suspects, CRV, RAV4, X3 BMW, Escape, maybe the Edge, Equinox. Basically a small to mid sized SUV. She drove the Subaru and LOVED it, that combined with 2 past Subarus her parents had owned and her mom having a CRV (this was the front runner, but she had driven it A TON so knew what she liked and didnt.) She fell in love with the Subaru, just a great, practical, safe, fun car. GREAT JOB!! We worked a good deal and couldnt say no.

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  My third Subie in three years - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 2005graypwrstk - July 22 - 5:36 am

  We have an 08 Impreza OBS and an 09 WRX with lottsa mods. Both great cars. I needed a comfy adult vehicle to replace my just sold F250 pwrstroke diesel. I opted for the mileage and utility of the Outback Limited,moon, HK,Sat,camera. With 1400 miles and just returning from a ski trip where I average just under 30 mpg over the Cascades, I am very happy. I questioned my not buying the 3.6 for the first 1k miles until the 2.5i loosened up a bit. From experience I know the Subies dont really break in until close to 5k miles. This car is tight, very comfortable, and actually handles decently now that Im getting used to how to toss it. Only gripe..hard plastic dash.

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  Having Second Thoughts on Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Erik59 - July 20 - 1:03 am

  I purchased a manual 2010 Outback after wrecking my BMW in a snow storm. It definitely has great all-weather traction, and is very comfortable. Im very tall and I fit very comfortably in the front seats. The power front drivers seat is nice. It does OK on the highway, but is more jittery than my old car. I thought the manual transmission would be fun (my last 4 cars were manuals) but the clutch engagement is very high, and not progressive. The 4 cylinder engine has just enough oomph but is very noisy at anything more than medium throttle. The handling is clumsy compared to a car, but probably better or on par with other mid-size SUVs. Should have gone with the AWD Ford Fusion

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  Like a 944 - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By GMan-Alpine - July 19 - 1:53 pm

  This thing is not the most powerful in straight line acceleration - but its not bad. Where this car shines is in a few areas. It handles like a 944 - with the IRS and rear wheel drive, you can set the car up. Its comfortable - the wife likes it. Its a looker. Im glad I stopped by and looked at Subaru. I was going to get a Mazda.

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  Damn good car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By paulhegs - July 19 - 8:26 am

  Bought my first Subaru because my brother and his wife said it was thee car to drive. Bought one and I really enjoy it. Neighbors love the looks. They always ask me about it. Live in upstate NY where winters are brutal. Forester will go through anything. Stock tires are not that good. When stopping in ice/snow car would skid too much. Also tail end slips out a bit in snow. Replaced them with Nokia all weather tires. Also had hood rust or chipping away situation. Dealer repainted roof. Same thing with side drivers door. They repainted that too. Love the back lift and fold down seats;very versatile. Back seat room is great, not a "fake" back seat but real room for adults. No rattles.

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  my little suv - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By almasgarden - July 19 - 2:00 am

  A great car and fun to drive. Only wish I got better mileage. I highly recommend. Also bought an extended warranty,so I plan on keeping it.

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  awsome - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By him - July 19 - 2:00 am

  this car is an amazing machine. It is an out of the box rally car. I would recomend this for anyone who has ever wanted "one of those cars they see during a rally race", because this is one. This is sure to please.

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  WRX Gets my Vote - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By nedmitchell - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been amazing over the last two years. It is fun to drive yet inexpensive and comfortable. I could not recommend a better car for its price range and even above its price range. You can truly open it up and let it fly.