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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  Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By RALPH - May 21 - 7:23 pm

  All the editors reviews are accurate, the car is great, on the down side, its noisy on acceleration, but on smooth road, ride is quiet. Interior and exterior quality top shelf.

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  Beautiful B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Robert Brand - May 21 - 9:36 am

  This vehicle is extremely pleasant to drive as it feels like you are in complete control at all times. It is the most sure-footed car I have ever had. So far most of the driving has been inside the city but the times outside on longer trips I found the navigation system to be very helpful. After driving Cadillacs it took a bit of getting used to a high revving (7000rpm redline) engine. To date absolutely no problems have showed up. I have the five passenger version.

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  The best all round vehicle ever - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Dreister - May 21 - 4:10 am

  Ive had my Outback Turbo XT with manual transmission for just over a year, and I must say that Ive found the perfect match! I love how I can change the driving style by a click of the button, if I want to accelerate off a red light like Andretti, I can by flipping the S# button, and boy do you feel that power! If I want to take it easy on a longer drive or in traffic and conserve gas, flip it to I and I can rest at ease knowing my car is doing its best to conserve energy. The fact that the clearance on my Outback beats most large SUVs is phenomenal for a car this size. Ive gone off- roading in Big Bend and Ive been able to go down trails Explorers couldnt dream of tackling.

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  My last car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By MaryAnn - May 19 - 2:20 pm

  When we got so much ice in December of 2008 I got tired of not being able to get my truck out of the parking lot so I went to Walkers Subaru and got an Outback Legacy Wagon. Best purchase I ever made. I love the ride, the lines and the AWD. Cargo area is great. I wish I had bought the Subaru 4 cars ago. I am not really into cars, just want to get where I am going and so far this car does it for me.

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  no complaints here - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By shell1006 - May 18 - 2:36 pm

  What a fun car to drive! I thought I wouldnt like anything as much as my Camry wagon, but the AWD is reassuring and a plus to have. Subarus rank up there with Toyotas and Hondas now; standard AWD is added bonus and durable.

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  What A Gem! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By A Real Gem! - May 18 - 6:40 am

  Recently purchased 08/24/2009 but already super impressed. Im a tank, and my wife is a little bitty woman but our Forrester fits us both with all the comfort we could ask for. I have gone over this vehicle with a fine tooth comb and could not find a single defect, try that with any of the big three American brands. I intend on driving this car for many years, since my trade was a 92 Explorer. Almost a years research went into my purchase decision, I could not beat the safety options, comfort options, and other features for the price. Other comparable vehicles would have cost much more. I have never been as impressed with a vehicle as I have with this one. I know I have made the best choice!

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  ? - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By karenmoorebrunelle - May 18 - 2:00 am

  My third Subaru. First a legacy wagon then two outbacks. All great cars. Reliable, functional and still f

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  Enjoying this car - better than expected! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By beachbum78 - May 17 - 7:47 am

  Started leasing a base, 4 cylinder, Outback a month ago and my husband and I are very happy with it. The mileage is good for a car this size - averaging 31.4 in mixed city/highway driving. Seat comfort is good for both of us, it handles real well and feels solid and well made. I did not want all the extra bells & whistles, so the base model was just right. As a person who always drove (and loves) manual transmissions, the automatic/CVT was almost a deal-breaker, but Im satisfied with it and my husband loves it. I checked EMF (electromagnetic field) readings on quite a few new cars of different makes & models, since I am sensitive to being engulfed in too much electromagnetic radiation, and the base Outback had the lowest readings, which is a good thing for me. (I did not measure the other Outback models.) Looking forward to driving a car with 8.7" ground clearance this winter. If this car had a manual transmission and a higher horsepower turbo engine, it would be perfect.

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  Best all around - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By zablocwj - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Handle great on turn! Great fuel millage! The most comfortable ride!

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  1st Year LL Bean Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By LLBeaner - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Would recommend it to anyone!