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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  Muscle Car Convertee - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Over 40 - March 9 - 12:06 am

  I needed to face the reality of a 100 mile round trip commute in New England weather. My aging Ford Ranger (winter) and Mustang GT (summer) had both served me well, but with gas prices, it was time to find a vehicle that could serve my year-round needs and my need for speed, as well. The 2006 WRX Limited is the perfect combination of power, agility,and handling. Subaru owners I have spoken with attest that these cars are very capable in the snow, and dont have the gas guzzling traits of SUVs. I have 600 miles on it in one week, and have seen 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg with lots of around-town mixed in. As a lifelong GMC and American muscle fan, I am extremely impressed. A-1 quality!

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  Super Subaru - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MNTerry - March 8 - 12:43 am

  Excellent handling, impressive power, well equipped for its cost, elegant styling, high quality interior &exterior, easy-to-use instrumentation, great sound system: whats not to like about it? Okay, the fuel mileage (22mpg) is poor compared to my last Legacy, but who cares when you have this kind of power? This car evokes more unsolicited compliments from strangers about its looks; friends are effusive after they ride in it. I love the feel of the leather interior, the lumbar support, the cars styling, its features, & the power is intoxicating.

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  Perfect Car/SUV - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By ahc - March 6 - 3:10 pm

  I bought my car brand new. It was absolutely the best car. It went through anything, snow, rain, etc. It was 10 out of 10 reliable. Never gave me any trouble. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is reasonably priced, a super, super deal, and I loved it.

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  Love the newer model - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Repeat owner - March 6 - 10:03 am

  I just traded in my 2004 Outback Sport for the 2009 because I loved my 2004 so much but it was beginning to cost too much to maintain after 135,000 miles. I thought I was getting a new version of my old car, but this one is like driving a different car and I LOVE it. Its got lots of spunk, gas mileage is decent so far, and just overall fun to drive because it holds the road and doesnt let go, even through rough roads under construction. She feels solid and well-built, and am once again so glad I chose this Subaru model. Ive driven Foresters as loaner cars that didnt feel quite as solid with the same level of quick response, and this car is a few thousand $$ less expensive.

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  Happy so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Dan - March 5 - 10:00 pm

  Have had it for a month and already drove it on sleet and ice for a couple of days. AWD was great on the ice. Very smooth and quiet on the hwy - doesnt break a sweat at 75. Handles well. Sufficient power. Not the best looking exterior Ive ever seen, but all around great car for the $. Very few crossovers with AWD/4WD get this kind of fuel economy.

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  Cant beat the value - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Crockett Actuary - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Great handling for an AWD vehicle. Great visibility, headroom (Im 64"), and front-seat legroom. Excellent cornering. Could use a tad more passing acceleration, but its only a 4- cyl, and is fine. Liked the pre-2003 exterior styling more (was more unique), now it looks like a Honda.

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  spankin new blue sti! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bluedemon - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is stupidly powerful. I have driven an M3 and seriously considered getting one. I chose this car over that one hands down. Overall an incredible value in spite of the hideously big wing. About the wing: both the dealer and subaru say that it really does serve a purpose and that if you remove it you will void your warrantee!!! Can you believe that? Some fans of the 80s American muscle car will remember the v6 turbo charged Buick GNX. I had one. Except for the understated syling of the all black wingless GNX, the STI is far superior in many ways especially the handling, manual gearbox, all wheel drive and the intense eye popping braking.

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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Capper - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive, fun to drive, capable in the snow.

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  Montana - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By valken - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, good ride. I like everything about it except that it seems it sometimes takes too long to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear.

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  yo yo - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By katie subaru - March 5 - 2:00 am

  great car!! I love how the car ahndles itself. It has wonderul shocks.