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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  so close to perfection - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wonkothesane - September 17 - 10:00 am

  just picked up my 04 silver WRX. I couldnt be happier with her. AWD inspires confidence in bad weather, not to say that it makes me drive faster, but it is one less thing to worry about when on the road. Pickup is incredible, even though I havent violated the 4000 rpm limit for the break in period.

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  Dependability in a tight package. - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Dan Manecke - September 17 - 1:22 am

  6 cylinder would be better, lot of car here for a 4 cylinder. Overall very pleased with this vehicle after 5 years of ownership.

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  Impeza Impressive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Kathy Hund - September 14 - 2:33 pm

  When I went shopping I wanted a Forester. I test drove one; handled great for a larger car. Then for fun I decided to give this Impreza a try. I was very impressed with the maneuverability of this car; the mileage was a factor as was the fact that it could do anything I wanted the Forester to do and handled much better than the Forester. The styling was sleeker, and again the gas mileage was a big plus. It is roomy and it has a good safety rating. Plus it holds its resale value. Couldnt ask for more. This car has HEART.

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  2nd RU - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Oenny - September 10 - 10:53 pm

  I was very impressed with the make over of the Legacy. This is our 2nd and I dont think we will regret it. Love the aggressive lines of the body and the bold front end. The vehicle really stands out in a crowd of cookie cutter cars. Then again Subrau has always been different.

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  Leave my head alone! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Doug Anzalone - September 9 - 8:35 pm

  Driver head rest pushes my head forward- other people have not had a problem due to their body types- larger than me or smaller

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  Great Car - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By mmb132 - September 9 - 10:26 am

  I bought the 2001 Legacy GT Limited Sedan in October 2004. I used a 2001 Camry as a trade in and I have NO regrets. This car is spectacular! In winter I feel like Im driving a tank; the AWD is great. On dry pavement its like driving a sports car. Anyone who gets into the car is very impressed with the leather interior, the stereo, the roominess of the back seat and the comfortable ride. My only gripe I would say is the gas mileage but, maybe thats because of the AWD? Im not really sure. Besides that this a great car.

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  Subaru just get better! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By hamuller - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I really loved my 2000 Forester and would have gotten another one except for the 4 speed automatic tranny. My new Outback at 3000 miles has far exceed my expectations. The ride is really comfortable which makes my better half really happy. The gas mileage is as advertised only better. Driving from NH to Cape Ann, MA on vacation I did 33 mpg. In the city it seems to be high 20s. Better than my Forester with the same engine in a much bigger car thanks to the CVT tranny. Acceleration adequate unless you are used to a six cylinder. This car is a winner!

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  Fabulous vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By lyleseven - September 9 - 7:13 am

  I purchased this vehicle as an all around car for commuting and transporting my bicycles. It is terrific to take my bike in the back without having to remove the front wheel of the bike. Plenty of room! Great fit and finish and comfortable to drive.

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  Go anywhere anytime all the time and have fun looking good doing it - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By textorn52 - September 9 - 3:03 am

  Ok 1k miles so far and my subaru impreza 2.0 sport premium 5 speed has more than any ture real world driver needs. in pouring rain no problem cornering at speed. snow storm no problem. All those pathetic BMW and Benz drivers struggled to gain confidence, while I drove and could feel the vehicles amazing stability, and impressive control. heated seats work better than my acura tsx, its a functional, fun, good looking, family, and weekend warrior, or bachelor go outdoor vehicle. If you want fancy .. its bluetooth, and can get optional nav. big whoop. buy a gps for 100 bucks, and save your dough. brakes are a 9 of 10 . WHEN THE ZOMBIES COME, you will sk yourself.... GOT SUBARU?

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  Great little car - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Lc - September 8 - 2:46 am

  In/out easy hip height seats