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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  Good car that wont last - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By greenmeansgo - February 6 - 5:46 pm

  I owned my outback sport for almost 7 years. I bought it brand new. Initially, I though I couldnt get more car for the money. Power everything, cruise control and the AWD Subaru is famous for. All those things I loved and made the car fun to drive. What I didnt like was the engine noise I started hearing about 2 years into ownership. It wasnt strong our pronounced right off the bat, but grew that way over the years. I was under the assumption that changing my oil religiously would preserve my engine. Even that didnt keep it from the engine problems that are common for this model year. Id be more specific, but I only have 500 characters. I will never buy another Subaru again.

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  Satisfied Subaru Owner - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By z1080 - February 5 - 9:06 pm

  Great car, symmetrical all wheel drive is a must for winter driving. The center console is simple and easy to use. Sound system is good (although Ill be purchasing subwoofers soon.) Its definitely a car you will get your moneys worth out of. So far Ive been averaging 19.6 mpg in the city. The 17in. rims, independent suspension, and 8.4 inches or ground clearance is a definite plus.

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  Bitter sweet - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Pigo - February 4 - 10:03 pm

  I always love driving this car. The only draw back, and it is a major concern for me, is the drivers seat is unbearable. Within a few days of buying the car the problem became very apparent.This style is by far the best design that Subaru ever came up with for the Legacy. Understated good looks and nothing pretentious about it. Of course in typical Subaru fashion, the stereo is terrible, but in this price range there really is nothing that compares.

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  Head Gaskets Replaced - 100% Warranty - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By suesailor - February 4 - 6:16 am

  My 01 Legacy Outback Sedan was just diagnosed with leaking head gaskets when I had the oil changed. The car has 87k miles and is almost 9 yrs old. So I took it to my Subaru dealer in San Rafael, CA. They confirmed the head gasket problem, called Subaru headquarters, who agreed to a 100% parts and labor to install new head gaskets!! While they had the engine out they installed a timing belt ($84) and 2 drive belts ($35). I am ecstatic that they would warranty my 9-year old Subaru. Way to go! And it only took 3-1/2 days to fix.

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  Subaru Unsafe Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By djhk - February 3 - 4:36 pm

  Took the new car on a long trip. The cruise control resume creates sudden acceleration, Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The economy indicator drops to lowest reading whenever I encountered a hill. This is an obvious design flaw and shows a lack of attention to detail and safety. What other flaws does this vehicle have?

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  Everything I Wanted In Car - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By pepperdog13 - February 3 - 6:32 am

  I was looking for a new car that had excellent safety ratings, excellent reliability, plenty of room for my family (especially good legroom in the back), good fuel efficiency (at least 30 mpg highway), comfortable seats, was a joy to drive/ride in for my long commute, nice interior with satellite radio/bluetooth, iPod hookup, and had AWD to help me drive on snow covered roads in the winter. I am happy to say that the Subaru Legacy nailed each one of my requirements. Not only it is a top safety pick but it was the best AWD system out there. I enjoy driving it. It is roomy. The 10 way power drivers seat is very comfortable and heated thanks to the All Weather Package.

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  gotta love it - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By tim, subyrally - February 1 - 10:00 am

  i got this car before i even got a liscence. i love it so much, the only compliant is the cup holders, mine broke off with a full cup of soda from taco bell.i love the seats in this car. i love the fact that it has more torque than horse power, it runs like a scalded beast.stock, its faster than any other stock 4 cyl car, well with a few exceptions. i wouldnt trade iot for anything but maybe another.

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  speedy and looks great! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By AmberR - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, people always tell me how great my car looks. I really enjoy the turbo on the car, it really takes off. My friend took it for a test drive after I got it, and got a speeding ticket, not realizing that he had been going so fast. Lots of fun. I really like that it doesnt look like every other car. I know the turbo makes the engine run hot.

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  Great SUV for average family - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By jrm - February 1 - 7:43 am

  We have found this SUV to meet are needs to a tee, it is not for the off road crowd. But it will get the average person anywhere they want to go. In the city it handles the traffic and parking with no problem. Logging roads and trails back to your favorite fishing spot this SUV gets you there where a bigger vehicle would not even fit. Getting to work, store or home in any reasonable snow storm is a breeze. And you dont feel like you are stopping all the time to fill up with gas. This is just the kind of vehicle that you just jump into and go. You just know it will start and get you where you need to be in a safe and efficient manner. After a while you take it for granted.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Dave - January 30 - 5:46 pm

  I have had the Tribeca for almost 1 year. I have really enjoyed driving the car and have had no problems with the car. The only reason to go back to the dealership was for regularly scheduled maintenance.