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 THIS is why people buy imports.. - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By helloiamjohn - June 15 - 1:45 am

  I was originally looking for a 4x4/awd crossover SUV. The salesman had none around, but wanted to show me this Subaru, a brand I knew only a few (good) things about. The weather was really bad that day, with schools closed due to icy roads, but the Legacy killed it. No drama, and the heater was a champ. It feels like an extremely nice, intelligent vehicle, and the truly awesome MPG combined with the looks, comfort, and reknowned reliability sold me on it. I am so glad I tried it.

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  Subaru Outback - flawless performance - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bob - June 14 - 6:50 pm

  I have never even looked at Subarus before becoming interested in one. After looking and driving virtually every other similar styled vehicle out there (small suvs/wagons) we decided on the Limited model pretty well loaded with most options available. Two weeks after buying we had an emergency 1,900 mile round trip come up. This vehicle never missed a beat entire trip, was very comfortable and I am well over 6 and about 265#. Didnt have much time to get used to the Subaru before having to leave so was not familiar with how everything worked, i.e. the navigation, radio system, lots of safety features but didnt take much to figure most of it out. We were in very heavy rains at end of trip and even in some pretty serious dust storms early in the drive. Have seen reviews indicating not enough power with the 4 cylinder but did not have any instance of not having sufficient power and did go up some pretty steep stuff. Acceleration while getting onto freeways and passing more than adequate. Some things hard to review at this time as no maintenance costs yet, purchase cost very good compared to other similar equipped vehicles we looked at. Obviously we have no idea of resale value at this time and warranty has not been used. Right now if we had it to do over again we would have purchased the exact same vehicle, seems to fit us perfectly. The dealer, Modesto Subaru has been excellent as has been the salesman, Ron Myers, who was able to answer all our questions well with absolutely no pressure at any time.

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  Couldnt ask for more - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Greatcar - June 14 - 6:30 am

  The XT Turbo is plain fun to drive. The front seat is roomy, the cockpit layout and lighting are fantastic, the turbocharged engine does anything you could ask for, and the all wheel drive provides sure footing in any weather. This is my third Subie (after a Mazda, Honda, and 2 Toyotas), and I wouldnt trade it for any other make or model. Rear cabin storage is great. My only wish is would be for better city gas mileage, but its a fun, fantastic car to drive.

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  Subaru Rocks - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Paul Browne - June 12 - 7:06 pm

  I have owned this car for about four months now. This is my second Subaru. Its a great car, handles as good or better than many sports cars I have owned, is fairly quiet on the road, and yes, it can get good gas mileage (you have to drive gently). Commuting to and from work I get 20 to 22 mpg, with mostly highway driving. At high speed on the Interstates (75+) I get 19-21 mpg. The manual shift feature I use a lot when Im driving in the mountains (NM), it saves the transmission from countless up and down shifts. The other vehicle I considered buying was a Cadillac SRX 7 pass. One test drive told me the B9 Tribeca was the best buy.

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  A really fun car to drive! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By sm1335 - June 12 - 8:10 am

  This car replaced a 2001 Nissan Maxima. We got the manual with turbo and VDC. It is such a fun car to drive! It handles great and when you kick in the turbo you pass cars so quickly the drivers mouths are open. Could that be a Subaru wagon? I like the firm ride and tight handling. If you dont like really "driving" your car, buy a Honda Accord.

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  Best for now - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By halbhh - June 11 - 9:36 pm

  Since we need to haul our 3 large dogs, we need a wagon or SUV. Of all the ones out there this is probably the most cost efficient while still having such a great look and feel. Its interesting to see today the article where its more fuel efficient than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We get 27.5 in town and 30 on the highway (review said that hybrid did 23). She wanted manual, so thats what we have, and its drawback is the slight jerkiness and heavy clutch, but you learn to ease it and were getting better at it (after 5000 miles). Overall I dont think theres anything close for this price. Its a truly great car/wagon/suv/what-have-you.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Person - June 11 - 2:53 pm

  Awesome car. This car goes anywhere off-road. Good amount of room. Everything is awesome!

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  Not bad for the price - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Albert - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Subaru having had Hondas and Toyatas. I decided on this because of the AWD capability. Initially, the acceleration was painful given my experience with Honda and Toyota but after about 3K miles (I now have about 5K on it) it seems not to be a problem and Ok for the Chicago ways. Im getting about 28-30 miles/gallon for a 30 miles drive to work which is about 1/2 traffic jam. The inside is spacious, blue tooth and home link work well but some of the inside seams seems to come off easily. People admired the outside design so much and theyre shock to learn I didnt pay anywhere near Audi/Lexus/Accura/Nissan Maxima. Im waiting to see how it fares in the Winter

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  Lot of bang for your buck - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By John Morin - June 9 - 12:01 am

  This is my second all wheel drive Subaru and my fourth 4 wheel drive vehicle all together , and its a joy to drive , I love my new one just it was a long wait to get the color I wanted, i had to wait and extra 4 months to get it right , other than that alls good. I"m able to keep it out of the snow now, and use my Outback for the snow .

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  Subaru 2005 OUTBACK - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Sherry Morris - June 7 - 10:26 pm

  Got rid of a year old F-150 truck with bad gas mileage, for my 2005 LL Bean Outback. This is the second one Ive owned. This car handles like a dream, has room, has bells and whistles and above all is SAFE. The service department for Subaru is outstanding, no matter which one I have used. New cars are great, but eventually they need to be serviced. Thats when you find out if you have made the right choice. I ride around fine when everyone else is doing the 4x4 slide in rain or ice. I also like the new style and colors, which lacked in the models before. Last but not least.... my car tells me to check the tires when they need air. WOW !