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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  Ultimate Compromise - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By jackmanjac - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Great compromise. Fits in my garage. Better to commute 30 miles one-way in than a truck. Carries 99.9% of everything that I need. Handles great, and rides great too. It is a little low on power at low RPMs, but the 5- speed makes it liveable. It is also geared a little short. 85 MPH is almost 4000 RPMs.

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By LilB - March 27 - 2:33 am

  What a great car. My wife and I have been looking for a car for her for quite some time. We tested MB C Class, BMW 3s and Audi A4s. The Subaru by far out classed them on the roadways. Its handling in our opinion matched or outperformed the others. Its comfort is amazing and the power is wonderful. The 243 HP feels strong and you never need more. The car handles superbly at highway speeds and is even better in the curves. What a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. My next car will definitely be a Subaru.

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  1st Time Subaru Owner - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By D - March 27 - 1:03 am

  I was looking for an AWD car with CVT and the legacy was the perfect choice. I love the new Subaru..I agree with one of the reviewers that maybe 30hp increase would work very well. Its fun to drive and hugs the road very well. I am looking forward to driving it this winter.

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  05 Subie STi - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Tony05STi - March 26 - 6:10 pm

  It is an incredible car with awesome performanance. It has an acceptable ride for road trips, unless that trip has some fun roads to utilize the cars ability and make the trip really enjoyable. Being a 4 door sedan with a usuable trunk make it easy to live with as an everyday vehicle. The only negative experience Ive had with it so far, is it drew too much attention in a GM town and some clown there thought it would look better with a smiley face on the hood and keyed it. Anyone who is looking for a truly great automobile should consider the STi.

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  WRX Wagon review - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By scarletletter - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of pickup, amazing suspension, corners on rails, tons of room to put stuff in back, decent gas mileage. Handled incredibly well in over a foot of snow, in rain, in all weather conditions. AWD is amazing. Drawbacks: Suspension being so tight causes ride to be a little stiff for long distance (worth putting up with), interior design could be a little better engineered(no place to put cds, only one useful cupholder. In short, totally worth the price paid for the fun on tight roads, handling in all weather, and zip. Eminently practical, too.

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  Totally Cool - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By RyOohKieS - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Terrific car, feels like im part of World Rally Championship.

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  Subaru Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By B .R. Broock - March 25 - 12:30 am

  Wanted a small-ish SUV. Checked out the deluxe Forester with auto & TURBO: What a surprise - this item SCOOTS! Handling is more like a small sportscar. Ample room up front. Couple of added pin- stripes lifted a bland exterior. Execel. mileage, fit and finish. Pricey for size ($28,000+-), but worth the bucks just for the FUN of it. Check it out! Bo

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  Second Forester is a Charm - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By majort - March 24 - 12:17 am

  Just traded my 05 Forester 2.5X auto for a 2012 2.5X Premium and what a great, positive improvement. The low entry of the 05 was difficult for me but the new ones higher stance, bigger doors and higher (power) seat make entry/exit much easier for this senior driver. The power seat provides a variety of very comfortable positions. Love the all weather package; up here in Alaska the heated seats, side mirrors and windshield wipers make 6 months of winter a little easier to take. I appreciate the framed windows after the 05s frameless mess. Much quieter and tighter feeling all around. Very happy choice.

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  Happy New owner - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Alan Scolnick - March 23 - 4:53 pm

  just got car very happy as can be determined by review Some questions are N?A mine is a2018 Forrester premium

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  Simply Awesome - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By narenji - March 19 - 3:16 am

  I bought this to replace my Stage 2 Wrx Wagon. It simply amazed me how much more power the Sti has (my wagon was supposed to be around 270hp). The car has great dynamics- accel, braking, handling, and they all seem to go together. The exterior is aggressive, and the wing is obnoxious. I wish the car came with a front mount intercooler and that way you wouldnt have the massive hood scoop either. I prefer a more sleeper look, but the car stays true to its rally heritage with the scoop and the rear wing. Many upgrades are available, but the car is stupid fast already. Sometimes I sit in the car and think, "wow, I actually have an STi." Thats a great feeling