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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  Great so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By pitstaff10 - November 12 - 10:33 pm

  Purchased this 2010 to replace my 2005 that was a love hate relationship. So far the mileage and ride have been great (31 MPG highway). Much better seats (leather) than the 2005. The new roof rail system is a joke and precludes using my existing Yakima racks. The solid side view mirrors are sure to get knocked off in the future, and the economy meter is a gimmick. Give us back a usable roof rail system and a temp meter. The hazard flasher switch is in a bad spot, always hitting it when going into Park. The heater system is taking some getting used to, comes on way hot even when set to 72 or less. Overall a good car but has some quirks.

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  Love my green machine - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By C caldwell - November 12 - 9:03 am

  Car is wonderful except for navigation. As long as you do regular maintenance, the car us a dream.

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  Picked a Winner - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Clint Knight - November 11 - 11:10 pm

  I spent almost six months reviewing and analyzing every small and mid size SUV. I purchased every automobile magazine that was available and read all the reviews on the internet. I finally determined that with the price of gas escalating, safety being very important,and quality and reliability being essential the Subaru Forester was the vehicle that made the most sense to me. I purchased it in May of 2004 and have 6,700 miles on it. We just had over a foot of snow yesterday in MA and this SUV treats the snow as if it wasnt there. Clearly, I picked a winner.

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  The Outback, great choice in this segment - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By lou90 - November 11 - 6:34 pm

  I own the wagon 2.5 with CVT and I can say that I’m very happy with my purchase. With over 3 K right now, I haven’t found anything that I don’t like or didn’t expect in a “Wagon”-SUV in this segment. I almost go for the new 2012 Honda CRV, but I don’t regret my decision. It’s solid and comfortable, enough room in both front and rear seat, plenty of cargo space, has style and a great history of reliability. A little noisy because of the CVT, but I could live with that as long as I’m getting fuel efficiency and this seems to be the case since I’ve been averaging (mostly highway) from 27 to 31 MPG not bad if you consider the size of this car and that many times you can’t drive at less than 70 miles on NJ highways, otherwise they run over you. I’ve been to several shows where I was able to see and compare others SUV like Toyota Venza or RAV4, the CRV, or the Forester , I’m glad I chose the Outback. I highly recommend it.

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  Looks good... feels good... Want another one! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Debora in Augusta - November 11 - 3:20 pm

  If you live in a hilly area and need a great looking utility vehicle, buy a Baja equipped with a manual transmission..... coast down every hill you come to.. and get a fun to drive, head-turning ride and 30 mpg to boot. Wouldnt own anything else and will put a new engine in it when it dies.

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  My Double Duty Vehicle-2003 Subaru Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By bruce nole - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Living in a mtn.desert, the Baja proved to be just the right combo vehicle I needed for daily use with the added utility of the versatile extendable bed. With the opt. bed extender & bike rack, this vehicle has proven to be the one I drive everywhere. Complements from strangers started day 1. Mileage with regular fuel at mid to upper 20s was a pleasant surprise. A clutch replacement at nearly 18,000 mi should have been changed the first month. The hepa air filter is very efficient. Backseat passengers are amazed by the comfort. Pellagrino bottles in any of the cup holders is a 1st. So much better then a Truck.

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  Best Subaru EVER - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Afx_legacy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  After a long wait, My new STI came Home, Every thing you could want in a true Rally Car, Great Responsive Ride, Tons and Tons of power. This is my 4th subaru, Hands down the best yet!! 96 SVX -LSI 2001 Legacy GT Limited Sedan (still Own) 2003 Legacy GT Wagon (Still Own) 2004 STI Blue / Gold

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  Driving the Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Frank Costanzo - November 10 - 2:40 am

  Its the perfect car for me. Short runs with an occasional long run. Good on gas. Fun to drive. Dashboard layout great. I like all the little amenities that come with this model such as storage spaces, seat adjustments, locking mechanism, etc. All well thought out and executed. Highly recommended for my type of driving.

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  On My Third Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Qnique - November 9 - 10:00 am

  My 2005 Forester gave it up for me and protected me when a semi ran me into a cement median going 65 mph. I walked away with only bruises from the seat belt. The 2010 Forester replacement is 3" taller and 3" longer. It is very roomy and comfortable. I personally prefer the fabric upholstery (not hot in the summer and cold in the winter), AND the front seats are heated! Even though the car is larger, the tight turning radius is still very good. I have not experienced any issues with rattles or noise. In fact, this 10 is much quieter than the 05. More than anything, my Foresters have always been excellent handling, spunky, reliable and have risen to any challenge presented.

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  The Duke - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By mary steele - November 7 - 8:24 pm

  It takes premium gas. The paint chips easily. There is no light in the back hatch area, very hard to see at night.