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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  Bought Used 2008 WRX wagon - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By plist - July 23 - 4:46 pm

  Picked up a used 08 WRXwagon. Had 8000 miles on it. Runs great, fun, decent gas mileage for the zip and pep ones gets. Maybe its me but having situations with dvd and radio sound. Radio static or crackling, sound in and out or totally gone. DVD sound, music plays but people speaking sounds cave like. Subwoofer ok, but sound system itself is weak compared to my Hummer I traded. CDs play great so must be antenna trouble? Worth buying used, love the WRX!

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  Subaru: Always a Great Purchase! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Jason - July 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Subaru: 04 WRX (wish I never sold it!), 07 Forester XS, and this car. Im driving 45,000 miles a year (crazy!) and averaging 30 MPG at usually 70-75 MPH, which is beyond the EPA reading! Cruise control is my friend. Cant beat the AWD in any weather. I HIGHLY recommend any Subaru model to anyone looking for a vehicle. No issues whatsoever with this car. -- If youre car shopping, just take a moment to drive some Subarus, especially in a downpour or bad weather... I bet youll be amazed! For comparison, do the same with other brands. This is when youll notice more about the true feel of a vehicle versus a bright, dry, sunny day.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Rushockey - July 21 - 5:00 am

  I was looking at the 2008 Tribeca for some time. We finally bought the vehicle two weeks ago. A great car to drive. The ride is very smooth and very quiet. The car handles well. Enough cargo space (more than in a Murano). Easy controls, great sound system. Very comfortable overall.

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  Minor Details - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By CanyonCarver - July 20 - 9:00 am

  Ive had my WRX about 5 months. Not a single problem. Great car. Its all in the details. Handling and power are great and MPG isnt bad. MPG could be a bit better BUT, people getting 20mpg (overall) need to learn how to drive for efficiency. I live in the mountains and have consistently gotten between 27.5 and 30.2 MPG highway/city. I could do a little better but its hard to resist that Turbo Temptation. This car would be a 10 if Subaru would address the minor issues - paint and interior.

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  My Third Subaru - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Chimbotano - July 20 - 1:06 am

  I have never had a bad experience with a Subaru. The car handles extremely well and the ride is smooth.

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  1st time Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 1st time Subaru - July 19 - 10:00 am

  We tested the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4- Runner and ended up with the Subaru! Our second choice was the Honda Pilot. Thumbs down for the 4-Runner.

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  The Best Yet!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kabar - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Outback and by far the best!! Subaru really listened to all the surveys and out-did themselves with the 2005 model! Power, comfort, looks...and fun!! I love the new Color- I bought the Atlantic Blue. Ive had so many comments about my "new car" and tell me about the car and its features!

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  Fantastic Crossover! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By drobine - July 19 - 10:00 am

  With the H6 boxer, it has plenty of power for driving around town and highway. We bought it to have a comfortable, reliable, around-town car that could go off-road. We couldnt afford a VW Touareg V8. Other cars driven were Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The Outback was easier to live with than the 4Runner (too rough in-town), nicer than the Pilot (disappointing finish inside for a Honda), and was a virtual tie with the Acura MDX. The Outback felt more spacious than the Acura while behind the wheel.

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  05 Subaru Outback Turbo - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Therapet - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Subaru Outback Turbo (2005) Sleek styling, smooth riding, lots of extras. Smaller steering wheel, good sound system, 6 cd changer, very comfortable and fun to drive.

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  27 years with Honda and now a Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Bill L - July 19 - 7:26 am

  I have had my Outback now for a little over a month. I have taken one long trip and averaged 30 mpg Highway while going just a tad over the speed limit. Around town I am getting 22 mpg and i have just over 1,000 miles of driving. This is my first non Honda in 27 years I have always liked Subaru but until now, never had one of my own. I really think Subaru makes a great product, unlike other manufacturers they havent cut corners where it really matters. It rides great, and from various reviews read it has passed with flying colors as a safe drive. So far I am really enjoying this car and i can understand why Subaru owners are loyal to what they drive