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 Car. - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Gavin Moran - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, it feels a little sluggish with the automatic transmission at low speed, though it still accelerates fast? I dont know, it could just rev a little faster for my taste. This can be offset by being a little heavy-footed at lower speed. But once the car is moving and the turbo kicks in its just amazing. Love the design, it makes me smile to drive it.

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  Great Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By kp13 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Brisk Accelaration. Great Handling. Thats all I wanted.

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  love my forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By labno - May 30 - 10:00 am

  great car, good handling and plenty of interior room. Would definitely recommend to others.

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  Dream car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Emmacat - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Subaru because I wanted a reliable car that could handle getting through the streets during heavy winter snows, and sitting in daily gridlocked traffic for hours on end. So far this car has been up to the task, and is fun to drive as well!

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  LL Ban: Amazing Grace - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Dogman7 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  In myfifth moth of ownership, with a 60- mile daily commute. I am 1005pleased with the car. I traded and Explorer Eddie Bauer and my wife has a Saab 9-5 wagon. This car is better than either. The Explorer felt agricultural by comparison, and while the Saab is comparable, its not worth the extra 10 grand. (Proof: We take the Subie on road trips.) This car is comfortable, good-handling, quiet, and sturdy.

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  The Best Car Ever Made!!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Konrad Chmielewski - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Never gonna trade it in this is mine to keep for ever. IF koalapeck2 cant feel the turbo then he is not driving WRX. :P

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  Love my new Subaru - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Rodney - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for a month, but it is a blast to drive. It feels as if it is stuck to the road. I truly feel the performance of this all wheel drive vehicle. If this car is as reliable as my research has suggested, I will always be a Subaru owner.

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  My First Subie - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By stsai - May 30 - 12:16 am

  Great car, reliable, handles corners like a sedan, excellent cargo room. Sometimes wish it was a little faster. I am getting more around 21-22 mpg but I do climb a steep hill to go to work every week day. Seats were a little hard for long road trips so we re-upholstered the leather seats with 3 inches of memory foam and it has made a huge difference. Rear door speakers are laughable. Drive smooth, never had a problem. Huge moonroof.

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  Eleven Subarus and counting - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By John - May 29 - 9:40 pm

  Yep this is number eleven. First one was an 82. We think they are the best car for the money bar none, especially when you live in cold, snowy or wet climates. At one time had three all Outbacks.

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  Worst Car I Ever Loved - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim 54 - May 29 - 4:53 pm

  North western PA winters were no match for the Sube. Foot of snow; no problem. Need lots of ground clearance, fine. Need service...good luck. Yes you WILL need service. We bought ours new and sold it after 4 years. Had numorous problems with the cruise control operation. Replaced the timing belt tensioner TWICE! On the way to the dealer when we were trading it in we were having second thoughts till the check engine light came on!!