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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  Bang for the Buck - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By LUVKARS - April 29 - 12:20 am

  After owning BMW 3 series sedans for awhile I expected the WRX wagon to be a downgrade. In the fun to drive and performace catagories its been a big upgrade. I love driving this car and I can drive it in the snow. What a bargain.

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  2004 Forester X - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Neal - April 29 - 12:13 am

  The Forester X is a wonderfully affordable, versatile everyday driver that is fun to drive. The gas mileage beats almost any other SUV, with the trade off being less power. If power is important, get the XT version. I took this car into foot-deep snow here without snow tires or chains and the X just plowed through it as stable and positive as you could want it. The handling is superb. What I really liked about this car was the price - for what you get, they practically give it away. With rear seats folded down, it handled 2 adults and their luggage for a vacation just fine. With a pet barrier, it takes my 70-lb. dog everywhere. In a nutshell: practical, reliable, versatile, fun, cheap.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By scoob - April 28 - 7:00 pm

  Ive been a fan a Subaru for years and I was excited to see the new design for the Impreza. I decided to buy one to replace my 01 Nissan Altima and I havent looked back!! It does pain me to see Subaru in trying to popularize this model among the masses has missed a few critical details. In order to win the masses, a few options and standard accessories are missing which I will mention below. However, Subaru is still the best for the money! The AWD alone (premium on most other cars) is worth it.

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  First Subaru Purchase - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Outbackbeliever - April 28 - 12:00 pm

  Well after putting 3000 miles on in one month of ownership, heres my initial opinion. Car has been really fun to drive, decent power and good fuel economy (avg 29 in mostly hwy with the AC). AC does take a bit of power away, but hey, its a 4cyl engine. Overall Im happy.

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  Subaru Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By anframm - April 27 - 2:36 am

  Averaging slightly over 20 miles to the gallon in combo driving, brakes a little mushy, handling and ride exemplary (better than any others I have been in), good dealer experience, power is good (engine is adequate and power delivery is smooth) though another 25 to 30 lb/ft torque would not hurt.

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  Best car for a decade - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By David - April 27 - 1:53 am

  My 1998 Forester, bought new in the 1st model year, has been the best of many cars Ive owned since the 60s. I have just traded the car at 120K miles, facing a big $$ repair, but nothing you wouldnt expect to wear out after 10yrs/100K+ miles. Overall, my Forester has been incredibly reliable and great to drive in our "bad" Northeastern weather. Ive set out on long drives at night with total confidence, in all seasons. After this experience, Id find it hard to part with the AWD. Looking forward to my new 09 Forester.

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  Do yourself a favor-dont buy a Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By denise - April 26 - 4:03 pm

  We bought our 2000 Subaru Forester in 2005. It only had 45,000 miles on it so we thought it was a great deal. A few months down the road it started showing signs of trouble-needed a new o2 sensor, then we have had an ongoing problem with the catalytic converter and have replaced it with a new one a few months ago, now it wont pass inspection-one garage says it is the gasket-another garage says it is a leaking problem and it needs to be welded (catalytic converter) also brakes also the cv boot was cracked and needed to be replaced-it is a constant drain of money-trading it in for something more reliable! Subaru is horrible!

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  This SUV is versatile - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mickey - April 26 - 1:43 pm

  We purchased an XT in Jan 05 and the biggest problem is keeping our eyes on the road. It is so quick I keep taking my eyes off of the road to check the speedometer. I researched vehicles for over a year and test drove a few and narrowed it down to the Honda Pilot and CRV, Volkswagen Passat and Toyota RAV4 and Highlander. All are acceptable choices but Im happy with the Subaru. This XT is as fun to drive as my early version of the Toyota MR2 and and my wifes Audi A4 and hugs the road like a true all wheel drive vehicle. It handles like a car and is versatile. We didnt want a huge SUV that couldnt fit in the garage but a fun to drive car. It is perfect for me. I highly recommend it

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  Great Value - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By bananafish - April 25 - 2:55 pm

  Good pricing on high end 2016 at end of model year. Loaded with features, great value. Interior is very comfortable with nice finishes. Safety is superb, full-time AWD hugs the ground in rain and snow. Good visibility. Lane alert, active stopping, and blind spot alerts are great.

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  The Out-Brat is fun! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Joe Miya - April 25 - 10:00 am

  After wrecking my 1999 Ranger, the Baja was on my radar, but not the major focus. After driving one, I was hooked. The Baja was a fun little car to drive. After some thought, the trade- off of a smaller cargo capacity for much better fuel mileage was worth it. The Baja gets 5-7mpg more than the 4x4 compact trucks I was looking at. Even on the Sport trim, there is a long list of standard features. Seats are comfortable enough and there is decent headroom even with the moon roof. Could use a bit more in the way of power under the hood, but the Boxer-4 is more than enough for everyday driving.