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 - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By ato220 - May 8 - 10:40 pm

  After driving this car for 3 months, I am still amazed at the direct connection between my right foot and a smile. I love it when any Mustangs or Camaros that pull up next to me at red lights, they fade quickly in the rear view mirror. If I were to find a downside to this powerful performance sedan, it would have to be gas mileage. Ive averaged around 20 mpg, but then again this could be because that gas pedal is so addictive.

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  A really nice SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jake - May 8 - 11:30 am

  I am not new to the Subaru family; I traded in a 2000 Forester with well over 150K on the clock for a new 06. This vehicle is better then ever. Worth a look for sure..

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  Great car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By C-Dog - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Just got it and love it. I ahve drove awd turbos in the past, but this car is so smooth compared to those(the other car was a eagle talon). Great ride!

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  Awesome Tank - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By JMD94 - May 5 - 8:26 pm

  Ive had my Outback for a month now, 1000 miles. We have the 2.5i auto with Navigation. Vehicle feels very solid and confident on the road, feels as safe as a tank, but has a surprisingly smooth ride. You wont win any drag races with this car, but it has plenty of power for normal highway/city driving. Im averaging 26 mpg in mixed driving, not bad for 1000 miles. I never thought that I could be happy with this type of vehicle, but I am. Has a unique feel behind the wheel, you sort of feel like youre in a SUV, without being as high up. Before you shell out big bucks for a 4Runner or Explorer, drive an Outback, I think youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Impreza Outback Sport 2009 manual - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By MAM - May 3 - 10:50 pm

  Ive owned a Toyota Camry, Avalon, VW Passat, BMW 328xi, and Honda Civic Si. I enjoy the Impreza better than any for several reasons. Manual transmission is fun. Just under optimal power at 170 hp (basic model) but more than enough for 95% of needs. Can drive it anywhere, anytime, any weather virtually without worry (like a mountain goat). Better than rated milage (avg 27 mpg). Very practical for dragging around stuff for kids at college. Highly rated safety pick. The BMW is twice the price and not as much fun to drive. Will probably buy another in the future when needed. Luv it.

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  Got my first Suburu and love it love it love it! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Joy Bitzer - April 28 - 12:12 pm

  I have had this car about a month and have loved it since the first drive. So far the car has hit a high mark on every expectation. I had concern about making the change from a BMW sport sedan to a conservative SUV and took months of research, study and comparison to make a decision. I chose Suburu because of safety ratings and the excellent performance of the eyesight option. Changed to a SUV for comfort and a higher ride with better visibility, the Forester because it was the size I wanted, the 2.5 for fuel economy and regular gas, and got the 2017 after reading that this model had a quieter ride... and it does! Steering is smooth, handling is smooth and the turn radius is awesome. Controls are easy to comprehend. The eyesight option is worth whatever the cost although I paid invoice price of $1395. Overall, I got a perfect vehicle for me at a great price.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By subarupal - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Subaru, now I know why subaru owners are so loyal and enthusiastic about their cars. Considered just about every other same type suv and test drove most of them. The Forester was the clear winner. Fit, finish and quality is that of a car worth $1000s more. Proven reliability and advanced safety features just add to the package. Cant wait for the snow.

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  I Recommend It! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By yeldnats - April 26 - 6:50 pm

  I have 16,000 miles on my GT Ltd now, and it still puts a grin on my face everytime I drive it. I was going to get a WRX, but I wanted the 5EAT option and comfort this car offered (rough commute). I wanted the sportiness and was willing to trade-off gas mileage.

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  Budget BMW - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Randy - April 25 - 1:06 pm

  This car is fast!!! This car is also a gas sipper. In the fast department I ran a 14.3 @ 94.4 mph with a 2.0 sixty foot. Mind you, this was at 5,300 Feet!! I am just shy of 8,000 miles on the clock and am averaging 26.1 mpg and 29 - 31 on the highway. I live in Thornton CO so the all wheel drive is a must. No other car at this price point offers all that this car can deliver!

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  like a porche, 1\3 the price - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By chris allison - April 25 - 10:00 am

  If it was stolen today, I would be back at the dealship tomorrow trying to get another. Which might be tough, considering Subaru only makes 5000 a year. Great Car. Head turner, and the limited numbers makes its value hold strong.