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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  Happy so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ash - March 6 - 11:26 pm

  Excellent power to weight ratio, comfortable and luxurious interior (as good as a luxury make). The leather is a bit tougher than previous limited models (a good thing since it will last longer). Bluetooth and media hub work effortlessly and upgraded stereo is nice. 5 speed transmission is smooth, much better than the 4 speeds. Heated seats are nice. The all wheel drive is top of its class and the ride is comfortable (though not as engaged as you would experience in an impreza, etc). Sheet metal feels a bit thin and cheaper when compared to the German competition.

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  My First Brand New Car - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By jaycab - March 6 - 8:16 pm

  Did not regret my decision on my purchase. Love my Subaru especially in Ohio. Awesome to be one of the first owners in this head turner. The only thing that bothers me is the MPG. I have been only averaging 28 MPG in the last 400 miles the car ran so far. And the drive is mostly highway. But other than that it is still worth every $$.

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  Superior Product - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By vlord - March 5 - 9:03 am

  Through the years Ive put more and more power on this drivetrain. Now at a "Stage 4" by TurboXS standards, Im putting down 270+ HP at the wheels and the car is awesome. Running at 83,000 miles on the ORIGINAL clutch with no slipping. All Ive had to do is routine maintenance at this little car keeps going. I dont think I could ever fathom getting rid of my Scooby as I see it as a to be historic classic. If you dont have one, look no further than the Subaru WRX. You will not be disappointed.

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  Legacy is even than I ever expected. - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joe-in-MD - March 4 - 11:43 pm

  Ive enjoyed driving my 2010 Legacy since October, but the December 2009 blizzard that hit the DC area and the 30 inches of snow we just received really proved the Legacys capabilities. This car has every bad weather traction innovation available. The only possible way to improve snow ability may be upgrading to performance winter tires. Overall, the combination of performance, economy, comfort, reliability, and driving pleasure made this car an easy choice for me (w/wife and two kids). The manual shift paddles are a decent compromise - I prefer standard shift, my wife prefers slushbox. MPG is not phenomenal, but is 20% better than the previous years Legacy. Not bad at all.

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  Nice enjoyable vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By KRB - March 4 - 2:53 pm

  Tribeca is a fun car to drive. Instrument panel is cool looking and easy to read. Like the interior design. Front seats feel like a "cockpit" not just the front seat of a car. Its tighter on space than other comparable SUVs. Only other negative is that mileage is disappointing. Were getting just over 15mpg all city/local driving.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By villa mmfe - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Engine Power is great, feel of the road is just fine.

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  Subaru is for YOU! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Alias378 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Good

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  Lovin Ruby Subie - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bmccarter - March 3 - 9:00 pm

  Bought Ruby January 3, 2011 after 3-month search. Considered Santa Fe, Sorento, Mazda CX-7, Rav-4, CR-V. Liked the lower profile vs. the taller SUV types, yet has good visibility and elevated driving position. Was worried 2.5 might not be peppy enough, but its fine, especially for fiancee, who loves the car. I Like the CVT just fine, although I drove the 6-cyl too and really liked that engine. With gas heading back up it just made more sense to get the 2.5. Of all the cars I drove Ruby had the best balance. That is, shes comfortable, looks good, practical, has great storage, should be reliable, gets great gas mileage for a car in this class, has good technology and build quality.

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  I am so happy with my Forester!! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Surgigirl - March 2 - 7:13 am

  I have only had my Subie for 1 week and I just love it! This is my first Subaru. I took advantage of Cash 4 clunkers. I test drove the Rav, and the Rogue and really didnt consider the Forester because I never liked the older styles of them. Well they completely remade the body style and I just love it! There is so much room inside this car. I am 510 and have plenty of room. Totally love the iPod accessory. Stereo is decent, but I am sure some of the younger kids would think its lame, but I am not a kid anymore! Love all the safety features. It will tell you when your tires are low in pressure! Airbags all over! Compass in rear view mirror, love it. Automatic dimming adjustment of rearview mirror.

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  FOR THE PRICE I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Adam Spencer - March 1 - 10:15 am

  We bought this car for its safety features. We paid a song for an AWD with Eyesight technology! It is amazing putting the cruise control on and simply letting the car handle acceleration and deceleration. Hopefully I wont have to ever test its automatic braking anytime soon. While the seats arent as comfortable as I would like, the car is roomy. FOR THE PRICE I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY!