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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  WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ShoeBox - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a fast car, good engine reliability, and it has AWD, but the built in quality is so so. Squeaking is everywhere (window is squaking when you roll down). Dash board is ratling here and there. Seat is good for driving around the city, but its bad for out of town.

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  GREAT SUV TO DRIVE, BUY, OWN! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By D. Pysh - February 26 - 5:10 am

  I have only driven this car 4000 miles so far. We did take it up to Canada and had no problems. Handles great especially on curves and hills. Good gas mileage. I have always driven a v8 and this is my first 4 cylinder. For all you drivers out there with long legs this just might be the vehicle for you! The Forester really surprised me. This was one major plus for me purchasing this SUV. Ive turned down tons of vehicles due to front seat leg room. And the back seat leg room doesnt matter much anyway with me driving. The moon roof is huge, lots of storage, bells and whistles a plus. Only gripe is no auto door locks. Have to keep reminding myself to lock the doors. Ill adjust because car is great.

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  Not as good as I hoped - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By musiclvr1 - February 26 - 3:31 am

  6 months and 11k miles so far. own 3 other vehicles that are also driven on the same roads, parked in the same place, etc. only car with a cracked windshield? the forester. only car with hail damage? the forester. I almost 6 ft tall, and can not find a comfortable position. No telscoping wheel really sucks, as I have long legs and unless the seat is fully back, my legs are cramped if driving for any length of time, but then my arms are held nearly straight out to reach the wheel. I think the body is made of foil instead of sheat metal, recent light hail storm left 18 dents in the car. my other cars, not a single dent. radio is horrible, interior plastic feels cheaper every day.

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  A reliable cold-country vehicle - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Ed - February 25 - 8:30 pm

  This is my second Outback. Sold first one, a 2000, in 07 with 175 thousand miles bought this. Very reliable, as was the 2000. The driver power seats been improved, (2000 was poor) altho still could offer more positioning. Standard 2.5 has a little more power, which is nice and it still gets about the same mileage. Cars heavy on safety, which appeals to some. Wish theyd concentrate more on performance and mileage. That said its not bad in the latter two. I think safety issues are better addressed more by skillful driving. They eliminated the weather radio band which I think was a mistake, I used it a lot.

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  Roper Review - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By maroper - February 23 - 10:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for 30 months and it has never given us any trouble. I love to drive it. Has great pick up. You have to watch it or you find you are going faster than you realize. Had a problem with the speed sensor at 38,000 miles but the Power train warranty covered the total amount of repair. This has been a very dependable vehicle so far. Gets about 23 mpg. Would definitely buy it again.

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  A car with longevity! - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Aurelio - February 23 - 5:50 am

  Investigate options and incentives being offered, so you won’t be over charged. The Subaru Forester is a great automobile, excellent rating for safety, roomy, versatile, and back seats lay flat for large cargo. My last Subaru Forester lasted fifteen years and I just purchased a 2018 Subaru Forester I expect it to last another fifteen years!

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  Performance w/ Comfort - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By dgribble - February 22 - 11:23 pm

  Previously owned an 05 STI. This 08 is worlds above the old STI. Its more comfortable and waay more quiet. The power delivery is more linear, which makes it seem like its not faster than previous version but speedometer says otherwise :-) The suspension offers no shock to the kidneys over bumps while retaining the ability to take corners at much higher speeds than the old versions. I love that the car looks more aggressive but does not grab the attention like the old versions with the big wing. Sleeper look.

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  Buy one you will love it - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Moondog - February 21 - 9:56 pm

  In the small SUV vehicles I found the Forester to be the best buy and it is very reliable. I have owned Subarus before and can vouch for this.

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  I couldnt love my car more - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Cherijoli - February 21 - 12:53 pm

  I am a service manager at a car dealer and have been exposed to many makes and models. This is by far the most fun car to drive!!!!

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  Feel safe - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mary - February 21 - 12:40 am

  My last vehicle was a Hyundai suv in which I had no problems with, but being an outside sales rep. I needed a car with better safety features and better gas mileage and I found it with the Subaru outback. I feel very safe in this car it handles the road in all kinds of bad weather especially the snow! This is the 1st cat that I did not have to put snow tires on. I tinted the windows on the rear and back to make the car look a little sharper and allows more privacy I would definitely purchase another Subaru product!