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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  2006 Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By kat95 - January 3 - 9:26 pm

  This is my third Subaru but my first wagon. I have owned this vehicle for two weeks and am finding excuses just to go out. I love driving it and find it quite comfortable. Its also a great alternative to an SUV which is too big for me as I am short. You dont feel like youre driving a wagon as the ride is firm and sporty. Great all around I would highly recommend Subaru to anyone as my experience has been wonderful.

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  Last of its kind - 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX
  By bnewton_xp - January 2 - 7:55 pm

  After owning a 2007 STI, I consider the 2014 STI a great improvement. Much improved seats and lower road noise over 2007 STI. 2014 STI is a bit more refined than 2007 STI, however the 2007 STI car was a bit more raw and in-your-face. I chose the hatchback over the sedan as it offers the best of both worlds in performance and utility. Plus the hatchback does not appear to draw as much attention as the sedan with the big wing. While I couldve waited for the new 2015 STI, but with the next STI/WRX being more road focus I felt like the next car would lose little bit of its rally heritage and that what makes STI unique.

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  Nice SUV - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By MSSSSW - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Like everything about this car except the rear wiper

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  Nice Redesign - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By BigBear - January 2 - 7:46 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. As a 6ft 260+lber, I am able to fit comfortably. The vehicle glides down the road. Car is put together nice and tight-no squeaks or rattles, very quiet. Both the interior and exterior styling are excellent. The MPG is not even close to that listed on the window sticker, its more like 18 city/22 hwy. Not being a turbo, from a stop, the car is not the fastest but at highway speed there is plenty of pedal in reserve. I constantly find myself excessively over the speed limit.

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  Great Safe Family Car/SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By BiggLou55 - January 1 - 8:46 pm

  If you have 0, 1 or 2 children and/or pets, this is a GREAT car. We looked at many different vehicles in this price range and found that the Forester fit our needs, lifestyle and budget as well as being the best of the cars we test drove. The power of the 2.5L boxer is adequate, but not as sporty as we would have liked. If you want more power, get the XT model, but we chose the comfort over the power and we made the right choice for us. Overall, we are extremely happy with our Forester, and we will definitely buy another.

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  this car is amazing! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By hyadude - January 1 - 9:33 am

  Traded in my 05 mdx for the Subaru. I must say its fantastic! What a car! Performance is outstanding. The ride is super smooth, and the handling is fantastic. I really cant say anything bad about Subaru. This is the best sedan by far I have ever owned!