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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  My first Subaru - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Rick J - January 10 - 12:40 am

  I drove many cars in the last 29 years, VW - Ford - GM - Mazda - Nissan - and even Fiat, and Im very impressed by the quality of the Legacy (interior fit & finish is among the best). The engine is responsive, it handles like a sport coupe, very good brakes too. Its a car for someone that enjoys driving, not for someone that only cares about soft ride and space.

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  Little charmer - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By DJCLOS - January 9 - 5:13 pm

  Fun little car. I wanted something practical but not boring like hondas & toyotas. Car handles great, suspension is firm and gives nice feedback but on ruff roads it doesnt beat you up. Acceleration feels faster than it is. I have taken this car every where and it has never let me down. Car plows through snow. Car is a jack of all trades.

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  What a sweet ride - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MD - January 9 - 10:26 am

  I just selected the 2005 Legacy GT as my company car, over the Nissan Altima 3.5 SE and Acura TSX. My budget prevented me from getting the Limited, so Im without the leather and sunroof (both Nissan and Acura were loaded), but I made a great decision. This is my 3rd Legacy GT (93, 97), and the 2005 is a different animal. 250 hp makes it faster than hell and build quality is a quantum leap forward -- it is remarkably quiet, solid and corners like its on rails. I smile every time the door closes with a reassuring thud that would be the envy of BMW, Audi, Honda or Mercedes owners. Joy to drive on the highway; it wants to run. Subaru really took a step forward with the Legacy GT.

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  Boys just want to have fun - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Tom Oliveira - January 8 - 10:00 am

  It came to me as a surprise. Without any plan about it , one night I became owner of a SW WRX . Yes, I bought it without knowing nothing about the car. Only regret I have : I should have bought one of these before. Great fun is the name of the game.

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  Way to go Subaru, I love the STi - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By billuy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  nothing wrong with it, this car is truley amazing

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  Awesome Sport Wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Rhardi - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my 05 Outback XT and its just great. Handles like a dream with plenty of power from the 250 hp turbo. The re-designed interior is really attractive and the seats are very comfortable. The design of the instrument cluster puts everthing within easy reach. However, I did have one complaint. The XT is listed to include a 4 way power assisted passenger seat. Its in the brochure, and on the Edmunds web site, but its not on the car. If you like this feature you will need to move up to the XT limited model. I was disapointed when it arrived without this feature that I expected but otherwise I love the car and highly recomment it.

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  Cant go wrong with a Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By hunghog - January 7 - 1:06 pm

  We have only had this car for a week or two and love it. The ride is great and we are very happy with the purchase. What other cars can you buy with AWD standard and great mileage. The EPA mileage estimates are all low for every car starting this model year. We went on a short highway trip about 100 miles at 70 mph and got 33 mpgs. Bought car for wife as a grocery getter and trip car. We actually test drove the legacy because that was the car I wanted but felt the new Impreza had more leg room and a better ride than the Legacy.

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  Few problems...So far - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By lgdawley - January 5 - 4:26 pm

  Like - plenty of room for my golden retriever and his friends and for carrying furniture, supplies, etc; virtually no blind spots; original brakes lasted to 87,000 miles. Dislike - cup holder location; cheap interior fabric; weak front windshield - had to replace mine the first year; paint that chips easily; had 1 wheel-bearing go - hopefully others wont follow soon. Too noisy driving on the freeway. Other - wish they could be a little more "stylish".

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  2000 Subaru Outback Wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Misha - January 5 - 6:30 am

  I bought this car based on safety and reliability records. At 80,000 miles I had to replace the trans, to the tune of $3700. I drive 2 kids around the suburbs of chicago - what more can I say? I also just found out that my head gasket needs replacing ($1300) although at 110,000 miles I suppose thats not out of the question. Mechanical issues aside, I love this car, although it is noisy above 60mph, it cant be beat on chicagos winter roads. Its a great option to the gas-guzzling suv. I had planned on driving this into the ground; I was just hoping that the "ground" was a little further away.

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  Legacy GT, Thumbs-up! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By perrito - January 5 - 6:00 am

  Just walked away, actually, drove away in a new Legacy GT with auto (red/black leather). What an amazing car. The calm thrust, great handling, and sure-footedness of all wheel drive will be of comfort in my colder climate. Its fantastic - you have to test-drive it if you are in the market for a sporty sedan, and it is roomier than it appears.