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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  Initial impressions - some surprises after 300 mi - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Seattledriver - November 30 - 12:36 am

  With several hundred miles on the vehicle, I am surprised by a few things. First, when pulling up to other vehicles, you realize that the seating position is as high as some SUVs, and the vehicle is as long, also. It looks like a car, and I think the older versions were more car-sized, but its bigger than I thought, which for me is great. The seats are comfortable, but the heated area doesnt extend out to my outer thigh area which is weird and kind of uncomfortable. It did snow the week we got the car and I have been able to test out the x-mode, which supplies downhill engine braking and other assists - very awesome performance even without snow tires. Speaking of which - you may not be able to use chains even if you want to, due to lack of space between the tires and the vehicle, so if thats critical to you, Google that before you buy. Here in Washington state, if you drive a Subaru, the DOT apparently lets you pass when chains are required if you have a Subaru and you have chains somewhere in your vehicle for one set of tires (dont rely on this but that is what owners are saying online). Youll probably want unstudded snow tires if youre planning to ski a lot where conditions can get rough, especially if you cant find chains that work with the Outback. Remember even the awesome Subaru AWD system does nothing to help you stop the car on snow and ice. As for the navi and entertainment system, the new Impressa is apparently getting Apple Carplay so that system must be newer. It all works ok, especially the nice bluetooth pairing system, and you can use Siri through the system if you have that on your phone, but its not a great navigation system. Especially annoying is that you cant do much with the navi when the vehicle is moving. But, bottom line so far - its surprisingly comfortable and feature-packed in the Limited configuration and most of the surprises have been positive. Not a luxury vehicle, but close, and very practical as well. We were able to beat the Costco price by about $500, but I dont think any of the Seattle area dealers are having any problems selling these cars so youre prob not going to get a great deal on your trade-in. The vehicle is priced great already for what you get, in my opinion, and resale in my area is very high. You can sell a Subaru in 5 minutes around here if you dont like it, with little depreciation. But based on what we think so far well probably want it for a long time.

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  Excessive oil consumption - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pardosa - November 30 - 12:13 am

  Like many others on this site, weve been plagued by excessive oil consumption, beginning with the light coming on unexpectedly, and the dealers telling me that all Subarus use oil between changes. I have never, ever, experienced this with any other model car Ive driven, except late into its life, like 185,000 miles, and then only a quart between changes. This is much worse. I would happily join a class-action lawsuit, and will certainly never buy another Subaru

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  Fair - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Skip - November 29 - 6:33 am

  This vehicle has been dependable and good in the snow. However the engine noise is very annoying. The dealer calls it " piston slap" and says it is normal for Subaru and would not do anything under the warranty. Because of this I will probably not purchase another Subaru

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  Wow! and All Wheel Drive - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Grandpa - November 28 - 6:56 pm

  Powerful and Fun to drive. Reasonable gas mileage (25 mpg) Priced right. Quality is very good. Great in the snow. What more can a driver want?

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  Great New 2011 OutBack 2.5i Limited - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By lgregor - November 28 - 10:28 am

  My wife & I bought a 2011 Outback 2.5i Limited to help keep the miles off our 2008 Jeep JK with 114k on it already. I love my Jeep and it truly is the best 4wd out there but since driving the Outback I have become spoiled. The quality of ride is something I didnt expect out of this vehicle. Driving the exact same roads and paths I have taken for the past 3 years its a completely different feel. Many bumps/dips that I knew were there in other vehicles seemingly dissapear or become so minimal its outstanding. I am pretty large and I fit very easily in the new Outback. At 61 I dont even have to have the seat all the way back to fit. The doors/seals are very very good. Very good fit n finish.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By rjnolfe - November 26 - 8:42 pm

  Moving from a Chevy HHR to the larger, heavier, AWD Subaru I thought we would get a little worse gas mileage, but NO, it gets better mileage. We typically see 30mpg in or rural area of Upstate NY. Very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. We feel very confident that we can travel just about anywhere in any weather without fear of getting stuck.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By micpudge - November 25 - 12:33 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, lots of horsepower, great handling, I love this car, bought for $28,700, new with 267 miles on it. The motor is a little noisy but you dont hear it inside, and the performance makes up for it. I like the performance shift on the steering wheel but would rather have a stereo volume control. High performance, great car otherwise and with 4 doors for the kids.

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  Great family car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By BCSubie - November 25 - 10:23 am

  After nearly purchasing a Tribeca, we opted for the smaller better looking Impreza. Initially I was concerned about the smaller size of the Impreza compared to the Tribeca. Within the first couple weeks it was obvious the Impreza has plenty of seating and storage room, making us wonder why we almost bought a 7-passenger Tribeca. The car handles great, like youre stuck to the road regardless of road conditions. Power is better than expected which has made it very fun to drive. Interior isnt fancy but is well assembled and clean. Exterior has drawn lots of positive feedback. With a cargo box, bike racks and ski racks the car is extremely versatile. Great family car.

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  A Legend in the making - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By fuzzydude - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Previous car was a 5.0 V8 Mustang and I can say this car obliterates it in terms of performance. The STI has a far better balance of incredible peformance bang for buck. I believe this car will stand tall in the Hall of Fame of Japanese performance vehicles along with supercars like the Supra. Handling is porsche-like, braking is so strong its painful, and acceleration is everything a horsepower nut could want. After 17,000 miles in 90-100 degree weather I am very impressed with the Honda-like quality of this vehicle. Its also much faster than any Mitsu Evo Ive come across. Mark my words, it is a legend to-be. Its the 69 Camaro of the future.

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  Nice Little Wagon - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By JCSschwartz - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the car and would consider buying another. Good MPG, ride, reliability.