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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  Keep Your Outback, Outfront - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By richard flaherty - February 7 - 4:56 am

  After only a month I can tell that this car has it all over the Toyota Venza it replaced, except, except, the Toyota, and others I understand, offer free basic maintenance (oil changes, etc.) and state inspections for the first two years, twenty thousand miles, which means the user will pay pretty much nothing during a three-year lease term, i.e., turning it back before the third maintenance date. Subaru should offer this perk. Nevertheless, I feel this is going to be a great car for me.

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  Quality Cars - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jody - February 6 - 11:30 pm

  This is an amazing car. I have driven BMWs, Land Rovers, and some other top line vehicles. Standard features of the Subaru are options on cars like BMWs taking the sticker price well into the high 30s and 40s. The Subaru is an amazing quality car, with unique features. In addition, it is put together in America. I am hooked!

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  1000 miles and heres the verdict - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Jeff Block - February 6 - 6:00 pm

  Im a Subaru newbie. Made the decision to move away from Toyota in favor of the Tribeca based on its looks and features. Having now traveled in the car for over 1000 miles here are my gripes: 1) The steering wheel mounted audio controls are poorly placed. I seem to always change the radio station every time I make a hard turn. 2) Poor gas mileage. Averaging 18.6 highway miles per gallon. 3) I feel no difference from regular drive mode to Sport mode. 4) Fit and Finish on the leather seats is poor. Lots of bunched up spots. 5) Not enough small storage room for sunglasses, wallet, Garmin, etc... 6) The Good-Year tires that it came with stink in the snow! 7) Audio controls are layed out odd

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  Stealth hotrod - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Snowstorm - February 5 - 11:56 pm

  I traded a VW Passat V6 for this car and it beats the Passat in almost every way: handling, acceleration, traction, braking, comfort and standard equipment. Build quality and materials are equal to the VW -- and thats saying a lot because the VW is a great car! The Legacy feels glued to the road unlike any sedan or wagon Ive driven with the exception of a BMW 3-series. In fact, a friend who own a Porsche Boxster was comparing (favorably) the Legacys handling to his car after I let him take a spin. When he let me take a reciprocal drive in the Boxster, I understood.

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  Powerful Ride, Great Handling - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Phipka - February 5 - 9:16 pm

  This is my third new Subaru and there are noticeable improvements from model to model. The only real negative I see is a hesitation to accelerate. This is a real problem when coming onto a road past a blind curve or pulling onto a parkway with fast unforgiving traffic. Otherwise the car has amazing handling and is the best foul weather car I have ever driven in. It is a little closer to the ground than my 2000 Outback Limited offering excellent stability in the wind. I particularly liked the sport shift when I went over the 16% grade of the Sonora Pass in California this year - I really feel safe in this car under almost any condition. 19/25 mpg traffic/highway.

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  Perfect all around vehicle - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Justin - February 5 - 10:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying my Subaru. I narrowed my choices to a Jeep Liberty, Mazda 3, Toyota Rav4, and the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza won out for a few reasons. I was looking for something that was good in the snow since I live in Minnesota. I was also looking for something that was good on gas, but could also be rugged and haul my camping gear. The Subaru Impreza was the perfect mix of everything I had wanted in a vehicle. It performed extremely well this winter in the snow. The car does better than an SUV for gas, but worse than most small cars. I am getting 23 city, 28hwy. Overall, I couldnt be happier with my decision.

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  Baja Turbo - Colorado - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By hatake - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Recommend to those who a) haul large object every now and then (it is not a pickup truck, its a car with a small bed), b) dont race (if you do, go with Forester or WRX), c) live in higher altitude (above 8,000 ft) and still need responsive engine, d) not too concerned about gas mileage (about 22 mpg), e) like the looks (at least able to tolerate), and f) if your bike costed more than $1500 and always nervous when it is on roofrack. Its a good alternative car for regular light DIY Home Depot kind of folks.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Darrek - February 3 - 8:20 pm

  It holds everything I need to haul and then some...

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  Start your day with a smile - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Curt - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my wagon for a little less than a year, and it has been all good. I love to drive this car for any given reason. Need milk? Ill go. It may take me twice as long after I take the long route, but I will come home with a smile on my face. The handling is excellent right out of the box, and can be made even better with some better tires. The power comes on smooth, and once you get used to the turbos characteristics, it is no problem keeping this car in the power. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for affordable fun

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  Cant believe this is a Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By srhorn77 - February 2 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my 2006 Outback used with 78K miles. After 800 miles of driving, the weather turned cold and the tranny started slamming from 3rd into 4th. I took it to the dealer and they recommended I replace the tranny for $3400. Theres also a rubber/oil burning smell when driven long distances. The radio and drivers window randomly stop working and the entire lighter assembly pulled completely out when I tried to unplug my car charger. This car must have been built the Monday after Superbowl Sunday before coffee. Im so disappointed in this car. Subaru is supposed to be so reliable but I cant wait to trade it. The good is it does great in the snow. I had a 2003 Impreza and loved it!