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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  Subaru = Love - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SweetSoul - April 9 - 10:46 pm

  I have had my new Outback for 3 weeks now and I am in love! After trading in a 2005 275hp Xterra, wasnt sure the 4cyl engine would have enough power...but wow it surely does! I live literally on the side of a mountain and this car tackles it smoothly. I love how it handles, feels very connected to the road - doesnt hydroplane over puddles, no slippage at all. There is so much interior space, the heated seats are very comfortable on long rides, love the media hub (controls and plays my ipod perfectly through the stereo), the bluetooth works great, roomy rear seats, spacious trunk. Very dog friendly as well, easy to get in and out of. Ive no regrets about my new Outback, Im in love!

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  First Subaru divorced Honda after 25 yrs - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Sam - April 9 - 10:03 pm

  After driving 2 CRVS (98 & 03) fo 10yrs. I was waiting for the Honda Element redesign, it looks like 2009 isnt the year. So I checked out the Scion XB not impressed. I saw one of these on the road and their TV commerical. Decided to check it out. Took a test drive and was sold. What a difference from driving CRVs. I had forgotten how much fun driving could be. My first AWD all I can say is wow

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  I wish it didnt break down so often - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By vande32 - April 9 - 4:26 am

  I bought this car used while in graduate school because I couldnt afford to have a car payment. I should have bought a new car instead. I have spent nearly $4000 fixing it in the last two years because at 80,000 and 100,000 miles, every sensor had to be replaced. I have also had to put in a new clutch and a master cylinder. The engine light will go on and when I take it to the dealer or a mechanic, they tell me that the engine has missed but that they cant find a reason. While the car gets 28 mpg for me, drives great in the snow, and is nice for hauling my dogs and groceries, I will never buy a Subaru again after this experience.

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  My New Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Arthur - April 9 - 12:26 am

  We just bought the 09 Forester Premium, all weather package. We are very pleased with our decision to go with this fine vehicle. The deal maker for me was the value of the car compared to others. It has AWD, electronic stability control, curtain air bags, plenty of cargo space. I like how this crossover handles like a car but has enough ground clearance to see over midsize trucks and mini vans. My only advice is to educate yourself if you never had a boxer engine or AWD system.

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  Glad I upgraded! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Danielle Mayer - April 8 - 10:27 pm

  I had been looking at older models, then the new base model, but decided on Premium with Eyesight at the last minute. Glad I did. It is a great safety feature. It reacts a moment before I do, and I have quick reflexes. The back up camera is really sensitive, as it sees cars coming behind in parking lots before I can. Lane departure keeps you on your toes, and adaptive cruise control lets you relax while traffic comes and goes from your lane. Bought it for Subaru safety rating and all wheel drive. Took it off roading already and made it up a washed out road with no problems. Combined MPG is coming in at about 26, highway is 31-36, so both better than expected.

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  Accelerator Problem - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Sylvia Lucy - April 8 - 5:13 pm

  There is one annoying problem that spoils the overall positive driving experience. The vehicle speeds up and slows down constantly while I try to hold a steady highway speed. The dealership ship says all the newer Foresters do that because of the computer settings. Subaru has made a flash program change computer settings for Imprezas that exhibited this problem but havent gotten around to make a fix for the 2008 and 2009 Forester. I would suggest waiting until they have this problem solved before buying one.

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  Midsized Rocket with lots of room - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By cberry211 - April 8 - 7:16 am

  This is my second Outback and what a difference. This is a classy car inside and out and the real surprise is when you step on the gas. Turbos do take a second to spool up but then watch out. Its easy for this car to get away from you. Nice fit and finish. Stereo is great. Some wind noise that seems to go with the territory (my old one was terrible). All in all a good deal compared to BMWs costing thousands more.

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  Good car to own and drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By avkesq - April 8 - 2:52 am

  When my 1998 Subaru wagon bit the dust (failed transmission) after 168K miles, I decided to buy the new sedan, in late 2004. It now has over 60,000 miles and is still running well. This car provides the best mix of comfort, performance, fuel economy and road grip/stability that I have come across. I travel a lot and have used a number of rental cars (many brand new), but the Subaru beats them all. Highway fuel economy is at 29mpg, provided I keep at or below 65mph. Acceleration is good when I flip to Sports mode, enabling me to join the freeway from the ramp with lots of power to spare, and agility and road grip make me feel safe. Truly fun car to drive for the money, and very safe.

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  XV Hybrid Gulf Coast - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ts45 - April 7 - 7:29 pm

  XV Hybrid since 12/28/2013, Satin White Pearl, St.trim. Our first Subaru, had several Hondas in the past..My wife is main driver, have taken plenty of opportunity to drive myself. We are really happy with our purchase, test drove the 2014 Forester and 2014 non hybrid XV, both nice but were sold on the Hybrids ride and refinement. The base Audio system has been nice, a good quality CD recording sounds fine, a bad CD one, bad… Blue tooth is working well, takes a little time to Pair.This is our first CVT Transmission, very impressed, love it. Hill climbs are really smooth and quiet, no sudden gear change, plenty of torque, love the CVT. Have observed Gas MPG 33+, about 50/50 City/HGWY.

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  I love good design. - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By tom m - April 6 - 6:23 am

  The 2005 Legacy is a very well designed vehicle . It is very balanced and of high quality. I am an efficient driver and the fuel mileage ranges from 25 mpg to 33 mpg. My only complaint, which this car shares with BMW and MB cars I have owned, is the drivers seat, which gives me a sore rump on long trips.