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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  Who really needs 4WD? Honestly. - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By A EB - October 3 - 10:20 am

  Had a 4WD Jeep, never really had to use it and at 16 mpg, killed me at the pumps. Subaru AWD always ready, always working. The interior room of the Forester reminds me of a Checker Cab in NYC. Back seat leg room is massive. The interior finish is 10X better than most USA cars (cheap). Working with our salesman was a pleasure-worked with us-no high pressure. Plenty of power, great pickup speed on highway and uphill. Good visibility. Stylish- looks good taking the kids to practice and taking the wife out to dinner or a show.

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  Fun!fun!fun! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Kyle Smyth - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I live in New Jersey were the winters are rough.Snow,Rain,and ice are no match for this car.I love the roomey interior also.my friend is 68" and he has no problem getting into or out of the car.The mostimpressive thing about the car to me isthe performance!I love to drive fast and i was a bit worried at first if i would be able to keep up with people at the race track unless i modified the car.Let me tell you i have had no problem keeping up.the only car that i have racer and been beaten by was a corvette Z06 and a Viper Gts.This is the car to have if you want to shut up all those Civic owners out there.

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  Safest Vehicle on the Road - Bar None. - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 28 - 5:23 pm

  Subaru has dominated rally racing for decades and it shows. Their full-time symmetrical VTD AWD system, and their electronic stability control are STILL vastly superior to the nearly useless "slip and HOPE to grip" modified FWD systems found on the pretenders. We drove EVERY AWD NHTSA top safety pick vehicle under $40K. I forced my wife to try emergency steering maneuvers at 65 mph. The Hyundai santa Fe, and Honda Pilot were scary ,even the Acura RDX could not match the Outbacks "go where you point it" highway stability. Having now driven the Outback on a lot of snowy, icy it has dramatically exceeded my already high expectations.

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  Just took delivery - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By My First Subie - September 27 - 3:00 pm

  I love this car. Only driven 100 miles so far but I like everything about it. Glad I didnt buy the Accord! Great looks, smooth power and really feels nice in the corners. The CVT is a winner as well, applies power when you need it but really keeps the rs low when cruising. This is a unique automobile that should turn some heads while offering years of driving pleasure.

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  This car is a no compromise vehicle - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By chris - September 27 - 3:33 am

  Need a practical car with a pretty roomy trunk? Need 4 doors? Need AWD? Need speed? This car is not only my daily driver, it is my entertainment and therapist. If Im having a bad day, I listen to the turbo spool and smile. I love this car so much mainly because I never have to worry about it not working or not having the ability to take passengers somewhere and worry about their comfort. The seats are comfortable, it has the key features you look for: ABS, cruise, A/C, PW, PL, etc. The brakes are huge and really perform great (makes this car safe). If youre considering a compact sedan and dont want to compromise on performance and practicality ... test drive this car.

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  subaru 2016 - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By MIGUEL H. - September 26 - 7:59 pm

  I like the car a lot but I am getting only 20 miles per gallon in the city.

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  20,000 miles in - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By John - September 24 - 7:40 am

  i have been very impressed with this car. just went on a 4000 mile trip to the west coast, averaged 32 mpg @ 80-85, and was very comfy with a couple of added seat cushions. the car handled grades very well, and the eye sight was handy. the hatch back is roomy, and our dog was comfy in the back seat ( in the hammock) i researched this car before buying it, and remember people talking about lack of power, noisy engine, and poor stereo. i have not experienced any of these issues. i have not had the chance to test the AWD, because when it gets bad, we take our 3500 dually 4/4 ( just because), but im sure it will do fine. i bought this car for my wife so she wouldnt have to drive the 1 ton around town, while im working and she loves it. i have been looking to upgrade to an outback but cant find a reason.

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  A car to love! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Edwardo - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  After owning a 98 Legacy, my wife and I wouldnt settle for anything other than another Subaru wagon. Were roadtrippers and campers and when were not mapping new territories, we love the sense of safety and very smooth ride of our 35th Anniversary Legacy (2004), with the double sunroof and fully reclinable seats being just as sweet in the city as it is useful in the sticks.

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By oro - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I hesitated to write a review, because I wanted to see how well the car held up over time. Well, its been a year now, so here I am. This is the first car Ive ever purchased, and Im very happy with my decision. Friends still kid me about getting a WRX, but I say to heck with it! In the last year, Ive been in an accident (insurance covered), and helped 2 friends moved. My Forester still keeps on going!

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  2004 WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By LorraineD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 3 months now and I love her. It handles very well in the rain, which we have had so much of. The power & feel of her is amazing. Its the best car I have ever owned or driven so far. Very satisfied owner.