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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  Would never buy another Subaru! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Lizzy - October 27 - 11:36 am

  This car has done nothing but cost us money! We have only owned it 4 years and only have 85,000 on a 10 year old vehicle but have had to replace the seals, transfer solenoid, clutches, you name it! Guess what? Once again, the engine light and At Oil Temp light are flashing after having the clutches replaced only 10 months ago. No one else can fix this vehicle either other than a Subaru Dealer. STAY FAR AWAY!

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  So far lovin it - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ann Marie - October 26 - 3:23 pm

  This is my first SUV purchase. After driving my husbands Ford Explorer around I knew I had to finally get rid of my old 99 Honda Accord. The Subaru Tribeca looks very modern and that is one of the reasons why I really like it. Inside the dash is amazing - simply beautiful. It is quite easy to drive and park (and I am not the best parallel parker). I love the solid feeling the Tribeca gives me. I feel very safe driving it.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By phoenyx2k - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Extremely fun to drive car, excellent throttle response, OMG Cornering, needs a better premium sound system though... too much treble w/o enough bass.

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  Our ninth Subaru. We take them to 175000 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gorbes - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a barrel load of fun to drive. It is a real "sleeper"and this one has surprised many a kid in his lowered Honda with subwoofers. It has excellent grip on the Nova Scotia dirt roads we drive; the brakes are truly astounding and have kept us on two occasions from making venison with the bumpers. It has only one problem, in common with its fellow turbo Subies - turbo lag. Saab relegated it to the automotive history pile a few years ago.

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  Air Conditioning Problems!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pitstaff10 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car and fun to drive, as long as its not hot outside. Only 300 miles on car and has been in for repair already. Comfort takes a ding on this one due to the newly designed AC cycles constantly every 20-30 seconds between cold and warm making for an annoying sensation. Outside temp at 82 and inside still not all that cold. Subaru America says thats just the way it is designed and will have to live with it. Ive had better AC in cars 20 years old!! Beware of this "new" design!! Gas mileage seems to be great but can be uncomfortable to drive in hot environments, so much for a great commuting vehicle.

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  Was the right choice - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Cessna Driver - October 26 - 7:13 am

  Was replacing 2000 Explorer with 141K miles, and tired of the poor gas mileage. Looked at every crossover and small truck SUV available, and found the Outback to be the best combination of sensible size/mileage and cargo capacity. We ski and have a place in Durango, CO so we needed AWD. Very satisfied with the Outback - fit and finish are excellent, ride is superb, decent handling, 170 HP flat four is definitely adequate for us, mileage has consistently been 25 MPG. Interior is nice looking and functional - not the weird and techno-ugly stuff weve seen in other vehicles. Great drivers seat (the 2000 Explorer had the worst!), sound system is excellent.

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  Best Of The Bunch - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Subienewbie - October 26 - 1:10 am

  This is my first Subaru. I did my homework before making up my mind and choosing the Tribeca. My decision to buy a Tribeca may not seem surprising until you realize that the last 4 cars I have owned were a 1999 Jaguar XK8, a 2000 BMW 540si, a 2001 BMW M5 and a 2002 Infiniti Q45. I mention this so you understand that I know what quality automobiles are. I am not saying that a Tribeca is the equal of those cars but in comparing it to the likes of BMW X5, Lexus 330, Volvo, MDX etc, there are none that come close to the Tribeca and all cost thousands of dollars more.

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  Extraordinary - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Greg - October 24 - 10:40 pm

  The car is fantastic. The handling is neutral and very responsive. The brakes have a lot of stopping power. The car has a lot of grip. The engine has a lot of bottom end torque as well as peak horsepower. The car works very well int he wet, and the hydroplaning stability is superb. I have never driven a better car in the snow. I had Michelin Pilot Alpin snow tires on it, this winter, and on three highway trips in snow storms, there was no other vehicle with the grip, stability, and control to keep up with me. The interior is well laid out, comfortable, and efficient. Overall, I think this car is probably the best valued car made; it certainly is the best performance car value.

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  2004 BAJA Turbo - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Gene Forget - October 24 - 1:53 pm

  I actually own a 2004 Turbo Baja. This is the second Outback type that we own, and my wife and I love it. I wanted a WRX, but I couldnt justify it, as it wasnt practical. THIS, I can justify, as it serves many purposes. So far mileage is good, it is still breaking in, and it is just plain old fun to drive.

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  STi: An engaging drivers car - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Jamie - October 24 - 5:14 am

  If you want a car that will engage you and keep you interested, this is the car for you. The strong performance and responsive handling make it fun and involving to drive. It does not isolate you from the driving experience, you can hear all the widgets working. Some might see that as an excuse for poor NVH, but thats a part of the experience. While some may consider the drivetrain un-evolved, the long history means a diverse aftermarket and deep knowledge base about every facet of the car. Its also a Swiss army knife of a car that can do practical daily duties in all conditions, (though somewhat less so since they took away the integrated roof racks and the hatchback options). However, it is not the car for people who are looking for the most refined experience, latest and greatest electronic gadgets, best raw performance or best gas mileage. This is my 3rd Subaru, so I guess Ive drunk the cool-aid. Buy it before the EJ engine goes away.