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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  Just About Perfect! - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Dan - September 14 - 9:46 am

  Bought this used in Feb. 2004 with 37K on it. Totally solid, nice smooth ride. Fit & finish excellent. Have put 23K on it in a year, not a single problem (whoops - one burned out bulb).

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  Hate my Car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Sue - September 13 - 10:20 pm

  I was hoping my Outback would be a reliable, safe car for me and my kids to drive. This car has been a nightmare. The inside door panels had to be replaced because if you used the arm rest the fabric came up, the front seat handle broke off, the mud flap in the back was missing screws, the air conditioner made horrible sounds and had to be replaced, went through a "minor" puddle and had to have the car towed, abs and brake light comes on and to top it off the car died and oil began to come out of it. Roadside assistance wont come, unless I pay for the tow and have it towed to my house and then towed again in the morning to Subaru. Im so glad I bought this car -- NOT. What a LEMON!

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  Nice Alternative to An SUV - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ram - September 13 - 8:20 pm

  Just purchased an Outback Limited and have been pleasantly surprised. We also own a Pilot, but with the manual transmission, leather, and huge sunroof, I look forward to driving. The fuel economy averages 26 in the city and about 29-30 on the highway. Ive gotten as high as 31 but its dependent on how you drive. Also, theres plenty of room in the back seat for rear facing car seats (only two can be installed) or for passengers. Leg room is excellent. The handling is great for any car, not to mention an SUV.

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  2008 Impreza WRX loaded - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By JMILLER - September 13 - 6:43 pm

  Great acceleration, handling, hill climbing and traction in the Chicago snow. Really like the looks. People are surprised that my car is a Subaru. Average about 27 mpg on the highway and 20mpg in the city. 1st gear is too low and would be nice if there was a 6th gear. Also noticed is hard to keep inside at a consistent temperature Also nav system should come with bluetooth and not be a $400.00 add-on. For the price, worth every penny.

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  my black beauty - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By car enthuz - September 13 - 6:26 pm

  Ive owned my 04 sti for about a year and have been pleased! Good everyday car, avg 20 mpg. Lowered so bumpy but drives like a dream. My water pump went out resulting in overheating, resulting in a header job at about 100k mi so keep an eye out for that. Had I caught the overheat before I did, she coulda been spared the trama. The good news, I have an xs exaust and wow, the sound! Ive taken down (in speed and sound) many a mustang gt, gto, RTcharger and many v8 trucks with all kinds of loud exhausts. The sound isnt a cheap "bumble bee in a can" sound, its a full "Im eating your soul" sound. I even put it up to a 1976 stingray (vet) I won, mutually.

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  Such a deal - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By alloway70 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my XT for nearly a year now and have loved every minute with it. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car although I think the dealship experience could be better. I knew when I purchased the car the gas mileage would be lower than I like, however I am willing to make the sacrifice (I commute to work via train, so when I drive the car its for fun). The Subaru Forester XT is the best purchase Ive made in a long time and I got below invoice. Such a deal...

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  ONE of a Kind - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Mike Wilhelmson - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my baja. Great build quality. Many upgrades available for aftermarket tuners.

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  Good Choice - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Fred - September 12 - 3:53 pm

  This is a really good little suv. I use it primarily to drive back and forth to work. It handles well in all types of weather. Plenty of room for four full size adults. I am 64" and can sit comfortably behind the wheel. The car has a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder. Gas mileage has been good both on local streets and on the highway.

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  Fun zippy car for Colorado! - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Annie Colorado - September 11 - 5:40 pm

  Replacing a 2012 Impreza with this car. Improvements about with 2016 model- we loveit. FLATIRONS Subaru was a pleasure to deal with.

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  Wonderful car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By my car - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car right when it came out, and I have never regretted it. From the time that I have had the car, the only real problem I have had is that the alarm got messed up at one point, and a Subaru Dealership fixed it, provided me a rental, and had the car towed in all for no charge, even though the warranty was already up. I have been hit a few times since I got this car, and every time the body of my car would show only a scratch when the other car would need some major work. I would definietly recommend this car to anyone, especially with the good mileage and with how well the car retains its value.