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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  early - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By ivesgn - August 12 - 2:00 am

  2 k miles driven. very fun acceleration is great and i weight 270# all wheel drive is fantastic reliability will be rated later

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  WRX ROCKS! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By boothwrx - August 11 - 10:00 am

  For the money, the performance cant be beat. The wet weather handling is outstanding.

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  Subarus rock - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Aaron Walker - August 10 - 11:43 pm

  This car rocks -- I love it.

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  First Subie, not the Last! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By #280 / 500 - August 10 - 3:30 am

  This is one exclusive car, the Legacy GT 2.5 spec-B! The color combo just drew me in. I love the restyle of the Legacy for 2005 and Im glad they didnt change it. Subaru should have put in the 6 speed gear box of the STi and upped the horsepower of the spec-B higher than the standard Legacy GTs. Handling is just unreal. Corners on rails, even in the wet! The perfect combination of ride comfort and firmness.

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  Happy Outback owner - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By happy Outback owner - August 8 - 5:40 pm

  Ive had my Outback 2.5i 5-speed manual for about 6000 miles, and Im very happy with it. It gets good gas mileage, is fun to drive, handles well, deals with lousy weather very well, has plenty of room, and looks great. My mileage has averaged 25.4 mpg overall since I bought it, with a low of 22.2 mpg and a high of 30.3 mpg. Thats good for an AWD vehicle. With the 5-speed manual it feels lively and energetic, and the manual transmission shifts very easily. Its a great all-around vehicle that can handle pretty much anything thrown at it and do it very well. Its a practical car thats enjoyable to drive.

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  big bang for the buck - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jack C. - August 8 - 11:06 am

  My new Outback Ltd. is extremely comfortable, with outstanding fit and finish. I chose the non turbo version although I was tempted by the power of the turbo; however with the mileage I put on a car I can save about $750 per year with the non turbo. Car is very versatile; will handle people, dogs and equipment and living in Florida it gives me a feeling of security knowing I have all wheel drive for those torrential downpours. This is my fifth Subie, but first Outback and this one is the best!

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  Not worth giving up the room for mileage - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By SubaruAdmirer - August 8 - 8:56 am

  No problem with it so far except gas door release level falling off. Decent acceleration from stop but no power at all on highway especially with ac on, need to drive in "power" mode or else difficult to pass or climb hills. 50/50 mileage averaging 21mpg with the 4spd auto. Will not get the 28mpg+ some claim unless going below 60mph. Not sure about you, but I dont drive on all stretches of country road. A small v6 with a 5 or 6 spd auto would have been better. Interior much smaller than mid-sized SUV with no 3rd row seating. Frankly the only slight increase (15%) in fuel economy was not worth giving up the space and seating option. Overall build feels a bit cheap. Liked our Outback better.

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  forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By jaynie - August 7 - 10:00 am

  fairly quiet ride especially compared to the CR-V. nice smooth acceleration uphill. doesnt mind "high speed!" lots of nice extras come standard. SO FAR SO GOOD...ONLY 600 MILES!

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  Went from 4x4 pickup to Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By trakonus - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck about a month and a half ago, I wish it came out when I bought my dakota a few years ago. It fit my needs perfectly. It handles great and the upgraded sound system is great. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. My neighbor used to be a mechanic for subarus up north, and he said as long as i use their oil filter and follow the maintenance log it will last a long long time.

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  Awesome - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Loveit - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Some of these I couldnt answer honestly since I have only had it for 3 days. But, with my past experience with Subaru this is going to be a wonderful vehicle. Overall a beautiful change over in body style and overall performance. Would recommend 100%