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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  My Mom Loves my car - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Donna - September 7 - 6:16 am

  My Mom and Dad says it is the best riding truck. Everyone is suprised the first time they ride in it. Itdoesnt ride like a truck at all and the gas mileage is great. People are always asking what kind of vehicle it is. It is the perfect vehicle for someone like me that needs a truck sometimes and a car at other times.

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  Replacement for 2001 L.L. Bean - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Old Soldier - September 6 - 6:03 pm

  Many improvements over the 2001 L.L. Bean we drove for 160,000 miles. Has more than adequate power on the road. Find traveling to be very comfortable.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Mike1983 - September 6 - 2:03 pm

  The Forester is a very well built car. Its very well designed, inside and out. It runs very smoothly and quietly even with 100k+ miles. Very good sound reduction inside the vehicle. Handles great, feels very solid. Neat gadgets like heated outside mirrors, windshield wipers, and rear quarter windows.

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  Safe and Secure - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Bigtime - September 5 - 8:56 pm

  I leased this vehicle for my sons who went off to school. This is a solid vehicle with excellent safety ratings. It is a substantial vehicle that handles whatever the weather brings. In 3 years mileage will be up substantially for all manufacturers when it it time for a new vehicle. What sold me was the overall passenger room, the styling and safety features. I have not regretted the lease for even a moment. I wish that I were driving it instead of my kids.

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  Great Ride - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By cosailor - September 5 - 10:13 am

  After 3 months of driving, Im pleased to say this is a great vehicle. The ride is smooth, cabin noise is low if you remove the rack crossbars. The turbo really adds to the experience once you get used to the surge as it kicks in. Effortlessly cruises at 75 MPH. The AWD is sure footed and the heated wipers, mirrors, and seats are wonderful during the CO winters. Actual mileage is good, 22 around town, 25 on the highway though if you drive aggressively in town you can easily drop the city mileage to mid- teens. Its a turbo after all. Coming from a Volvo S60 AWD, I find the Forester similiar in many ways. Well maybe not the dash materials but its just fine, I didnt pay S60 prices.

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  04 Forester XS-All Purpose Fun - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By zanadu2 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV/car drives and handles like it has a lower center of gravity than you would first expect. The 4 wheel disc brakes are a necessity. The non- turbo engine tends to lug a bit with the automatic transmission at speeds just under 40 mph, unless you manually downshift to 3rd gear, otherwise a very smooth transmission. Fuel economy is OK, but could be better. The tires are just adequate. There is good cargo space. Overall a fun vehicle to drive around town or on the highway.

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  Best kept secret - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By New Lego Driver - September 3 - 11:36 pm

  Had this car 4 months now and love it. My wife and I used to alternate driving our cars around town but now I drive everywhere. The car is getting the rated mileage unlike the Nissan Versa I traded in. I get about 21 mpg in 90% city driving and about 27 on the hwy. Youll be hard pressed to find a family sedan with AWD, a moon roof and this level of refinement for the price.

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  Impressive Impreza - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Subienewbie - September 3 - 1:06 am

  I leased a 08 Impreza in early august. I test drove the wrx and then decided to go with the 2.5i 4-door as the lease deal seemed to too sweet to ignore. The car has been fun to drive - it is a real dynamo for its size. The engine is responsive, smooth and has ample juice on the highway. Long-drives have been at about 30.5 mpg and city at 23 on average. Not bad for a 3200 pound car with awd. I am really glad I got a subie!

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  Forester L - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By brh1020 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for me and my dog. It is equally comfortable around town and also on moderate back roads. The clearance is great (compared to my old Maxima!) and I get great gas mileage (30/26).

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  One Great Decision - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - September 1 - 10:50 pm

  We had a 2002 Xterra that had reached the end of its life. We were tired of terrible fuel economy and a growing family demanded a more reliable and safer vehicle. Subaru has always been on our "radar" but after driving my parents 2010 Outback we were sold. This vehicle is amazing! There really isnt anything wrong with it. It has better ground clearance than most so called SUVs, better fuel economy, reliability and amazing safety ratings. I used to be a die hard solid rear axle SUV fan but those days are done. Its great driving home with a vehicle in 8 inches of snow, heated seats on of course, passing "SUVs" who have spun out! A great purchase, especially at 2.9% APR!