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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  Great Value for $$ - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Readzalot - July 28 - 8:23 pm

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  Fun Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By cat - July 28 - 1:10 pm

  This little car is fun to drive, safe and reliable. I have never had a single mechanical problem in four years. When I buy the next car this one stays too I never giving it up.

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  Quattro-killer - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By stoweman - July 27 - 12:20 pm

  I absolutely love this rig. Mileage is so-so, but that is what you get for driving a car that absolutely is fearless in Northern Vermont winters. I switch the stock Potenzas for Hakkapalita RSIs mounted on simple, cheap 16" aluminum wheels in the winter to save the nice 17" stock wheels but also to avoid the wobbly feeling snow build-up that often plagues nice rims in winter. I bought this car to replace a VW Jetta VR6, and am completely happy with my decision. I commute through some of the nastiest roads and weather around, and have NEVER felt that the car would let meet down. It started right up after 24 hours parked in -33 F, and has yet to disappoint me. And its faaaast!

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  2006 Forester first impressions - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By mack - July 26 - 12:16 am

  2006 Forester XT, compared to our 2003 Forester XS. Sleek and sporty. Minor visible changes all for the good. Much quieter, and car-like ride, yet very controlled. No wind noise. Engine is very quiet since it doesnt work hard to sprint off the line. Great power. No mileage check yet. The automatic transmission is very responsive, shifts the instant you need to accelerate. Has auto sports mode. Had to get it with leather and moonroof, part of the XT package. They are great. Seat is a little too hard for me. Climate control is great. New side mirrors are taller for better side and rear visibility. No flaws at all. Very well built. Great safety features and past safety record.

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  Great CUV! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mtnbiker - July 26 - 12:06 am

  Good, safe vehicle for my wife. Full time AWD, stability control, heated everything...good winter vehicle. Comes with all the bells and whistles for a very reasonable price, maybe because they arent exactly flying off the lots. The mileage isnt too miserable either (20ish). Plus, we LIKE the look of the vehicle.

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  A great car for the price - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Subidrifter77 - July 25 - 2:43 am

  I purchased this car in later 2006. I have greatly enjoyed the experience. It corners good for a stock car. The AWD is awesome in the snow and I have loved drifting it! Dislikes: no light in the trunk, not a lot of room but good for the price. Likes: AWD is awesome, automatic shifts good on hills and in passing, the exhaust sounds great (not stock), comfortable on long drives, corners fairly well but needs larger sway bars, fantastic in the snow. It has only slid when I am laying into it. Great car so I cant complain much. Needs some performance stuff for more power so I am going to invest soon!

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  Im back to Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Nancy - July 25 - 1:26 am

  I had two prior Subarus that got up to 185,000 miles before any problems. In 2008 I needed a new car and bought Toyota Highlander because I did not care for the suabru designs. Traded for 2010 Outback and love it. Have only 900 miles so far, but handles like only a Suabru can with its AWD. My daughter drove it and now shes thinking of buying one, although she wants to go with the 6 cylinder.

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  All round great vehicle! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Sabina Spencer - July 24 - 1:59 pm

  This is a very sound and sensible car not exciting and sexy but safe and reliable. Id highly recommend it.

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  I came back to Subaru! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Tammy P - July 24 - 3:43 am

  After having Mazda buy back my 1st CX 7 and now finally getting out from under and trading in my 2nd CX 7 with many problems, my 08 Subaru XT Limited is GREAT. I get 23 miles to the gallon and yes it takes premium but what would you expect when buying a turbo? I drove home in a snowstorm and the car handled like a dream, unlike the car I traded in. I dont know why I didnt stay with Subaru. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for an AWD buy a Subaru!

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  WRX - sports car in family attire - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Bob DAugustine - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The WRX wagon may look like a strictly utilitarian vehicle, but drives like an expensive sports car. Its acceleration, handling and braking match those of cars that cost thousands of dollars more and have the sporting pedigrees to match. I have been thrilled with this car!