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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  Needs redesign of back end - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Heather - December 4 - 8:16 pm

  Within a month of owning this car, the thin piece of trim above the rear hatch release snapped in half. To fix, the entire rear panel (with multiple parts, like the logo, lights, etc.) has to be bought: $400+. Thanks, Subaru. Why isnt this a large, solid panel? And why cant individual parts be purchased? Also, the hatch door can be difficult to close, making me repeatedly get out of the car to close the door. You have to slam it. Otherwise have loved the car. Road trip mileage of 34 mpg/500 miles on that tank! Previous car was 01 Forester with 180K.

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  my second subaru - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By kenct9 - December 4 - 6:06 pm

  I owened a 97 legacy 100,000 trouble free miles the best car I ever owned I bought a new one this year and i didnt think it got better than the first car it does the new car is a little bigger,some improvements in the interior design makes the long trips so much more comfortable, because I owed a subaru before I know about its reliability so together with the improvements in the new car plus awd its a warm fuzzy at an affordable price

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  Passes everything except a gas station - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike Miller - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall a a very nice car. Open road driving is great, but the turbo lag is annoying. The power is poor until you hit 3,000 RPM, then it takes off like a rocket. Also, the gas mileage is nowhere near the 20/27 listed on the sticker. More like 20/23. Also, the transmission is not that smooth at times. Overall, though I like the car a lot and often take the long way home as long as that way involves lots of hills and curves!

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  If loving my new WRX is wrong.... - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Mack1952m - December 4 - 10:00 am

  ... I dont wanna be right! This is a wonderful car! Its fast, quick, handles well, carries kids & cargo, loves the freeway & the winding backroad, & it looks good sitting still, too! It combines many of the assets of my 2 previous cars, a 99 Saturn SL2 & a Mustang GT. Its the best of both worlds! Its a very tight, well-built machine, very comfortable, & did I mention that it was F-A-S-T ??

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  Reliability of McIntosh Stereo - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jcborgeson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Subaru. Great highway cruiser, very quiet. I am puzzled by the reviews that complain of wind noise. It’s quieter than my Jag XJR. Ive measured with a sound meter to confirm. Reliability is good with 20,400 miles. Service has been excellent. The one problem has been the McIntosh stereo. We are on our third, waiting for the fourth. The system sounds great but reliability is awful. Ive been told that it is really a Clarion head with McIntosh trim. On the plus side, the AWD system is superb, far better than the Volvo XC70 it replaces. I have been pretty amazed at the slop, ice and snow this car can move through safely.

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  Great car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By OVID HURD - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought a LLBean for $27100 from Stevens Creek Subaru (San Jose, CA). After driving the car for about 1000 miles, I can say there is nothing comparable in this price range. The car feels rock solid, has a very smooth Lexus-like drive, first class suspension, excellent visibility, a lot of cargo space. The sound system is very good. However, the car has 3 major inconveniences: 1) the seats do not offer enough leg support, (the lumbar support is great.) 2) Wind noise coming from the roof rails at higher speeds. 3)the engine is powerful, but the slow transmission, makes it less responsive, it will not let you drive the car as an Acura TL-type S or a BMW.

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  Second Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Suzanne - December 4 - 9:56 am

  I Loved my 2005 Subaru Legacy Sedan, but after my son totalled it (oops) I knew I wanted a second Subaru. Spending more than I ever expected, I purchased the L.L. Bean edition 2009 Forester. I do love the car, but have three concerns. The plastic panel which covers the radio is not clear. It makes the numbers sl. blurry. Also, and of greater concern is that I experience a slight sideways motion when going over bumps. Will contact the dealer. Gas mileage not as good as I hoped for. 22.2 mpg. Sounds like I dont like my new car, but I love the reliability of Subaru. Its a beautiful car. As impressive on the outside as a Lexus.

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  Great Commuter - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Dude - December 3 - 5:06 pm

  This really is a great commuter car, the Outback Sport has great handling, descent engine and generally good looking car. The transmission is the only week point I have noticed, the peak torque in the boxer engine comes on at 4000 RPM, but the long gears(4 speed auto) drop to below 3000 on the shift. They could have added 2 more gears to this transmission keeping it in the upper rev range for fast acceleration when needed. The stereo blows, but I listen to Slacker of Pandora through my Blackberry most of the time and it actually sounds pretty good. I would upgrade the stereo but I think I would rather trade the car in for the 3.6 Liter 5 Speed Auto Legacy Premium in a couple years.

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  bluebaru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By archer - December 2 - 5:08 pm

  About a month ago, I trades my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and I am beyond happy. The Jeep had more bells and whistles than a church, bit the Subaru is less than an inch in most dimensions and super easy to drive. The quality is outstanding and I really like the eye-sight technology. I bought the 2.5 4 cyl, after driving a v-6, I will do no towing and find the engine more than responsive enough for me.

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  Awesome car for the price - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By merliech1 - December 2 - 12:12 am

  I bought my XV Crosstrek in November of last year and have now driven it over 5400 miles. I am averaging 28.8 mpg currently and drive about 1/2 and 1/2 on city roads and highways. I love how comfortable the car is, love the cvt transmission which is nice and smooth, love the overall style of the car and love how it handles in the snow. I also upgraded the speakers and added the subwoofer. Absolutely amazing sound. Paid about $25k for the car and definitely feel I got my moneys worth. I previously owned a 2003 Forester. Purchased the XV Crosstrek for the improved gas mileage. I honestly believe that I will be a life-long Subaru owner.