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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  WE LOVE SUE!!! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Santino - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Being that we knew nothing about Subaru 2 months before we bought our Forrester, my wife and I are incredibly pleased. Its a wonderful SUV that makes us feel safe, provides excellent fuel economy (relatively speaking), and is a hoot to drive. Weve taken it from San Diego to the Rockies and bag, and the V4 didnt miss a beat.

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  Forester 2003 in PA. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By mcquestor - March 17 - 2:00 am

  My first Subaru. Driving in the snow enjoyable. Body style is a great improvement over previuos models. With 10K miles in 2 1/2 months, the Forester is "Fun to Drive", better than my previous Ford Explorer.

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  Fun Stuff - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By iVormi - March 17 - 2:00 am

  What I got: WRX Sedan - Sport Package - Sound Package The suboofer is plenty for myself, but for serious noise, look aftermarket. The spoier is beautiful, but the short throw shifter is of questionable value on this car. My first turbo car, the lag is definately noticeable, but doesnt get in the way if you keep the revs up. Its a hoot to blast through the turns, and has been a joy in rain, snow, and ice thanks to the AWD. Nothing better than dusting every other car off the line on wet pavement. Overall I really love this car. Its a blast and Id reccomend a test drive to anyone.

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  very fun to drive - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By aquatics - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Truly a fun car to drive. This car really performs. Its a great blend of performance and practicality.

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  Suburu Impreza Wagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Angelo M. Sanchez - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great driving experience. Wait for light next to BMWs etc, and watch them in your review mirror in seconds. A lot of fun to drive especially in winding country roads.

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  Family car for 2003 - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Frazier - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, plenty of room, handles well in all driving conditions. Excellent view of road while driving.

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  Super smooth ride - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By mikefromny - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Having previously owned a 1997 Outback Limited I was expecting another terrific Subaru in my 2003 LL Bean. Boy were my expectations exceeded by the unbelievable smooth and comfortable ride of my new Subaru.

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  1st Subaru owned of many to come - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By whitetailaj - March 17 - 12:35 am

  I had never owned a Subaru before and neither had anyone in my family. In the 90s I was drawn away from the brand just because of the somewhat biased social stigmatism attached to the company. When my old truck blew its motor two years ago I knew that I wanted an AWD car and began looking into Subarus. I was first looking at the Impreza Sport because of the size and versatility of the vehicle but immediately fell in love with the wide body design of the 2011 Impreza WRX. Took a test drive and the rest, as they say, is history. A little over a year and 16,000 miles later I still leave my sales consultant job at a Subaru dealership and look forward to my drive home everyday.

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  Goes through headlights like crazy! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By rachelinmn - March 16 - 8:50 pm

  I bought my 2010 Legacy new. In 4.5 years, I have had to replace 5 low-beam headlights. The dealership gave me multiple excuses that made no sense. The customer service rep at Subaru headquarters said she thought it was reasonable to replace a headlight every 22,000 miles, and would do nothing. At $70 per replacement, I cannot afford to keep this car. Very disappointed in Subarus quality and customer service.

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  car for old man - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Syy - March 16 - 7:43 pm

  All I love about this car is the AWD. It feels soooo underpowered. Picking up is very slow. Heating system takes so long to feel warm. After a few months, the chemical-like smell inside is still strong. plastic parts feels so cheap inside. maybe the first and the last Subaru for me.