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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  A Great "Hybrid" - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Terrain.org - November 6 - 9:20 pm

  The Subaru Outback XT Limited is a great "hybrid" between a true SUV and a performance sedan, with the functionality of a wagon, stability of an all-wheel drive, and get-up-and-go of a sports sedan. Im a tall driver (65") and have no problems in the front or (for shorter durations) in the rear. The Subaru is great fun to drive---the 5-speed tranny (added short-throw shifter) mated with the turbo is almost too fun! Leather interior and panoramic moonroof are great for me and my kids. The 8.7" ground clearance is great for chunky dirt roads (but not bouldering, of course), and the low-mounted boxer engine makes twisty roads good fun, as well. While a "hybrid," theres no compromise!

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  amazing snow performance - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By firstsuby - November 6 - 10:47 am

  First big snow fall in the begining of the month 17" here in southern New Jersey and the outback handled great. Took it into a unplowed parking lot and no trouble cutting through with origonal tires on it. I tryed to get it stuck by stoping and starting a few times with no luck. Could feel the power being shifted to different wheels a few times when i was going through a deep drift but it kept going. Turn off the vdc and went through the drifts with no problem. My onlly problem is we havent had any more big snow falls to play in. This is my first subaru and im amazed at how good it performs!!

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  Great Crossover - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - November 4 - 7:05 pm

  Have only had my Subaru for a short period of time put have greatly enjoyed the ride. Trade in my 07 truck for the 2.5 Premium and have not regretted it at all. The gas mileage is great and the inside and outside style gives it a great feel and look. The handle of this vehicle is great and does very well in all weather conditions. I was looking for a new car and never thought about looking at a Forester until I went to a dealer to look at a used car and was sold. The space is great inside and as a tall person thought I would miss my truck but not once has that crossed my mind. Have the black interior and premium cloth which is great quality. Great power too for a four cylinder.

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  2003 Legacy S E......awesome car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By VW72SUPBUG - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new 2003 Legacy Special Edition thinking it was a "so-so" car since it did not cost as much as my last 3 Acura Integra GS-Rs did. Boy, I was I wrong!....this AWD car is so awesome on the road.....you have so much confidence in wet/snow weather that you would not find in FWD cars. This car is built solid, inside and out. It could stand to use more power and a smoother shifter, but overall it is great value for the money, cheaper than an Audi A4 AWD.

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  Made for the snow??? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Adventurer - November 4 - 9:26 am

  I bought my Forester in May, and have put about 9500 miles on so far. Its been a nightmare in the snow. The ABS is atrocious. Traction control brings the vehicle to a complete stop on snow covered hills. And the back end slides out in turns. Cargo space looks good. But I cant fit my mountain bike (wheels removed) in it without folding down half of the back seat. In my wifes Corolla, I can fit my bike and my sons trailer in the trunk without dropping the seat. Anyone that says they get 30mpg, needs to let the rest of us in on their secret. 26 on long trips. 23 city/hwy. I dont feel safe taking my family anywhere in snowy conditions and am in the process of trading it in.

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  Simply Perfect For My needs - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Troutbum - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 S has exactly the features I wanted with having to pay for things that I did not want;heated everything, 5 spd, sporty handling, good gas mileage, good stereo, terrfic AWD etc.,I live in Northern Ontario we get a lot of snow and inclement weather but my Forrester has a stick to the road security that I have never before experienced.I have two Great Danes that can actually be comfortable in the back with the seats down and thanks to the massive headroom. I recently received a 2003 Toyota Highlander with AWD as a company car but I do prefer driving my Forester.I have averagd 34 mpg in cruise control at 60 miles an hour over long drives.

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  I LOVE it! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Lisa - November 3 - 12:26 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. I have not had any mechanical problems what so ever and I bought a demo that had 3900 miles on it. I live in Minneapolis and it responds to the cold very well and handles awesomely. I really do love it.

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  Is the engine problem fixed? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Renee - November 2 - 12:06 am

  I replaced the head gaskets @ 70k, they started seeping again @100k. Subaru sent out a letter to all owners about the seeping head gaskets and to fix it, you have to add a additive to your antifreeze every time you flush your radiator. This seeping problem is starting to affect my pistons. Ive replaced everything around the engine. I have 150k on it now, and with this piston problem, Im not sure if I should buy another Subaru. I love everything else about it, but am concerned about sinking a ton of money into a new one, as I have with this one. Ive replaced a couple of wheel bearings, both axles, all 4 struts & mounts, radiator, heater blower & the air sensor twice.

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  Solid Package - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By NSO - November 1 - 6:00 pm

  Owned 87Accrd, 94Maxima, 97Taurus, 00Accord, and after researching deprec. rate, insurance, cost of operation, and reliability against models like CR-V, RAV4, and Focus I decided that Impreza make a very solid pkg, and after I test drove it (2.5i prem and GT)I decided that Id go for real value: Outback Sport (seat warmer+17" alloy/ raised susp. > sunroof+2 xtra spkr). GT was a nerfed version of WRX, and if I am ready for an WRX Id go STI anyway. Overall I really liked VDC; it gave the already phenomenal AWD feel an extra polish and ctrl. But it will be tough for your brakes as it will brake harder than youd intend to, road noise is also slightly more noticeable than top compacts I tested.

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  Finally a timing chain - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Calarco - November 1 - 9:44 am

  Quick engine. twin turbo kicks your head back at 3500rpms. ride is smooth, road noise due to 17inch rims with skinny tire side walls. great clutch and smooth shifting 6 speed. The Stereo just stinks. rear speakers mounted in rear door. WHY WHY WHY. HD FM reception fades in and out and with your windows down and sitting on I95 the volume is cranked to 40. Needs a AMP. OK on gas but likes the cooler burning 93 octane. Expensive. With heated seats and sunroof plus shipping and taxes, 30,000. And get the 500.00 5yr rim and tire replacement. Still breaking motor in. My last car was a 09 Mustang and this WRX beats the stang in everway except the stereo, and too much eye candy gauges.