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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  2005 Baja Turbo, Manual Transmission - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Grant Kenion - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is fast, corners well, and for paddlers and/or cyclists, it is very practical. 4-wheel drive and the braking system are nice safety features. Everyone who has driven mine thinks it is a blast. Subaru has done a crappy job promoting a great product, but hey, thats Subaru. Dealer was very professional during sale, hope that continues for service.

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  Just breaking it in - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By stuprince - July 12 - 3:15 am

  After having driven a Trailblazer for 7 years, it was time to change to a car with better mileage because I was going to be driving 150 miles a day for work. The Forester was my choice after also driving an Escape, RAV4, CX-5, CR-V, and Equinox. Forester mileage was equal or better than all of them and I am getting about 34 mpg highway right now which should get better as it breaks it. Inside is spacious, came with the winter driving package, heated front seats, and back up camera. Good price at just 26 grand. Easy ride and it cruises at 70 on the freeway without even a push. Handles nice, but could be better. Subaru reliability is legendary so that also sold me on it

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  Love my Subie! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Mrs. K - July 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isnt really a problem for me since I am only 53" but my 6 tall husbands knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!

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  03 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Mr Kibs - July 9 - 2:00 am

  very surprised by the performance this mini suv has. Lots of value and a huge bargain for what you pay for. I bought mine for its reliability and AWD. Takes corners like a sports car, and has the feeling like its glued to the road! Where can you get heated seats, automatic climate control, AWD and more for under $24K. Love the panorama view of the road, almost no blind spots.

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  honest review - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By njs - July 9 - 2:00 am

  great car! really the only choice for an AWD wagon under $25K -- which makes the 227hp/turbo almost a freebie... FYI mainj, the horn-alarm can be easily turned off -- read your brouchure or call your dealer

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  Traded Accord for Legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By ITP - July 8 - 2:46 am

  This is an awesome car, very smooth and powerful. Very tight, nice interior, great seats. This car feels more substantial than my 2006 Honda Accord. So far, Im very happy with my choice.

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  Consumer Reports Nailed It - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By cherryfan - July 5 - 6:13 pm

  Have owned this car for two months now, just over 2,000 miles on it. Has the winter/alloy wheel/moonroof package. Test-drove the Impreza v. Ford Focus and Fiesta and Hyundai Elantra, and Impreza was favorite by far. Handles well overall, was most solid and reassuring, smoothest transmission (CVT v. others automatics is no contest), roomy comfortable interior. Edmunds doesnt like the styling, but I l do, and prefer it to the Focus (which I also own). Engine is plenty powerful and mpg is fine; on 270-mile trip from Denver to Avon, CO, over two mountain passes of at least 10,600 feet and at 70 mph most of the way, averaged 34.5 mpg. Seats are comfortable, visibility is top of class.

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  I have to smile every time I drive this car - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By asutter1 - July 5 - 5:31 am

  Purchased this car a little over 5 months ago and have about 7500 miles on it. 3 big trips, driving around town and my wifes 25 mile commute to work. I love driving this car no matter where I am driving. I am amazed at all the room in this car. At 6, I am used to having to put the drivers all the way back, but not in Forester. Second row leg room is unbelievable. Our 3 person family is used to taking trips in a Grand Caravan, but enjoyed taking this car instead. Everything still fit, but a nicer ride. CVT transmission is nice on cruise control as it can keep the speed steadier than auto transmission. Visibility is great, both with the height off the ground and the large windows.

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  Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Oliverzilla - July 4 - 8:33 am

  I was looking for a car that was a great performing sports car, fun to drive, good daily driver, 4 doors, could be used to get groceries, and did not scream ‘sports car’. I found the perfect combination with the my black 2008 WRX STI with silver BBS wheels. This car just rocks. Here are the things that I like best about this car: 1. The ability to tune the car between ‘intelligent’ for daily driving and sport and serious fun with Sport # -- nothing like it on the market. 2. The ability to change the differential for power to the front and rear wheels - tons of options, tons of power, this car moves! 3. The clean simple design of the interior - very nice but not complicated and overdone.

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  Goodbye Old ML, Hello B9 Tribeca Ltd 7 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By L. Frank - July 4 - 3:33 am

  So impressed by test driving B9 Tribeca Ltd. 7 passenger we bought it 2 days later; our first non German make in 25 years. Went from ML to B9 - after comparing every detail interior, performance and fact that almost every option is included in 7 passenger Ltd price were options on others sold us. Especially comfort, handling ease, safety feats. Not as tall as ML, Lexus GX470, Z3 we tested but what we got for price -- impressive. Hope to embrace B9 unusual exterior styling. Interior superb- drivers "cockpit" design, ease in reading well positioned dash instruments. Good mileage, great cornering & handling, smooth ride, A+ rear seat comfort & A/C controls & 20k less than ML with equal options.