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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  i love my RS - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By kilgore trout - March 18 - 10:00 am

  its no sti, but for 20grand, i cant think of a better car, flat out accelaration isnt its strongest suit (though ive waisted a jetta 1.8t off the line) but but its great for tossing around the twisties, the steering is respincive and the shifter feels accurate, though a little gates. the suspension is tight without being punishing

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  First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By cjpownell - March 17 - 11:23 am

  This is our first Subaru, we only looked at them because their advertising caught us. We had looked at many vehicles and settled on two. After weeks of contemplating, we ordered our new Legacy. Weve only had it a few days and have not passed the break in period, but its amazing. The boxer engine makes a huge difference, more than I thought. There is very little noise inside, the seats are comfortable and there is a lot of space, you can seat 4 adults more than comfortably and haul luggage for all 4 in the massive trunk as well. The 4 cyl engine feels like it has more than our 6 cyl mustang.

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  Satisfied with new Suburu - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Josephine - March 15 - 10:37 am

  It is too soon to answer some of these questions such as fuel economy, but my experience so far is good. I especially like the visibility with full Windows all around and the drivers seat raised. I wish the passenger seat was also electrically controlled it is comfortable as is. I especially liked dealing with the people at Matin CA Suburu/Mazda dealership p. Straight forward, reasonable price. No need for dickering. They didnt push extras . I drove my car off the showroom floor the first daY went in. I have returned a few times for more operating instructions which they gladly give. I got the security feature Eye Sight. That and other features made a lot to remember. The price below includes registration, license, tax, $1400 for 3 year maintenance at Suburu, and gap insurance recommended for first few months to insure replacement if my coverage falls a bit short. ( I have a comprehensive insurance.)

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  My 4th Subaru- Much Improved - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By pktsizecub - March 15 - 5:54 am

  This is my 4th Subaru. I also had a 2009 Forester and it was a great car. The 2015 is quite a step-up. The CVT is an excellent transmission and I regulary get 34 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg around town. The Subaru Forester is unstoppable in the mountains of western Washington. The 8.7" of ground clearance allows the car to be driven almost anywhere. The Premium package is simply amazing for comfort and quality. The Forester is quiet and easy to drive. Passengers in rear find ample leg room. The storage is quite good for hauling things. The trailer towing capabilities are limited but thats why I have Toyota Tundra. Long road trips are easy on the back with adjustable lum

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  As practical as a Swiss knife - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ironman - March 14 - 7:03 am

  It is a real pleasure to drive on the road. It is comfortable with plenty of interior space for road trips. It drives great off-road with its good ground clearance. Its interior provides plenty of cargo space. The rear passengers enjoy the ride just as much as the front passengers with the rear foldable seats. The roof rails were ingeniously designed and are easy to operate. The fuel economy is incredible for the size of the Outback. No regrets on our new purchase, only fun! Its ready for adventure!

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  Oil Burner, MPG not as advertised - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By movingon1 - March 14 - 4:06 am

  I bought the hatchback with a manual because I was looking for versatility with good mileage. Functionality wise, Im happy. Im 62" and the car is comfortable on long road trips and you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the back, especially with the seats down. Also, the car is amazing in the snow. BUT- as others mentioned, the car has started burning oil at 30,000 miles! Almost 2 quarts between oil changes. Add to that the well known not-as-advertised MPG, and I am thinking about trading it in. I have logged every single tank on Fuelly. In the winter, 22 city, 27 highway. In the summer, 25 city 30 highway. Its rare to do better than 30 on the highway, but I drive 70-75.

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ron - March 13 - 11:43 pm

  Subaru has hit a home run with the Tribeca. The build quality is excellent. It has all the features one could ask for in this type of SUV. Good performance. Low interior noise. It has 18" wheels and is very responsive. Since its a brand new model just delivered, I cant rate reliability, but my experience with Subarus has been excellent. Thus far performance and fun-to-drive factors for the Tribeca exceed my expectations.

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  5,000 Mile Update - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Anthony Lo - March 12 - 11:40 pm

  Were still enjoying our Impreza tremendously since new and have been using it daily. Have not had any issues outside of careless people banging their doors in parking lots. Size of the vehicle is working nicely for our family in terms of leg room and shoulder room. Traction and vehicle control is unbelievable with the AWD system and wheel/tire set up. Very stable handling on the freeway - feels more secure than anything Ive driven. Still not a big fan of the velvetty interior fabric but its not the worst Ive seen. Plastic surfaces too hard to the touch and fuel economy is mediocre. Stock stereo should have an AUX input for iPods - lame! Padding on the seats could be thicker.

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  Meticulously maintained, constantly broken - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By BAS - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  We bought a CPO at 55k and opted for Subaru Gold Plus warranty. In the subsequent 35k miles, its needed significant repairs ~once per year until this year, when its been in the shop 3 times for $1000+ repairs--thankfully covered under warranty. It finally died on the highway, towed it to a Subaru dealer, where its sat for 8 days because it seems like there is not a Subaru dealer in the country thats not too busy. It will require 8+ hours to diagnose the problem, and likely $6000+ for repairs. Subaru is being super cagey about whether it will be covered, despite our factory extended warranty and consistent dealer maintenance (including oil changes) during our ownership of the vehicle. We couldnt get a loaner from the dealer because it was closed and we were on a road trip, so we had to rent from Enterprise. Again, Subaru wont be clear if theyll cover this, even though we couldnt get a loaner at the time and their service centers cant look at anything in a reasonable time. This car has been the worst Ive ever owned, including a used, questionable high-mileage Cavalier. Subaru service is as bad as their reliability.

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  Avoid Sand and Gravel - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Unhappy Customer - March 12 - 3:10 pm

  Dont drive this car on roads with sand or on gravel roads. The back door running board gets etched from the sprayed sand/gravel. The mud flaps do not help. Less than 20k and I have to repaint. Poor Design. My first and last Subaru. Ill go back to Honda.