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 am in love with this car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By johncarl - February 26 - 5:20 pm

  I have been a huge fan of the 2000 impreza RS and was very disapointed with the re-designed exterior in 2002. Now, I have to say, I like the 2005 styling even more than both (even without the hood scoop). Not to mention that this car handles like its riding on rails and has plenty of power. This car is my first brand new car and I am a total subaru fanatic now. Also, this is one of the most inexpensive cars subaru makes. It was less expensive than some used 2002 WRXs and only a couple thousand more than a used 2001 RS I was looking at. Overall, I have fallen in love with this car and look forward to driving it everyday.

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  My chevy is more dependable - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By onedisappointment - February 26 - 5:00 pm

  I was sold the safety, resale value, and dependability. Well, within two month of purchase I had a cracked windshield, warranty did not cover the crack and it cost me $370 to replace. and now the car has a leak in the evaporator core and it costing me about $1000 to fix. This car barely 2 years old. My Chevy has 276k miles and still runs with original A/C. Never again will by a Subaru again!

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  My new car. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By ellen torkelson - February 26 - 4:57 pm

  Just drove 230 miles and it was a pleasure. Very tall family and we all fit very comfortably.

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  Great car- with problems - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By threephoe - February 24 - 10:00 am

  ve owned this car for a little over a year now, and have had my first gear replaced once, and will probably have to do it again soon (all under warranty). The dealership has told me everything from “That’s normal for the WRX” to “You must abuse the car” (The hardest it ever gets driven is my morning commute) A little bit of research told me that this a pretty common problem caused by inadequate synchros.

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  Good choice - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Ann_S - February 23 - 4:40 am

  We just purchased a 2011 outback limited 4 cyl and are very satisfied. Was concerned the steering would be too tight, the acceleration would not be good, the air would not be good and the radio reception would not be good. None were true. Car handles great, air cools the car quickly, acceleration is just what it needs to be, steering curves takes some handling because the car is designed to hug the road. No complaints. Did a lot of research on- line, several test drives and got a good buy. Made my deal on the phone after multiple e-mail. Recommend over the CR-V or RAV4. RAV4 seats were hard to push back but drove well. CR-V passenger was pushed around on curves and with braking

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  The Dragon Wagon - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Chad - February 22 - 5:33 am

  I love this ride! You are pretty much getting a higher end sports car for under $30k. Takes corners very well, even with a case full of stuff on the racks, but still smooth over rougher roads. With the turbo and sport shift you can get around the slow driver on the two lane roads very quickly. Interior is tasteful, nothing gaudy inside. Lower profile and sleeker look than the Outback but still have the AWD. The ability to make some "simple" mods to maximize that boxer engine.

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  Best car I have ever had - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By hotrodinc - February 21 - 6:46 pm

  The STi is the perfect car for Idaho, its fun to drive in the summer and can go anywhere in the winter.

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  Back to a Subaru - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Love, Its what makes a Subaru, a Subaru - February 21 - 11:05 am

  I waited for the 2nd generation 2018 Subaru Crosstrek to test against my list of competition including the: Lexus NX, Volkswagen Alltrack, Ford Escape, Honda Cr-V, Nissan Rogue and Toyota Rav4 & Tacoma. The Crosstrek has the best ride, its lightweight, fun to drive, tight in the corners yet compliant over rough roads. Subarus legendary AWD system and good ground clearance enable the Crosstrek to get off the beaten path, with the fuel range, and dependablity to get back to civilization without a toolbox, it even has M+S rated tires. Driving range is 450 - 500 miles with the 16.6 gallon fuel tank, important on cross country road trips and less wasted time at the pump. Additionally, light duty towing options and easy to install available 2" hitches for a bike carrier or platform rack, standard roof rails for boards, kayaks and cargo boxes. The Crosstrek is the right size for me, not too big, not too small, easy to park and fun to drive. Bottom line, its a well designed, great all around vehicle, fun to drive, comfortable interior, good fuel economy, dependable, high quality build, high resale value, low maintenance, low ownership costs, in an unostentatious package.

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  Best Subaru Yet! - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By poohbaru - February 21 - 3:11 am

  Had the car now since Sept 2012, my 6th Subaru and the best so far. My first was a 84 GL wagon and Ive been in love with Subarus ever since. They are more refined now and offer a lot more creature comforts but still have that unique character that makes a Subaru a Subaru. I have the 3.6R Limited with EyeSight (thought about the Special Appearance Package but opted for safety over a couple of additional gadgets). Very glad I did. The EyeSight system is AWESOME. It has saved me from a few close calls and actually prevented me from hitting a deer. I had a 06 LL Bean Outback (also a great car) couldnt believe how much roomier it was and love that I can use regular gas versus high test

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  50 hp more & $5k less itd be the best - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By daveB - February 21 - 2:00 am

  3rd subaru for me and everyone a winner. for solid reliable transport with tons of comfort and convenience features you cant go wrong. I paid $31K for my VDC wgn and happily did so even though it was too much for a subie. still i knew what subarus are all about & i was getting a 6 cyl, VDC, 2 sunroofs and the macintosh stereo plus heated seats etc etc..A Volvo XC/Audi Allroad for way less but now the A4 and Passat wgn are all over it for price hence my title. Turbo this motor and wed have a world beating winner.