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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  Highly Recommend the 2012 Subaru Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By rdp4 - January 31 - 12:53 am

  Purchased a 2012 Premium 2.5i mid-January replaced 2002 Subaru Forester. Test drove ten vehicles before deciding. Absolutely LOVE it and have no regrets. I drive 100 miles a day & was looking for comfort, safety & good mpg. Seats are comfortable, nice all weather package, heated seats get nice & toasty, lumbar support great for back, drivers side power seat is nice, love heated side mirrors. Other vehicles I drove had blind spots, this has good visibility. Averaging 28+ mpg. AWD great in bad weather. Roomy, high ground clearance, handles well, ride nice & quiet, rear hatch holds a lot, like pull out screen for privacy. If need large item can store screen, flatten rear seats, love that.

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  Great Value and Premium Feel - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By dstrange - January 30 - 8:53 pm

  We bought our Outback Limited to be the only family car, trading in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Volvo V70. The interior is every bit as nice as the V70 (and then some with the oversized sunroof and great speaker system). Weve enjoyed the AWD in the rain and ice and it handles like its on rails around corners. The only disappointment is the engines acceleration at lower speeds. Whenever we pull into traffic and engage the "sport mode" to gain acceleration, my husband says, "Go hamsters!" Its also a tight fit for our family on road trips, but the addition of a cargo box on top of the car helps to create more interior space without killing fuel economy (still getting about 22-24 hwy).

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  "Type R" Soccer Mom Wagon! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By MrLiou168 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Wow! My second Subaru and more impressed than ever. Since this vehicle is built on the Impreza chassis, it offers less room than the Legacy, but performance that is truly amazing. 0-60 times of 5.25 seconds have been documented which puts the HP number close to 250+! No complaints whatsoever except for relatively poor fuel economy. Weve put on 3100 miles in one month since purchase and are averaging about 19-21MPG city/highway. Highly recommended!

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  Computer, oh my! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By handimandi - January 26 - 9:16 am

  This is my first Subaru and perhaps my last. After having a fun and wonderful drive home to Michigan from Virginia my Outback gave me a full "light show." Most of the warning lights came on, the most interesting being the "check engine" light. Computer problems. It has been back to the dealer service department 3 times now. It has been in the shop for more then 2 weeks. I bought it on 12/12/07, it has approx. 3100 miles on it, and I just made my first payment. The service department has been great, but my first Subaru experience has been a headache and a heartache. Will be using the lemon law if the car returns to the shop for a 4th time. Otherwise, a great and fun car.

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  As near to perfect a car as we have ever owned! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By tradedcmax - January 25 - 5:58 am

  We got this car on a whim, and have not looked back since. It is as perfect a car as we have ever owned. There is nothing about this car that we dont like. Visibility and ground clearance, with seating height and ability to see top the list. Headlights and standard fog lights only make it better. Add in all wheel drive, and standard features like a back up camera, HD radio, plenty of people space, leather seats, etc. and you will fall in love with this car. It is big enough and not too big. The MPG after only 500 miles is running 25MPG. Im sure this will improve as time goes on. But even at 25, it is more than our smaller suv we traded in for this car. You will love this car.

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  Great Small SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jennifer - January 23 - 11:56 pm

  I love this vehicle. I previously owned a Toyota Camry, but wanted AWD. The Subaru Forester handles great and is a pleasure to drive, excellent safety scores! I enjoy driving because of my Forester.

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  Great car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Darby - January 22 - 7:56 pm

  This is my third Subaru and the best one yet. I followed its development for months last year, and when I first encountered the Atlantic blue/granite trim 2.51 sport wagon, it was love at first sight. Comfortable, peppy ride. Tasteful appointments. Definitely the best car for me! Give it a try...

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  Review of 05 Outback Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Lynch - January 22 - 6:20 pm

  Was very happy with my 01 Outback which I put 155,000 miles on before trading in with a value of $5,000. Purchased a 05 Limited that has a much upgraded interior, better ergonomics, better sight lines, more power (better torque curve even with 2.5 base engine) and better fuel economy. Great value and an excellent alternative to an SUV (even though this model now falls into this class, its a car and handles like one thankfully).

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  Three Years - 60K miles - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By spinski - January 22 - 3:03 am

  This car has been awesome. Great power, excellent handling. The Si Drive is super fun. The low ground clearance is no problem in snow. With Dunlop SP Wintersport M3s the wagon will power through 2 feet of snow. A great vehicle.

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  Sport and Utility - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By gibjer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Subaru, after owning a 2 door impreza L I found I needed a little more room. The rear folding seats allow for enough carry space to allow me to haul most of what I need around, and works perfect for transporting equipment for my job. On the weekends is when this car really shines, has enough power and grunt to keep me happy through the twisties, as well as on an autoX course.