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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  Another 1st time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Fanatical - November 1 - 5:40 pm

  After many comparisons, the Forester sold me on build quality, performance, gas mileage and amenities. This is the perfect fit! I tow a small boat, venture off road a bit and have to deal with the winters of New England. The seats are oh so comfy! I feel as if the vehicle were built around me. Im 6 200 lbs and theres no bumping of the elbows, loads of open air above and tons of cargo room for the family. Handling is nimble and easy, the quiet cabin is a pure joy. The other impressive feature is the view, no blind spots, easy to back a trailer, the front view is panoramic! Absolutely love the suspension, not too hard or soft, easy to park, cruises with ease. Gas mileage is right on!

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  SPORTS and Utility - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By FXTreme - November 1 - 1:50 am

  I just traded my 2003 Mazda Tribute for a 2005 Forester XT. Although the Tribute served us well, it wasnt exactly the "drivers SUV" as it was advertised. I needed a compromise. A car that will give us similar utility as the Tribute but also the driving performance of a sports car. When I test drove the XT, I knew right away that Ive found such a car. This car is as quick as it is fast with enough handling and braking to complement such beastly power (I think Subaru underrated the 210 horsepower). I may have sacrificed a little bit of passenger and cargo space, but the amazing performance, better safety rating, and slightly better gas mileage pretty much made up for it and then some.

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  Nice car - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Dorothy Thayer - October 30 - 5:33 am

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  Recent purchase. Will update down the road. Consider all ratings TBD and/or "for the money" - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By walmint - October 29 - 3:31 pm

  Took delievery only yesterday, but I wanted to provide an advanced review to help those that are considering a Forester. Edmunds consumer reviews were very helpful to me, so I wanted to give something back. So far: smooth/compliant ride quality, solid feel, genrally quiet with a hint of road and wind noise, CVT works very well, great visibility, excellent seats, fit and finish are nice, spacious and "open" interior, sharp styling. We have a 2013 CRV EX-L too, and I think the Forester compares favorable. I think the fit and finish of the CRV (even for lower trims) is a little better than the Forester. But the ride quality seems better on the Forester, and the visibility is much better.

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  This car glides along - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By naessj - October 29 - 3:00 am

  Purchased a 2.5 Limited w/Special Appearance Package. Black car w/brown interior and Nav/Sunroof. I also ordere a trailer hitch and 110v outlet. Very good looking car and interior. But the car sold itself, very good price and buying experience from Rich at Morristown Subaru in NJ. I come from stick shifts and was hesitant going with CVT, but I am amazed at the effortless, gliding driving experience. The boxer engine torque is always captured by the CVT, a trip upstate NY in rolling hilly terrain was absolutely no issues. Highway driving so far gives me 26-27 mpg, I will keep chasing the 30 mpg target. I love this car! A fantastic purchase! I looked at Santa Fe and new Pathfinder also

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  Love it...but changes needed - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JARDKER - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Subaru has made a wonderful car but no one is 100% the first year. I expect small changes in the future to make this beast into THE CAR.

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  Nice car, but uncomfortable seats - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Katharine - October 28 - 10:13 pm

  This is my first Subaru, and I bought it because I moved to the Pocono Mountains in PA, and lots of my neighbors recommended it. I did read that the seats were uncomfortable, and they ARE! Short drives are okay, but after about an hour, my back and bottom start to hurt. Cant something be done to make these seats more comfortable? I love everything else about the car.

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  Wake up America - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Suzan - October 27 - 2:50 am

  This car is the best car on the market for the money. It outshines cars that are twice the price in performance, fuel economy, safety, payload, ergonomics, and four wheel drive control on icey and gravel roads. Wake up America - SUVs have nothing on a good old Subaru Wagon!

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  I love it. I seriously Love it - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By agphoto - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I needed a wagon. Im a photographer. But I didnt want a large wagon, when I checked out the new WRX wagon I was very impressed by the engine upgrades. I like the 04/05 body style better, but the new style grows on you very fast. The performance is fantastic, acceleration is incredible. and the handling superb ( would benefit from front/rear sway bars and possibly lowering springs). Overall, I wouldnt give this car up for anything. Its perfect in my eyes.

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  Truck replacement - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Bryan1280 - October 25 - 7:50 am

  I was looking for a car to replace my truck so I got the Subaru and a utility trailer. The Subaru with AWD is much better than my truck in 4WD in the snow. The Subaru gets 24-27MPH the truck got 17-18. They are equal speed. I can tow up to 1500 pounds including the weight of the trailer which is all that I need for house hold chores and toy (ATV/Dirtbike) hauling. The mechanics of this car are solid. I am not easy on it and nothing has failed me. I even went 80,000 before replacing the brakes and 50,000 before the tires. This car handles so well in the snow that it is not even fun.