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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  Love My Subarus!!! - 2014 Subaru Impreza
  By anitamarie1 - May 13 - 7:41 pm

  To say I love Subarus is actually understating the facts. I just purchased my fourth Impreza. I am a nurse and live in Northeastern Ohio where the weather can be very intimidating especially when oftentimes Im up and on the roads before the plows. No only have my Subarus been terrific on the road but each of them has been really fun to drive. What I like best, other than the AWD, is the reliability. My 2009 Impreza had 200,000 hard driven miles on it when something went in the transmission. Waiting to have it diagnosed. However, engine still starts immediately and am seriously considering having it fixed to use as third car because I loved it so much. Bought another Impreza next day

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  ten - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By xlilhunni87x - May 10 - 10:00 am

  totally awesome i love it and i wouldnt change anything i love it so much

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  Great Car! I LOVE IT! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Lindsay - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I drive 100 miles round trip per day in my car for work. I absolutely love this car! Its great on gas, controls are extremely convenient, its fast. The only reason I gave this car a 9 for interior design are two reasons. I dislike the color of the seats because they are too light for my taste. I wear jeans a lot. none are new and my seats have a blue tint from getting in and out. The other reason is the the stereo area has worn a little above the AUX button... not sure why, but it seems the rubber coating is peeling a bit. I love that you can put it to manual when it snows. I feel like I have complete control over the car. I highly recommend it to anyone!

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  Highly recommended - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ES of MD - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Very very pleased! Quietest ever. I love the CVT transmission and the paddle wheel shifters on the steering wheel for holding me back down the mountains w/o wearing out the brakes. I got the tan cloth interior with a gold exterior on the premium model then had the dealer send it to a leather shop to convert to tan leather for about $1200. Getting 30.5 mpg avg so far. Have put 18,000 mi on it already. The media hub and stereo on the premium is super. Love the safety ratings and the all-wx option. My 85 year old parents love to ride in it. I use a thin cushion on the seats to mitigate bottom firmness and headrest pitch discomfort. I really like this car and also own Explorer and Saab.

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  Subaru - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By 6 Speed - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Subaru experience and so far its been a great ride. I was looking for a reliable AWD vehicle and this is it. I went with the manual trans because it allows me the option to up or down shift when I want. I have owned a few cars in the past with CVT I was not to impressed with that type of transmission. This car has excellent standard equipment also, above and beyond what you would find in any dodge, Chevy or ford. To sum it up, Im very impressed.

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  Best of the Best - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Adam - May 7 - 7:26 pm

  Wow! Drove it 347 miles non stop from dealer driveway to my driveway, virtually all @ 70 or 75 MPH and averaged 28.2 MPG and still had more than a quarter of a tank left. A little more than five hours: the seat was great; no fatigue, great support. Vehicle is quiet, tight and fun to drive. The 3.6R is a great engine.

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  Great car! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By davennc - May 6 - 5:08 pm

  Ive had my XV Crosstrek hybrid for two months now and have been extremely happy with it. Ive been getting 35 mpg around town and about 38mpg hwy, which is double than my 2003 Baja. Comfortable ride, minimal road noise, a lot of get up and go from a stand still, & the CVT transmission has been smooth. Ive had several people (including a police officer pull up to me) to ask me about the car- "I didnt know Subaru made a hydrid." If youre looking for Prius like mileage, than buy a Prius; Although you wont have the awesome AWD of a Subaru, headroom, legroom, cargo carrying ability, nor will your Prius be able to get out of its own way in a sticky traffic situation.

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  Love my new car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By GaMi - May 4 - 2:00 am

  In one week I have become a Subaru convert. I love this car. It is a quick, smooth, solid ride. The AWD makes you feel pinned to the road and the handling on simple on and off ramps and turns is a joy. I had wanted the WRX and at first thought I settled for less but after the first 500 miles Im satisfied with the performance. The 165 horse and 166 torque is fully adequate for my needs. Test drove the auto transmission, do not waste your time with it, get the 5 spd manual.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Pete Tannini - May 4 - 1:06 am

  I owned a 2002 Subaru Outback and was not satisfied with its slow pick up and faulty clutch. I decided to give the GT a try and have never looked back. Its quick and handles great for a wagon. Love the 17" wheels.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Jake - May 3 - 5:40 pm

  I have about 1900 miles on this car. The leather is beautiful. The driving performance is outstanding! Wonderful car for highway and city driving. Great maneuverability. Good sound system, not great radio reception. Excellent acceleration/horsepower. Gave up thoughts of the the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Wanted a smaller drivers car. This is it!