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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  Great Vehicle No Compromises - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Tad Bratten - May 26 - 8:40 pm

  We finally purchased the Tribeca a week ago and took it on about a 700 mile road trip through freeway (fast and nearly stopped heavy traffic), city (LA), desert and mountains and the vehicle performed superbly. Great looking and still rare here in So. California so the vehicle got lots of looks. The seats are great and we are coming from a Volvo. Interior is top quality and the dash and switchgear are perfect. Nav is brilliant. The car drives like a smaller vehicle than it is and responds very well to inputs for acceleration, turning and braking -- everything feels tight and capable. Quiet. You feel safe up a bit higher but will out handle any SUV out there. Avg 21 mpg so far -- just fine.

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  Used GT Legacy rides like new - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Felix - May 26 - 4:43 am

  My van got about 26 mpg and i fueled up every two weeks to top off a 20 gal tank. This car has seems to be getting better mileage. I agree with the others comments about the great ride and design so I will not repeat them. I just wish I bought this car instead of my Venture Van or Honda Accord. Sold my van becuase the engine gasket started leaking oil at about 50k mi. This car has more miles on it and the engine is clean.

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  Subi - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - May 25 - 8:30 pm

  I love to drive the Forester in the city, it is peppy, turns on a dime, and has great visibility. I hate to drive the Forester on the highway, noisy and wanders all over the road in a moderate wind.

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  AMAZING CAR & GREAT BANG FOR BUCK! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Abi - May 24 - 2:47 pm

  Ive owned the 2017 Forester XT for about one month now. Here are come quick Pros and Cons: Pros: I get drove several cars before deciding on this vehicle. Basically, you cant touch a car with a similar size, performance, value, resale value, engine, comfort, with any car in the price of 35K. The only other car I as excited about was the Mercedes GLC (Which was 60K out the door). The gas mileage is roughly 23mpg. Car handles well. It doesnt sit as low to the ground as my 2014 WRX, but I feel good around sharp turns and I have confidence in the car and its suspension (although I would have liked to the suspension to be 15-20% tighter). I like the infotainment system. The screen is big and its easy to use. I didnt go with the Touring model instead I chose the premium and added a few things. The price point of the Touring for me wasnt worth it. I enjoy how high the car sits, I like it has plenty of room in the back seat and especailly for my German Shepherd in the Trunk area. Overall, super happy with my purchase. CONS: Subaru could have done a slightly better job with the CVT. Its nice to drive when in sport mode but in economy mode the engine/transmission gear change lags big time. My biggest pet peeve though are the corn seats. I feel they could have been more ergonomic and better fitting. Im not a big guy, 58 and 160 lbs. But i feel the seat could do a better job keeping my in place instead of moving side to side around sharp turns. Other people I ride with say its comfortable, so maybe Im being picky. I really hope this review helps and Gluck hunting!

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  After 2 years and 60K miles..... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SOA does not care - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I would never buy another Subaru again! I broke my Transmission at 28k miles and SOA (Subaru of America) said it was my fault for "destroying" the car, therefore waranty was voided. I did a search on the internet, and discovered that I am not the only owner with this "weak" tranny problem. Its a very common problem that SOA chooses to ignore. Recalling a defective tranny is very expensive. My advice.... buy Audi! better build, better car, better company!

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  Great Car for the Money! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Brandon - May 24 - 9:13 am

  I have had this car for 2 weeks now and I absolutely love it! The stick shift is fun and helps to maintain good fuel economy. I have been getting on average 26 to 28 MPG mixed highway/city driving. The car is very roomy, and the seats are comfortable. The ride is greatly improved over previous years with the new rear wishbone suspension and the outback raised suspension helps too. The acceleration is a bit slow but I am more intersted in saving gas these days. The maneuverability of the vehicle is great too, very responsive. I live in Vermont and I got his car because I knew it would help out in the winter season and that to me is worth a sacrifice in fuel economy. Usability over gas.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Susan - May 24 - 8:43 am

  I have 98,000 on my Forester-11 years old. I have a 5 speed manual and had my clutch adjusted once. I had a couple other problems early on but nothing since. I think the problems were from it being the first year this vehicle was made. At first I was not enchanted as I did have problems but since then it has been great and very dependable. For whatever reason my tires do not wear out. It is important I think to take it to a Subaru Dealer to do all maintainance and do the suggested maintainance that is suggested for Subaru Foresters. It is very important. I love my vehicle and when I think about getting a new vehicle I just cant do it. I love my automobile, very dependable and great in snow

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  Great car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Jarrod - May 24 - 6:46 am

  This car is just great. I dont understand why there are any poor reviews on here. The air conditioning works fine, you just need to learn how to use it.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2014 Subaru BRZ
  By malmel - May 22 - 7:27 am

  Im 64 years old, this car is a gas to drive. cornering, handling, is very tight. Ive been averaging 29 miles to a gallon. The bucket seats have nice supporting sides, instruments are very nice the controls are at your finger tips. I like not having all the horns and whistles on the steering wheel. The automatic climate control is very good too.

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  Not a Happy Camper - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By lexi209 - May 22 - 2:22 am

  I have a Forester 2010 that has less than 60,000miles. The leather seats are showing wear, especially the drivers seat. Contacted Subaru and have been told it is normal wear! Seriously?? This was to be my retirement car. Got the leather so it would stay nice. Guess I was wrong. I feel this is inferior material, but the company wont stand behind their product. Very disappointed! Close to $2,000 to fix both front seats. I love driving this car, but wont be buying another Subaru because of low quality interior.