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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  Family mans WRX - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By BBeckRN - May 11 - 2:00 am

  The Forester XT was really my second choice; I thought I wanted the WRX. Having a family, the Forester made more sense, more room, better seating and the ride wasn’t so rough. After driving both, I quickly changed my mind. It has been an absolute joy to drive. The acceleration is better than expected, it handles pretty well and the AWD provides such good stability I havent lost traction once this winter, despite numerous attempts. A perfect blend of roomy station wagon/family car and fun to drive performance car.

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  227hp rocket - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By JTmoney - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of fun with this car. performance is excellent. Looks are good. Only complaint is how easy it chips and dents.

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  Fun and Practical - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By DanInSanDiego - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fun, great for hauling my wet stuff, and good gas mileage. AWD is great for snow and mud, and the baja is an excellent daily driver. Lots of compliments from random people when they see it.

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  I love this car!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Its finally mine! - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its performance combined with its versatility. I work closely with several different doctors and have had the opportunity to drive many of their cars ranging from King Ranch F-350s and H2s to Z06 Vettes and BMW Z3s. This STI will easily keep pace with my friends Vette, plus I have a back seat and a trunk and average 25 mpg. This is the first turbo-powered car I have owned, but the power deliver seems very smooth to me. It is very easy to putt around town in, but even easier to fly on the interstate with.

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  Happy 1st Time Owner - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Belinda Tuneblom - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Subaru and my Husband and I are very pleased with it. We are skiers and the car is great for our ski tirps up to Vermont. We now have a baby boy and feel that the car is more than adequate for our growing family. I do however, wish there was more room between the back and front seats. It is a bit tight for the driver with a rear facing infant seat in the back seat. We like the racks on top due to the fact that our skis will now have to ride on the roof to make room for our son. Being a 4 cyl, it does lack a little power on uphill excelleration but this is something we can live with.

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  so far so good..better than i expected - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By TSC333 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car becuase a move to the north, needed all-wheel drive, decided on this because it seemed a good value, excellent AWD performance and edmunds rated it as reliable. It has been very good for intial quality (3000 miles). It is as quite as our BMW 528 on the highway. Seems a little cramped in the backseat with adults, do not get the performance out of the 6 cylinder as expected. Overall very pleased.

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  great car but problems since day 1 - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Michael Armani - May 10 - 1:00 am

  Really like the car, great all around vehicle. towing jet ski, hauling stuff, going thru snow, it does it all. However, idle problem with manual transmission model. Car out of service 6 days in first 2 weeks of ownership ! one fuel inj replaced. Idle and hesitation continued to be a problem. Very disappointed in both the dealer and Subarus willingness to sort.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By ato220 - May 8 - 10:40 pm

  After driving this car for 3 months, I am still amazed at the direct connection between my right foot and a smile. I love it when any Mustangs or Camaros that pull up next to me at red lights, they fade quickly in the rear view mirror. If I were to find a downside to this powerful performance sedan, it would have to be gas mileage. Ive averaged around 20 mpg, but then again this could be because that gas pedal is so addictive.

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  Disappointed. - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Unhappy in Orlando - May 8 - 7:38 pm

  I recently accepted the buyout of my Golf SportsWagon Diesel because a year and a half later I received the price I paid. So, my review will be somewhat of a comparison especially since they are similarly priced. First, the materials used in the VW were far superior. It was a sturdier ride with little to complain about noise wise. This Is not the case with the Impreza. The car is two months old and already has numerous areas that rattle plus depending on road surface, it can be quite loud inside. I will say the front seats of the Impreza are more comfortable than the VW because of its smaller seat area. The room in front are about equal with the rear seat area of the Impreza having more space. The upgraded stereo of the Impreza only offers decent sound where the fender system of VW was rocking. The Imprezas Apple Play sometimes just does not work. When it is not working, the other media like Bluetooth, Aux and Cds will not work either only leaving the radio that works. The biggest disappointment is the gas mileage. I went from a 32mpg average to 23.5mpg with both having tanks of just over 13 gallons. There are nice design features and functionality but for the quality offered the Impreza is healthily over priced

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  Fun Little Truck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By bpeebles - May 8 - 2:53 pm

  When I was looking to replace my V8 Dodge Dakota, checked every dealership within 50 miles. Nothing really caught my eye. I really wanted something that would be more like my 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup (size-wise) This is my 1st Subaru and I was kind of apprehensive. But, after less than a year, I am wondering why I have not owned a Subaru before. In the snow, this thing handles very predictably. The turbo offers the very best of both worlds... 4cylinder economy most of the time with the kick in the rear of a 6cylinder when you want it. The first time I pinned my wife to the seat accelerating onto the interstate was pure pleasure. (for me,anyway)