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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  SWEET RIDE - FAST AND FURIOUS LEGACY GT - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By DS - May 3 - 3:26 pm

  This car is so fun to drive, youll find any excuse to get out of the house. I have always hated winter driving, but I have never had so much fun as I have had this last month driving in terrible winter conditions. This car is a serious machine. Get rid of the lousy stock all-seasons and youre set for high performance. I have read articles comparing it to the Acura TSX. I test drove both cars, but there was no comparison. The TSX has a nice interior, but the Legacy... smiles ear to ear every time I got out of it. FYI - on the 5 speed manual, there is zero turbo lag. Makes the even the WRX seem sluggish off the line

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  Rock & Roll - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By maxp - May 3 - 10:00 am

  What a Car. I looked at the S4, 330xi, and 300is. This car is top of the heap. It takes a while (month or so) to get used to the turbo and lag. But, once you know how to keep the rpms above 3500, hang on. Make sure to put snow tires on stock wheels and buy some 17" or 18" for summer fun. I worked the extra wheels into the deal. The dealer got them from Tire Rack and put snows on the stock wheels. I had to wait 2 weeks, but worth it. I bought my wife a WRX wagon last month. That should say it all.

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  05 Impreza - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Paul Y. - May 2 - 4:26 am

  This is simply the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its fun, reliable, efficient, and wont get me stuck (in western NY winters).

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  Nice attention to detail in finishing - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Del - April 30 - 10:17 am

  Instrumentation takes some getting used to , not as intuitive as HYUNDAI

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  Perfect choice - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - April 30 - 5:26 am

  I decided to trade in my gas guzzling truck for a smaller car with better gas milage. This was a great choice. The AWD handling is new to me and if I dont be careful it WILL get me in trouble. Base model engine has little pick up but runs great once rolling, but I expected this and accept it. It has climbed some fairly mean off road trails and only had a slight overheat, with no problems later. I love my "new" Ru!

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  A lot of research leads to the Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By New England Driver - April 29 - 6:20 am

  Having moved up to New England from DC two years ago, I wanted a car that was better suited to getting caught on the Mass. Pike in a snow storm or getting out of the drive way for a snack run without out first snowblowing on a Saturday morning. Safety was also critical. The 2006 bettered the side safety so now its an IIHS best pick for front and side. Reliability was also key and consumers reports shows a good history. I also wanted fairly good mileage (coming from a Civic Hybrid) and usable backseat room for my gigantic Marathon car seat (this and the reliability concerns left over from our 02 VW Passat ruled out the Audi A4 even with the good lease deal). This car simply had it all.

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  legacy gt ltd - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Andrew - April 28 - 10:36 pm

  Love this car. Great performance. Turbo lag is minimal. I compared the GT to Infiniti G35 and I liked the interior of the GT better. More clean. You cannot find another car equipped as well as the Ltd. for the money. Also, surprisingly smooth ride, for a sports sedan. I would like to see a 6 speed manual.

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  luv it ! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Twinkie - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Subaru in February 2001. Traded in a Taurus for it. Wow!! What a difference. I had a Subaru before my taurus, but hated the Taurus. MY SUBARU is great. I have less than 30,000 miles on it now in 2004, and have NEVER had a problem with it. I have a 5 speed, manual and Love it. I prefer it over the automatic as you can control your acceleration better. It is real peppy with the 5 speed! Handles snow & rain wonderful, and I actual feel like I am in a sport car when I drive it..LOL, a big change from the Taurus, which stunk taking corners...the Subaru handles corners like a sports car & handles bad weather better than most SUVs!!

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  excelent - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Santi - April 28 - 2:00 am

  A great car in which I´ve experienced true power with awd stability

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  cles new wheels - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By jim evans - April 27 - 3:55 pm

  had car 3 weeks - car appears very good - how can anybody give honest evaluation is this period of time