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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  Lots of fun - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx driver - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Basically the most fun car I have had a chance to drive. The handling is unbelivable. The turbo boost combined with excellent handling, speed, road grip, and flat out excelleration ( in 2-5th gear) is one hell of a ride. The body design is low key and boring but true auto enthusists know what its all about when they see one. Who else is there to immpress? The sports wagon design is very functional though and I wouldnt trade it for a sedan or racier.

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  A pure drivers car for under 30K - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By mightymeeple - March 8 - 11:05 am

  Others both professional and amateur have reviewed this car all over the internet. Let me confirm that the positive hyperbole is actually warranted. Incredible sports car for the money. If you are a car enthusiast, you must drive this car. Steering is quick and nimble, suspension is firm and confident, acceleration could be better, but who cares when you are giggling and grinning as you carve up any curve with confidence. The boxer rumble is nice, I wouldnt mind some more noise from the stock exhaust. Weak points are what you would expect: small trunk, small backseat, low entry into car tough for taller folks (Im 62" and can get in okay).

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  The good, bad and ugly - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By farmboy97 - March 7 - 10:49 pm

  Subaru has great idea with AWD feature and high ground clearance. Gas mileage is good and sound system is great. Nice interior and appointments. The car has heavy steering and some wandering adds to fatigue after traveling long distances. The car uses excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. Dealership dismissed my complaint. Told me, "they all use a little oil". Found out recently, there is a law suit pending regarding the issue. May not purchase another Subaru due to this issue.

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  Great so far - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By cptplt - March 7 - 1:56 pm

  This replaced a 98 Legacy wagon and is an incredible improvement especially the interior. I have the PZEV version and had read that people were having engine problems in cold weather but the recent few subzero spells have been no problem at all. The 4 cylinder 2.5 is more than adequate but if you want real umph get the turbo or 6cyl. This has more power than my 98 Legacy yet it still gets better mileage!

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  Nice car, but one issue - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By dtom1 - March 7 - 4:22 am

  I bought it in January of 2011 and so far its great. It is fun to drive, has lots of grip and feels a lot safe inside. Now the issue. When the cars engine is hot and as it move backwards with the AC on and no gas pedal applied, the engine vibrates a lot as if its coming to stop, but at the next moment it comes back to normal.The engine sound also changes drastically when the car moves from idle in forward or reverse direction with the AC on. Ive also noticed that when Im idling at a traffic signal with the AC on, the engine is coming to a stop, but at the next moment it comes back to normal. There is no problem when the AC is not on and when the car attains speed with the AC on.

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  Happy so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ash - March 6 - 11:26 pm

  Excellent power to weight ratio, comfortable and luxurious interior (as good as a luxury make). The leather is a bit tougher than previous limited models (a good thing since it will last longer). Bluetooth and media hub work effortlessly and upgraded stereo is nice. 5 speed transmission is smooth, much better than the 4 speeds. Heated seats are nice. The all wheel drive is top of its class and the ride is comfortable (though not as engaged as you would experience in an impreza, etc). Sheet metal feels a bit thin and cheaper when compared to the German competition.

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  My First Brand New Car - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By jaycab - March 6 - 8:16 pm

  Did not regret my decision on my purchase. Love my Subaru especially in Ohio. Awesome to be one of the first owners in this head turner. The only thing that bothers me is the MPG. I have been only averaging 28 MPG in the last 400 miles the car ran so far. And the drive is mostly highway. But other than that it is still worth every $$.

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  Superior Product - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By vlord - March 5 - 9:03 am

  Through the years Ive put more and more power on this drivetrain. Now at a "Stage 4" by TurboXS standards, Im putting down 270+ HP at the wheels and the car is awesome. Running at 83,000 miles on the ORIGINAL clutch with no slipping. All Ive had to do is routine maintenance at this little car keeps going. I dont think I could ever fathom getting rid of my Scooby as I see it as a to be historic classic. If you dont have one, look no further than the Subaru WRX. You will not be disappointed.

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  Subaru Forester 2011 Lemon - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By yukon13 - March 5 - 6:48 am

  I suggest never buying a Subaru. I purchased my first one strictly due to their perceived reputation. The 2011 Forester is poorly built. Body trim pieces have fallen off. Their is piston ring slap and it burns oil like theres no tomorrow. Service at Northtown Auto in Amherst NY actually said that this was normal and that Boxer engines are known for burning oil. After recommended oil changes at 3500 and 7500 miles, I was on my way to my 15000 mile change and the engined developed a low-end knock at 13000. Turns out, nearly all the oil was gone and theres not a single leak. Poor quality engine and manufacturing.

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  Legacy is even than I ever expected. - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joe-in-MD - March 4 - 11:43 pm

  Ive enjoyed driving my 2010 Legacy since October, but the December 2009 blizzard that hit the DC area and the 30 inches of snow we just received really proved the Legacys capabilities. This car has every bad weather traction innovation available. The only possible way to improve snow ability may be upgrading to performance winter tires. Overall, the combination of performance, economy, comfort, reliability, and driving pleasure made this car an easy choice for me (w/wife and two kids). The manual shift paddles are a decent compromise - I prefer standard shift, my wife prefers slushbox. MPG is not phenomenal, but is 20% better than the previous years Legacy. Not bad at all.