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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  2013 BRZ Limited 6 Speed Manual - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By nevijeff - January 17 - 6:48 am

  As mentioned by others a lot has been written about this car and most of it is true. The car is very well balanced and is great on the backroads. Power is adequate given the weight of the car too much more and it would affect the driving dynamics of the vehicle. Shifting is very precise and short just the way you want it but in the cold weather until the car warms up shifts from 1st to 2nd can be a bit clunky. layout of interior is fantastic seats are supportive but being sport seats can be a little snug for larger people. Back seat to me are just there to save insurance costs not very practical at all. Very well appointed for the money, stock tires are way too brutal over road transitions.

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  Lemon Law Quality - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By unhappy with subaru - January 16 - 10:00 am

  TERRIBLE car! HUGE mistake! From day 1, I had nothing but problems with my Outback. White smoke constantly poured from the exhaust, it stalled while driving(this is an auto trans-not a manual!), & countless other mechanical problems. In 3 mos it was at the dealership for repairs 6 times. Subaru claimed there were no problems with it, but they did replace several items to repair the problems they said did not exist. EXTREMELY overpriced compact car, TERRIBLE mpg, SMALL interior. Subarus Customer Service was deplorable. They didnt care to solve any of the problems I had with the car. I now have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe Z71 that I LOVE!

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  Fun and easy to drive - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By B - January 16 - 4:37 am

  This is a great car. I looked at all the competitors. CRV, Rav4, etc. Chose the Forester. Glad I did. Love the handling, in wet and especially snow. Did a lot of haggling and got a great deal. Mileage in town is about 26, in semi rural areas where the speed is slow but there are few stops, mileage is 34-37. Highway is 31. (I drive fairly economically)Passing is good on the highway. The mirror-link for your phone is a real pain in the ass. Love the visibility around the car. Love the cargo capacity. Roof rack is kind of noisy, but use it often. Liking the CVT trans. LOVE the pushbutton start.

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  Nice Car, Too many Issues - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Gerry - January 16 - 1:06 am

  Last car was a BMW X5. At first I thought the Tribeca was on par. NO way! Have had a number of mechanical issues which my dealer does not know how to fix -- front left tire loses air, center console foam compressed, high pitched noise at certain speeds. Subaru has shown no interest in addressing my issues. I was looking to install blue-tooth which is not a factory option. The proprietary cd/radio has made that challenging. Lots of noise in the cabin while driving. The ride is not as firm as the BMW X5. The back-up camera is a very nice feature and the heated seats work well. The less than 16 gallon gas tank is way too small. Gas mileage has been 15 city 18 highway.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Woodbyrne - January 16 - 1:00 am

  Got this used with 63k miles on it after losing my 2006 Vibe in a car accident. So far I am enjoying my purchase. My biggest gripe is that the back seat does not fold down but that was not enough to be a deal breaker for me. I just hate putting a trunk-mounted bike rack on the car. But it is a solid car. Very little road noise. Very good acceleration. Decent on gas but I knew it would not be great with the AWD. I would buy a Subaru again in a heartbeat but I am still nervous from buying it from a used car lot and not a Subaru dealer. Wish me luck.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Sam - January 15 - 3:00 pm

  This is a solidly-built, nicely styled car. Great gas mileage--significantly better than posted on the window sticker. Quiet cabin. Comfortable seating. Storage is well laid out, and though the trunk is considered average in size, the space is very accessible. Five stars all around on safety. The 2.5 engine provides comfortable performance for everyday driving, but will not snap your neck from a standing start. Not a bad trade-off, though, when I get well over 30 mpg on a road trip.

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  Superu - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By patrick bracken - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Best of its class for resale and snow

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  Surprising Ride - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Patrick - January 15 - 9:29 am

  I have only owned this 2016 3.6 loaded Subaru Outback a week so I might be premature in rating. What Im impressed with is the overall ride of the vehicle. Steering, suspension, quiet cabin, are all indications that the folks at Subaru have decided to make this more than just a quirky wagon. I can get it dirty but it also cleans up well. You can feel the grab of the all wheel drive system and it instills confidence for sure. I suspect this will become even more of a mainstream choice. Hard to go wrong with this all purpose car.

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  I may have been unlucky but this thing was hardly reliable - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By jamespeaut - January 13 - 5:49 pm

  Bought car used at 140k (as such this could reflect the previous owners handling of it.) Week 1: Head Gasket, Oxygen filter, timing belt, Radiator leak Week 4: New Tires, New brakes, CV Joints, Bent Axis joint, oil leak Current: Week 8: Headlight electrical system failure. Paid: 4,500 for car. Repair bill: 5000 I may have bought a bum car but Im really not impressed with the outback--Its hardly been reliable or cost effective. Even as a temporary commuter car (I bicycle for most of my work) its cost me a chunk of change. I really wish I had stuck with my old Honda CRV Cons: Gas mileage in cities loud noise from exterior Bumpy ride From what Ive experienced, unreliable

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By AZ - January 13 - 11:36 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. 167000 miles and no troubles, do all the maintenance myself. Very easy to change oil, plugs, belts, and fuel and air filters. I have hauled a variety of things - trencher, lumber, eight 5 gallon paint buckets - very versatile vehicle. Feels like a car but has some truck utility. Get average of 27mpg. Drive 6 miles of dirt road every day and it is still holding up - all neighbors have had to replace their cars but my Subaru keeps going and going.