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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  BOXER GOES WILD - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By KEVIN - October 27 - 2:56 am

  I was looking for an 05 used but #1, I couldnt find one locally and #2, was concerned with previous treatment such a car might receive. So I had pretty much given up the idea. Then I test drove a used 06. WOW I just could not believe what I was doing with this car. My family has owned Subes for 20 years and none of them were any thing like this. I just could not contain my enthusiasm. I drove past the dealership twice before the salesman made me turn in, it was 3 hours later though. We couldnt agree on price so I was left yearning for that smile the STi plastered on my face. Then I bought a new black STi. As my wife says "I love my car"

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  Suburu Delivers Again - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cwcrawford - October 24 - 6:06 am

  My wife and I are thrilled with our 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTD edition. Fit and finish are excellent, road noise minimal. The CVT transmission functions smoothly, minimizing engine noise on acceleration. Amenities are numerous and well placed. Road feel is positive and responsive despite Subarus best efforts to point the ride more like a car than a truck. Thats a plus for me -- Ive moved beyond bouncing. Bottom line, this car delivers what it promises.

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  2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XS - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 99excell - October 23 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this new 22 months ago and have approximately 43,000 miles on it. I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle, which is more than I can say for the new domestic models I have bought over the last thirty years. I average about 27.5 MPG and my annual maintenance costs run about $300. I service it regularly with Mobile 1 synthetic motor oil and have all other maintenance performed by the dealer. I take comfort in the knowledge that it is one of the safest and most reliable vehicles out there and fully expect to replace it, someday, with another one.

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  Best for the price - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike - October 23 - 9:06 pm

  I got mine more than year ago. So far very pleased by the price/quality/value. I averaged ~22mpg (~6000 city + ~3000 highway) and Im OK with that considering AWD, 2.5 engine and automatic transmission. I got Dark Gray Metallic colored car with dark interior. So far no mechanical problems - Ive changed only oil and air filters. I believe that the engine is great and allows some fun on the road but could get better performance with manual transmission. Unfortunately my wife prefers automatic so we got less fun.

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  SubiNewbi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SubiNewbi - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Im in love with my 2.5 RS. Yes its a WRX lite, but I saved a lot of green on the overall cost and insurance. Plus the RS is a great performer. Gotta have the 5 speed though. Ive had zero problems after 1,500 miles. The car is tight. Great feel. Awesome brakes. Comfortable, sporty seats. Shifting is a little stiff. Subaru should study manual trannys at Nissan. Dealers are eager to sell this car. You can get a great price, and probably just about any of the options at cost.

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  STI is not only a car, but a tuner name - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By WreXinefx - October 23 - 10:00 am

  When you own the STI, you are getting Subarus inhouse tuner and they also work with Prodrive for their WRC car. This car is as close to driving the WRC Rally car as you can get here. 0-60 in less than 5 secs and it will eat corners and airborne over apexes. Watchout M3, S4, pushrod American muscle cars! This is the car the will decimate all.

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  My STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By aballen - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my STi. I recently became a father and had to get a more practical car than my TT Roadster. The STi turned out to be perfect. Its faster than my old car, and there is plenty of room for a child seat in the back. It handles well, in my opinion, though it is not as responsive as my old roadster.

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  Great Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By TimS - October 23 - 10:00 am

  All things considered, this is the best car availabe.

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  Great so Far! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Jason - October 23 - 4:05 am

  So far so good, glad I bought the 3.6R!

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  Checked-out all the sedans. Legacy rose to the top - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Iowa - October 22 - 7:15 am

  Wife and I test drove all the 2017 sedans. Accord was ruled out because the seating was very uncomfortable for both of us. Ford Fusion gas mileage not up to par. Camry was sort of blah. Finally narrowed to Sonata and Legacy (Limited trim for both) . Both are quiet. Sonata has slightly better pick-up, but I thought Legacy handled better. Sonatas warranty was a strong selling point, but the Legacy had all-wheel drive. Final choice based on minor interior things. No options for the Sonata interior color: only black interior with the white/silver/grey exterior, and only beige with the blue/red exteriors. Also the faux wood interior molding on the Sonata beige trim looked cheap. Have had the Legacy for a month and very happy with it.