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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  Love it, love it, love it!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By LittleJJ - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2000 Integra GS-R for my WRX and I dont think Ill ever regret it! I love the 04 design even more than the 03, which was still pretty damn cool. The only problem is that when ever I drive some other car, it feels like Im hauling a ton of bricks. Looks great, feels great (especially on windy back roads...)is great.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tkw - January 5 - 2:10 pm

  This small, sporty hatch back is a very fun to drive. So far I have only good things to say about my first Subaru. The engine is very peppy and yet fuel efficient considering this is an all- wheel drive vehicle. A good car to run errands and do other family chores, and even longer trips - ride is firm but comfortable.

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  I love everything about it. - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By mqbruno - January 4 - 6:40 am

  I drove every small car and just couldnt decide until the 2012 redesigned Impreza finally came out. Its extremely comfortable, has plenty of pickup, and is just the right size. Of course the all wheel drive is a plus and on my first all highway trip got 40 mpg.

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  ELITE CAR - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By DENHAMLOT - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST SPORTS CAR EVER MADE ITS EVEN FASTER WITH MODS

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  Fast, awesome handling, great braking - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By NavyGuy - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  This car is amazing, purchased one over an EVO and havent looked back. The car is amazing on the straight aways and truly shines in the corners. Nothing compares.

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  2000 miles of joy - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Alex K. - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for 7-seat SUV as well as for luxury, safety and reliability. First I tested Audi Q7, then Acura MDX, Lexus. Then looked at Volvo XC90 and BMW X5. Not decided. Then I went to the dealership for my Foresters regular service and tested Tribeca. I felt just as comfortable in it as in the previous cars. Price was much less so it was done deal. Some complain about fuel economy of Tribeca. But guys, this is not your old little Subaru! This is almost a truck! After about 1200 miles I started getting about 16 mpg in Brooklyn and more than 21 mpg on highway. Just as promised. In line with other vehicles in the class. Also it speeds up really well in sport shift mode.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By JAYRAY - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned 3 Nissan Maximas and 1 Nissan Altima since 1999. I liked all of these vehicles. I was in the market for another Altima but the style was the same since 1997. The Maximas were becoming too expensive, so I began shopping for a new brand. My brother put me on to the Legacy. I test drove one and loved it and still love it almost a year later. The 4 cyl. is adequately powered not in the range of the 6 cyl Nissans but it gets you where you want to go. The gas mileage is pretty good for an AWD. I find the car to be very comfortable and roomy. I have had many compliments on the styling. I have no problem saying that I like it as much as the Nissans that I owned.

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  Highly Recommend - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By smColour - December 30 - 2:40 pm

  I highly recommend this car to anyone who regularly drives in not so good road conditions. This car was my first real purchase at age 18 and I love every second with it. With the winter weather conditions of 8 feet of snow in Southern Oregon, this car has had no problem it it. It is comfortable in long road trips and very reliable. Nothing has gone wrong with it (knock on wood) but even if something does, the performance Ive had so far already makes up for any future errors. It doesnt get the best mileage, although for all wheel drive its pretty good. I love my Subaru Outback and wouldnt make a trade for anything.

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  Glad That We Selected This Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Don Mills - December 28 - 12:46 pm

  After what seemed to be an endless search for a new vehicle we purchased a 2006 Outback Sport with a 5 speed manual transmission. We have been driving it for several weeks and like it better all the time. The fuel economy has been better than we had expected. So far, the worst has been 26.5 mpg and the best 29.6 mpg. This has been in our normal day-to-day driving and does not include any long highway trips. Compared to the new cars that we have owned in the past, the build quality is excellent. We have noticed only one small problem, a defective seam in one tail light unit which allows water to enter while going through the car wash. To drive it is to enjoy it.

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  2003 Subaru Outback Limited Manual - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Joey Sarducci - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car - but dont get the manual or try it out for a while first around town. The accelerator has a dead zone at low rpms making it a terrible car to try and drive at slower speeds where you are slowing and sppeding up...very jerky. Drivers side window has bad wind noise - 2 trips to dealer and still terrible. can be fixed by quickly tapping the window down (~1/8 inch)