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! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By bran1987 - November 12 - 6:56 am

  After test driving the following: CRV,CX-5, Q5,X3,Outlander,Escape, and RAV4, the forester completely won me over. I wanted something that could handle canadian winters but yet still be fun to drive. I am a young women and wanted something that was still cool. I fell in love with the forester. It had the handling I required and all the bells and whistles (touch screen navigation, a sound system, the eyesight) that I wanted. It was completely fun to drive. I have a little over 580kms on it now and I still have 1/4 of a tank of gas left. She is all windows I dont think there is a blind spot in that car. I never thought I would own a Subaru but I couldnt be happier.

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  Test Drove Everything! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Michelle McIntee - November 12 - 4:46 am

  We test drove 23 vehicles. This was the only one that 100% of my family of 6 agreed on for comfort. Most other vehicles for comparable features wear 10K more. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was a close second choice. Cargo space was rock-in but ultimately backseat comfort and gas mileage of Subaru won out.

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  Powerful & Safe AWD Family Car - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Soulcoughin - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Traded in 06 Outback for 10 Tribeca due to growing family. We were tired of the limited space in the Outback for rear facing car seats, wanted to upgrade to something with a bit more room. It is a great all around vehicle. The beca has plenty of power and handles corners with ease. Seats are wider than in the Outback, which makes long trips much easier on a big guy like myself. Third row is tight, but I was able to fit back there. In reality third row is meant for kids, so not a big issue for us. We purchased the "base" Tribeca, but the vehicle comes with standard features that come as options in competing vehicles such as the Traverse. Overall we have been very happy with our purchase.

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  Love, Love, Love it. - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Maxwhite - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been a loyal Honda/Nissan customer for 15 years and my husband turned me on to Subaru. It was time to upgrade from his sporty WRX to something more family functional due to the arrival of our first child. I was leaning toward the Touareg or the Cherokee but space was limited. I have always purchased used cars and the 2009 was the only one on the lot when we went shopping. I was pleasantly surprised when I drove it and 15 minutes later I told them "Ill take it". Its now been 4 months and all the features meet our needs. I have since added bluetooth, auto start and a dual DVD. The space is incredible and hopefully will continue to fit the bill with two babies.

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  An SUV that handles like a sports car. - 2011 Subaru Tribeca
  By M. - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2011 Tribeca incorporates the exceptional comfort and feature set of a true luxury car, but with a surprisingly low center of gravity and handling ability of a sports car. It is the most quiet and comfortable SUV I have yet driven, and although the suspension is sufficiently soft to absorb virtually all bumps in the road, it by no means sacrifices control or handling. When the all wheel drive is factored in, the handling can only be be described as phenomenal. The 3.6L aluminum flat six cylinder engine, paired with the five forward speed automatic transmission, supplies head-snapping torque, while the 256 horsepower performance provides amazing acceleration.

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  Safe as advertised - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By jkwt - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I was hit from behind twice while driving my forester. My rear bumpers had to be replaced both times but no other damage to my car. The cars that hit me had to be towed. This is a great automobile.

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  Subaru OutBack Kangaroo - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hobotuka - November 12 - 2:00 am

  No problems after 1 year :)

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  Very Satisfied! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By JTC - Akron, OH. - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Im a manufactures rep. by occupation and drive 40,000 miles/yr. My last two vehicles have been Honda Odyssey Vans, which I can say nothing negative about. Since I spend a great deal of time in a car it was just time for a change. This is my first Subaru and after two months/8,000 miles, I feel very satisfied with my decision. I must say, I read many of these personal reviews on this site and they helped make my decision. Since fuel economy is a key feature for me, I was a little concerned about the 4 cyl engine and if there would be enough power (no problem). I hope in the future to update my review and give potential Subaru buyers an honest assessment. So far, Im a truly happy Subaru owner

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Woody - November 10 - 2:40 pm

  I did a lot of research before purchasing this vehicle, and my favorite quote was ... no car which costs less than $10,000 more is even worth comparing. Its entirely true. A very compact four door sedan with a comfortable well appointed interior and fantastic performance; great engine sound and power, handling, a total package.

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  Speedy! - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Aaron Comins - November 8 - 12:05 pm

  Awesome car and i mean awesome! Extremely fast and exhilarating to drive. Few cons are non heated steering wheel and nav Screen is small.