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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  Shudda kept my Beloved Baja - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ray - September 25 - 9:10 pm

  I traded in a very nice 03 Subaru Baja and stayed with Subaru because of the splendid 5+ years experience I had with my Baja. In general, the Outback looks just fine and the Limited model has a nicely appointed and comfortable interior. However, the MPG on the outback is not very impressive … 24.2 hwy (recent trip) and something under 20 around a very rural town. When compared to my Baja at 29 hwy and 24 town, I’m loosing almost 82 miles per tank on the hwy (worth $11.00+/tank at todays prices and subject to increase in the future). All in all, really wish I had kept my beloved Baja.

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  20,000 miles in - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By John - September 24 - 7:40 am

  i have been very impressed with this car. just went on a 4000 mile trip to the west coast, averaged 32 mpg @ 80-85, and was very comfy with a couple of added seat cushions. the car handled grades very well, and the eye sight was handy. the hatch back is roomy, and our dog was comfy in the back seat ( in the hammock) i researched this car before buying it, and remember people talking about lack of power, noisy engine, and poor stereo. i have not experienced any of these issues. i have not had the chance to test the AWD, because when it gets bad, we take our 3500 dually 4/4 ( just because), but im sure it will do fine. i bought this car for my wife so she wouldnt have to drive the 1 ton around town, while im working and she loves it. i have been looking to upgrade to an outback but cant find a reason.

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  amazing! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Project Alien - September 23 - 4:26 am

  buy it now..its too fun bye

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  After 7 years - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By long time owner - September 21 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car brand new. It has been a rocket of a car despite the turbo lag at low rpms. Very responsive and nimble for a wagon. This was the 2nd gen WRX. Reliable except for some problems. There is strut knocking in the rear, disc/brakes problems (numerous brake replacements) not braking hard. Clutch smells when driving it hard. A bit cramped for tall people. No rear room for adults great space with seats folded down. Comparable to an SUV. Excessive wind noise and engine noise. Fogs up easy on the windows. Lots of fan noise when on high but not much output to help defog.

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  A car to love! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Edwardo - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  After owning a 98 Legacy, my wife and I wouldnt settle for anything other than another Subaru wagon. Were roadtrippers and campers and when were not mapping new territories, we love the sense of safety and very smooth ride of our 35th Anniversary Legacy (2004), with the double sunroof and fully reclinable seats being just as sweet in the city as it is useful in the sticks.

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By oro - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I hesitated to write a review, because I wanted to see how well the car held up over time. Well, its been a year now, so here I am. This is the first car Ive ever purchased, and Im very happy with my decision. Friends still kid me about getting a WRX, but I say to heck with it! In the last year, Ive been in an accident (insurance covered), and helped 2 friends moved. My Forester still keeps on going!

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  2004 WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By LorraineD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 3 months now and I love her. It handles very well in the rain, which we have had so much of. The power & feel of her is amazing. Its the best car I have ever owned or driven so far. Very satisfied owner.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Ed - September 20 - 8:23 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru--2 Legacys and one Outback. This is a company car that I drive daily and put over 40,000 miles on per year. To say the least, they have all been great cars. Zero problems with any of them. Between the 3, Ive put over 200,000 miles on these cars-- not too bad. The AWD works great in wet weather. This is a very safe, very stable car. I wish the base engine had a little more spunk and wish the ipod input was on the dash instead of in the console. Other than that, buy one, change the oil every 7,500 miles and drive, drive, drive... Oh, and the gas mileage is great. I average 30+ MPG on the interstate with the cruise set between 75-78.

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  BEYOND EXPECTATIONS - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ed & Veve - September 19 - 4:36 pm

  Weve been searching our second vehicle, an ideal SUV, for 6-months and decided only to purchase the 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium during the last week. Our first choice for several months was the Highlander. We also looked at the RAV-4, CR-V, Equinox, and Escape. But, one week before our scheduled purchase date, the Forester came to our attention. We compared it to the Highlander and found out that its more ideal for us. At a drive-out price of $25,400, the Forester is more equipped than the Highlander. After driving the Forester for 1 week, we really have fun driving it. The engine is strong yet very quiet. Car-like comfort from steering, pedals, and controls. No wind noise at speed.

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  WOW, who knew. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By edub - September 19 - 2:23 am

  I have researched and test driven many cars over the past 6 months -- Honda Accord, Acura TL, VW Passat, Nissan Maxima, Infiniti G35, and a 2007 Toyota Camry -- in search for the car with performance, styling, at the best price. I would put my GT up against any of these other cars. Some had a few more options, but for much more money. I only have 450 miles on this car, and I feel like the kid looking in the candy shop window and someone just gave me a $20. I couldnt be happier. THIS CAR IS FAST. Very stylish. Subaru should be proud.