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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  I love it!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By snowman01 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car about 1 month so far and i absolutely love it. It is so much fun to drive. It handles great on the road. The heated seats are great too. The car is on the small side, so if you have a family it may not be the best car. however, i am married and have a 5 year old and we fit fine. it is just a little smaller than most cars. it is well worth the money though.

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  Pleased with purchase - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - September 25 - 10:50 pm

  My trade was a 2006 Highlander ,a near perfect SUV but the 2010 model is now larger than needed. The Forester is a great fit. All else being fairly equal I chose the Forester over the RAV4 and CRV because of the practical styling. An easy to use rear hatch and better visibility. So far the more I drive it the more I am convinced that I made the right choice. My suggestion for anyone looking for a compact SUV is to take your time and test drive them all.

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  2.5x Forester Premium - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Mr. Subi - September 25 - 11:40 am

  My first Subaru after 2 years of deciding on the do it all vehicle. The perfect vehicle for the commuting outdoorsman. Sport/Utility defines the Forester very well (why dont they officially classify it as such?). The Forester is a rolling swiss army knife (pardon the metaphor). It can do so much so well, and do it safely. Reliable, spirited, great handling, ultra safe, very roomy, best AWD on the market, just as good off as on road. Equipped excellently on the base model, step up a notch and add the all weather package (recommended). Huge sunroof/moonroof, practically makes it feel like a convertible.

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  v-6 is the only way to go - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By john patrick - September 24 - 8:05 am

  The V-6 version rides like a different car than the V-4. The gas mileage is less, of course, but imo is mdke up for by these other factors. The ride, noise levels, and acceleration are all superior to the V-4.

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  One of my familys seven Subarus (over many years) - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Customer Forever - September 24 - 7:09 am

  I only let my wife and kids drive Subaru. They may not be the fastest (not meant to be, never claimed to be) but they will go through anything. They handle perfectly in snow and rain, even in very deep snow. Maintenance costs are reasonable and far between. We owned a 4 cyl. 2.5L 2002 Outback sedan from new and got it up to just under 230,000 miles (under by about 1,500 miles). The six cylinders are bulletproof engines, the four cylinders are still very good. The only complaint I have is the head gasket issue (they wear out around 100,000 miles) and this is being worked on. My personal favorite is the Forester, I currently drive a manual five-speed 2002 forester. I can feel safe letting my kids drive knowing that if they mess up or another driver does they will be okay inside of their Subaru. They are also very easy to fix yourself if you know about cars or just watch some youtube.

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  Nice Crossover Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By blue - September 23 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased 2.5i Limited CVT w/Wheel Arch Moldings! So far after over 500 miles, Im getting a little over 28 mpg mixed highway/city driving. Im surprised at the gas mileage. Vehicle drives smooth and is fun to drive. I think Im in LUB! However, Every now and then I do hear this weird sound that sounds like a buzzing sound. Not sure what that is yet. I got a Silver one with the black Wheel Arch moldings. I highly recommend the Arch moldings because they give the vehicle a more bold appearance. I chose this vehicle over the following: Honda Pilot, Honda Crosstour, Toyota Highlander, BMW X3, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Audi A3, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain. I think I have test driven everything!

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  Fun fun fun - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Andre Lachapelle - September 23 - 7:56 am

  Winter is coming and the pleasure keep growing . It is my first AWD and Subaru . I had a Infinity G-20 before . It was more luxury but this one is quiet and very fun to drive . Engine has a pretty sound and is quick enough . The pick up is good at any speed with manual transmission . Good supprise without the turbo and the gazoline ( no super ) cost . On icy road , i had fun fun fun . It is a winner .

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  Highly recommended - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By jbdc1 - September 23 - 7:13 am

  It does a terrific job of what it is designed to do. Weve had it 1 yr, for 11K mi, with no problems at all. Thats what I expect for a brand new $24K car, and performance is also exactly as I would expect from a small car and small engine. It has been great in the city and on highway trips, havent had a chance to go in the forest yet. Room for a dog and a baby, even on long trips, yet easy to drive and park anywhere. Took me a while to get used to some of the Subaru engineering, like automatic downshifting for engine braking on hills and the automatic climate control, but Ive learned to accept them as useful.

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  Sweet ride - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By butterflyz - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its safe and fun to drive and most of all reliable.

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  Good Subie, once trannys fixed - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Secretsubie - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Forester for four years and almost 65,000 miles now, and overall its been a good buy. It averages about 27ish mpg, and its still fun to drive, with plenty of pep from its engine, paired with our five-speed manual transmission. About a year ago, we had problems with the clutch shuddering when the vehicle was cold, but the problem was fixed under warranty (apparently the early models were built with weaker clutch plates than needed). Weve been tempted with the turbo Foresters and the 2005, 250 hp Outbacks, but I think well keep this puppy around a few more years and a couple thousand more miles.