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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  Cheap AWD Safety, Small Family Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Third Subaru - August 26 - 10:16 pm

  Biggest complaint: rear drum brakes! We dont drive too many miles but we do have to deal with snow. This model is underpowered and boring to drive, but it gets you to your destination safely and reliably in northern winters. We have averaged 23.5 mpg and have had zero maintenance issues. The interior is cheap but well put together and functional. The rear hatch is poorly designed, when you shut it you either push too light and doesnt latch or push too hard and it rubs the bumper. I am not happy with the amount of rust developing in the suspension, and may take it in to complain about that. The paint looks great but it chips and scratches very easily.

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  Value and Safety - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By RRBm - August 26 - 4:40 pm

  Already had a 2008 Legacy 2.5i Ltd and was happy with it but felt it was too small. Evaluated the redesigned 2010 Legacy and found the redesign addressed virtually all of my concerns AND promised improved mileage. I accept some loss of mileage to AWD which is worth it for performance and safety in 4 season climates--and I have not been disappointed. 2010 CVT is great technology with significantly improved mileage but trade off is less oomph which bothers my wife more than me. Still feels fun to me. Appreciate the solid feel, smooth generally quiet ride. Seats very comfortable for me and very adjustable! Happy with build quality and head turning design.

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  Outstanding Value - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Puna Luna - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Fully loaded for around $25k. Guaranteed gas mileage and superior crash test rating. We are extremely happy with this vehicle.

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  The almighty WRX... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Holograph - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Here it is: If you want to be driving the fastest, safest, best handling stock car on the road, then get a WRX! I love mine! Its constantly surprising me how powerful it is. Its also incredibly good in snow! I cant really get it to "play" in the snow, though, because the AWD and ABS is always correcting any slides. It is also a great "sleeper" car. That is, not everyone knows they are fast until youve left them far behind you! ;) I would highly recommend one. However, they are only going to get cooler looking in 2004-5 so if youre thinking about waiting, check out Subaru Globals site under the Topics section to see the future WRX beast!! :) Cya!

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  Best car I owned - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By AndrewK - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Took this Forester cross-country. It had 59000 miles at the start of the trip. It performed great, gasmilage was 21.5 average. We had no problem whatsoever and after the trip it is used on a daily basis without any problems. It has 90000 miles on it now and it keeps going strong! With regular maintenance we will get many years of good service, Im sure.

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  Great car, but . . . - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By arw608 - August 25 - 11:38 pm

  So many things to like: handles exceptionally well despite its size; near zero-degree turning radius; plenty of power for a smaller engine with a CVT; lots of cargo space; huge improvements in fit and finish; the list goes on and on. But none of that matters because the front seats, and in particular, the drivers seat with power lumbar support, is the WORST seat in my entire experience with motor vehicles. Its a torture device, particularly for a smaller person. Zeroed out, the lumbar support still feels like a football at the base of my spine. I took a 20-minute test drive and I assumed I would find a comfortable position if/when I bought the car. Not even close.

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  Love my Scooby Doo! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By LoveMyScoobyDoo - August 25 - 5:46 pm

  I drove my Mustang from California to Boston, and once winter hit knew that I needed a new car. I was looking at a lot of options, and then someone suggested looking at a Subaru. I LOVE this car! Its sporty enough for me, yet at the same time provides the safety and comfort of a luxury car twice its price. The AWD is second to none, and the ride is unbelievably smooth. Everybody who asks me about this car is shocked to find out its not a 40k+ luxury car. Its THAT eye-catching! Subaru has found itself a new loyal customer!

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  Wow...what a Subie - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Don Morris - August 25 - 4:00 pm

  Subaru has done it again. What a class act the B9 Tribeca is. We drove it on a vacation to the OBX of North Carolina and the car performed like champ. The NAV system worked flawlessly. Note: Drivers using SpeedPass should not keep it on your keyring. It interferes with the ignition sequence and causes the engine to lock up for 10 minutes.

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  Going for 300K! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Vern - August 25 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my Forester in Feb of 2002. It was one of only a handle of vehicles around that fit my requirements: storage room for my dj equipment, AWD, great fuel economy, and manual trans. I just went over 250K last week and my goal for 300K is within reach. Once I hit 300K, then I will be shopping for a new Forester. Vehicle handles well and is very reliable. I replaced original clutch at 190K! May not need another one before 300K.

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  Love this car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By blorimor - August 24 - 10:33 pm

  Subaru wasnt even on my radar until my friend asked me to check them out. I needed to upgrade from my 2-door Civic because we just had a kid (so my excuse is "its for the kid" :-P). It rides great and is very safe. I got the special edition because I wanted the moon roof and I am not disappointed. I also got the manual transmission and it is very smooth in operation. My wife loves it and thinks I made a great buy. I have enjoyed the extra room and will recommend Subaru to anyone in the future.