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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  Overall good car but issues with tires, oil light - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By thebeann - July 24 - 9:45 am

  I bought a 2012 Subaru Impreza sport (wagon) new. Loved the cargo room (I have 2 60-lb dogs) and nice, smooth ride. Gas mileage is decent, I travel VA to MI every month and it helps. However, right from the get-go I had issues with one of the Yokahama tires. TPS kept coming on and pressure was definitely going down. Dealer said "tire issue, cant help" while tire place said "dealer issue." Finally had to replace all 4 at 10,000 miles. The other issue is oil level light coming on (started at around 30,000 miles). Known issue with this make/model on excessive oil issue (google it, there is a lawsuit). Overall I am 75% satisfied but the other 25% make for disappointment.

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  Great fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By NoritakeDR - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Stylish good looks, great handling, and a very fast motor make this car the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. I test drove the non-turbo and found the engine to be lacking. The downside of the turbo is poorer gas milage and you must use premium fuel, but the vehicle is extraordinarily responsive, particularly on hills. I drove the car on a trip of 300 miles and it is a bit wearing over the long haul because of the light weight compared to a sedan which I previously owned, however in town the vehicle is a real blast to drive. This is a great car for weekend lovers.

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  My third Subie in three years - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 2005graypwrstk - July 22 - 5:36 am

  We have an 08 Impreza OBS and an 09 WRX with lottsa mods. Both great cars. I needed a comfy adult vehicle to replace my just sold F250 pwrstroke diesel. I opted for the mileage and utility of the Outback Limited,moon, HK,Sat,camera. With 1400 miles and just returning from a ski trip where I average just under 30 mpg over the Cascades, I am very happy. I questioned my not buying the 3.6 for the first 1k miles until the 2.5i loosened up a bit. From experience I know the Subies dont really break in until close to 5k miles. This car is tight, very comfortable, and actually handles decently now that Im getting used to how to toss it. Only gripe..hard plastic dash.

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  Having Second Thoughts on Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Erik59 - July 20 - 1:03 am

  I purchased a manual 2010 Outback after wrecking my BMW in a snow storm. It definitely has great all-weather traction, and is very comfortable. Im very tall and I fit very comfortably in the front seats. The power front drivers seat is nice. It does OK on the highway, but is more jittery than my old car. I thought the manual transmission would be fun (my last 4 cars were manuals) but the clutch engagement is very high, and not progressive. The 4 cylinder engine has just enough oomph but is very noisy at anything more than medium throttle. The handling is clumsy compared to a car, but probably better or on par with other mid-size SUVs. Should have gone with the AWD Ford Fusion

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  Damn good car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By paulhegs - July 19 - 8:26 am

  Bought my first Subaru because my brother and his wife said it was thee car to drive. Bought one and I really enjoy it. Neighbors love the looks. They always ask me about it. Live in upstate NY where winters are brutal. Forester will go through anything. Stock tires are not that good. When stopping in ice/snow car would skid too much. Also tail end slips out a bit in snow. Replaced them with Nokia all weather tires. Also had hood rust or chipping away situation. Dealer repainted roof. Same thing with side drivers door. They repainted that too. Love the back lift and fold down seats;very versatile. Back seat room is great, not a "fake" back seat but real room for adults. No rattles.

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  love it - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By carrotts - July 18 - 11:36 pm

  love this car, did all the usual things before-car for 2/3yrs then changed for a new one, had this one from 2005, had a new engine at 80.000miles, (did,nt know about the head gasket), and now at 149.000miles, costs a fortune in fuel, lots of niggles that need addressing regularly but drive this or another tin box give me scoobie every day, I have the comfort pack and would sit comfortable in this car all day.

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  03 Forester 2.5X - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By janderson5 - July 17 - 3:33 pm

  I totaled my 98 Camry in 06/09 & decided I needed an AWD or 4wd car. I looked at Honda CRVs, Toyota RAV4s, & Subarus. After much research & many test drives, I decided I like the Suby. I like my Forester, its a good car. However, its had some issues. Had to replace water pump due to leak from weep hole right after I got it, I replaced timing belt at that time too to save $ in the future. Now it makes whistling noises when eng revs to 3-4k rpm. Think its cat-converter, but cant fig out for sure got an extension on 80k fed war, but having difficulty with dealers. Hope once things are fixed itll last 200k.

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  Overall Great SUV - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Brad - July 16 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased vehicle 7 months ago after much deliberation and was extremely happy with my choice. I understood the shortcomings: no telescoping wheel or bluetooth, small gas tank and 19-23 mpg (not bad considering AWD). However after I had the oil transmission cooler installed, the transmission hasnt shifted correctly again. Stays in gear too long, hard shifts etc. Working with the dealer to attempt a fix. All in all, a great vehicle for the price, all essential features and then some. Look hard at the this vehicle; youll be doing yourself a disservice if you didnt!

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  Fun, Safe and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Giantomaso - July 16 - 1:20 pm

  Very car-like. Extremely responsive for what is considered an SUV. Fuel ecomomy is good considering it is on all-time AWD. CR-V is only part-time AWD and has similar MPG. Excellent fit and finish. Most extras included in price, whereas Toyota and Honda get you with the extra options (resulting RAVs and CR-Vs more expensive than the Forester with the same options).

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  Great wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By vivatahoe - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an SUV, traded in for the wagon and I really am impressed. On the freeway, 70mph to 100mph is way too easy to reach in my 5 speed tranny and seems effortless. The best part is the AWD system in the snow! No more snowchains (unless its blizzard outside). Backseat can be folded down to increase trunk space and Ive able to move one bedroom worth of stuff (besides the bed and big furnitures) in one trip. Though the leather seats isnt the most comfortable thing in the long drive despite all the different seating positions adjusted. Fuel economy is pretty good for this size car.