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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  Not your grandmas Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Firefly Dad - July 13 - 3:33 am

  This is the 7th Subie to grace our driveway. We currently have a Baja, WRX, Legacy and another Outback in the driveway. My wife and 4 kids all drive Subies. The 2010 Outback/Legacy is the closest to a main stream vehicle Subaru has built. A roomy interior and much more comfortable seating is immediately noticeable. The Outback is peppy even with the 2.5 and CVT. The CVT is strange at first, but I am getting used to it. The Subaru secure driving experience is still there; its just quieter, more comfortable and efficient than earlier models. Part of Subarus charm was the quirkiness of its vehicles. Im not sure where the quirks are in this car yet. It is a blast to drive though.

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  2002 Subaru WRX Wagon - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Peter Frohman - July 13 - 2:56 am

  Lots of fun, great handling, wonderful braking, plenty of power, wagon versatility, aggressive looks. A classic pocket rocket. Crummy gas mileage, premium gas, occasional turbo lag. Shift not as sweet as Honda/Acura, but AWD beats front-wheel drive every time. Great car for the price, but as soon as Honda makes something similar, Im buying that.

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  almost - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By almost - July 13 - 2:00 am

  what a fun handling car, one of the best ever, just a same they dont back it up with a better box/interior and exterior looks. thought they would grow on me but they never did, even the new model falls short in the looks department tho a little better.

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  My wife is happy - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Happy Husband - July 12 - 9:56 pm

  This is our first Subaru and my wife loves it. She says with this car, she feels like going somewhere (without being driven). You cant get more praise than that. My wife hates driving!

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  I found what I was looking for! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By timdimi - July 11 - 2:03 pm

  I had test driven several Foresters from previous years with the moonroof and did not fit (62 280). Finally in 09 the head clearance is improved, and the seats are comfortable. As a first time Subaru owner, I am surprised at the the tight handling, adequate acceleration and how much fun it was to drive. I drove the X for a week and then returned it for the X w/ premium pkg. because of the extra features.

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  more than you bargained for - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SupperPupp - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had mine for about 3 weeks now and the break in period is done. Performance: WOW! This thing is a rocketship. Its a real eye-opener for those goofballs in Vettes, Mustangs, etc that think since its a Subaru it isnt a performance car. Too bad the only part they will be seeing much of is the back!

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  2016 Subaru Forester Limited - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Paul - July 3 - 11:04 pm

  Great gas mileage! Roomy for compact SUV. Ride is little stiff. Only complaint is that the navigation system should be located near the top of the dash rather than in middle to make it easier to read while driving. Love the large sunroof.

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  Outback in the Outhouse - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By rrrust - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Check at 10K miles engine light prompts trip to dealer. Aux. air injection valve (emissions) failure is indicated. This becomes a recurring failure. Valve is replaced once or twice per month for several months. Finally tech rep calls factory and they suggest re- programming cars brain. This fix works, but then car develops severe knocking in valve train (stuck or gummed lifters?). Get rid of this one before warranty expires.

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  Former Forester owner - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Pip - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought this wagon in 04, my senior year of college.. I got a great deal on it. Was 6 years old and had 90k on it. I love the manual transmission. By far the smoothest manual i ever drove. Fantastic in the snow. Just too many problems, radiator, head gasket, tires wear very fast due to the symmetrical all wheel drive. This vehicle broke down 3 straight years on the eve of the biggest snow storm of the year leaving me stranded. I went to a Jeep and havent looked back.

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  Transmission is Plague - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By designer - July 1 - 7:23 am

  Replaced my 2006 Outback sport with the larger version. Nice upgrade and significant price increase. I liked the AWD and style of the 08. Car handles great. Constant problem since I have owned the car is the transmission. It has been fixed twice, the third time the shop could not "duplicate it" Going in again tomorrow. The transmission shifts hard and clunks, feels like it is slipping. It was really bad the first 2 times. Now it does it under 40 MPH in city traffic. Its driving me nuts, litterally!