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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  Just picked it up....so far so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jon - May 13 - 11:13 am

  Just traded in my 2007 on a 2009. My wife wanted automatic and I wanted her Civic for commuting, so quick pro quo was we keep a subie in the family if I get the new Forester, fair enough for me the subie can be our family roadster. Decided to lease, because I think diesel, hybrid and other technologies are going to be preferred in a year or two. Im really impressed by the new design, big step forward. If I believe the gas mileage meter its definitely better than the 2007, even before breaking it in. Ill test it in the moutains soon!

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  A nice riding car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Ajene - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have not purchase the Legacy, but I test drove. I enjoyed the suspension that was supplied on the car. The ride was very smooth and comfortable. Also, the 4 cylinder boxer engine produced enough power to push the car as if it was a V6. The only problem I had was the rear seating capacity. There was not enough room for people who want to sit in the rear seat.

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  2010 2.5i Subaru Sedan - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Subaru Impreza about 5 months ago after trading off my Honda Pilot. I was hesitant because of the large amount of snow we get in North Dakota. However, I could not be happier with the trade. The gas mileage is much better, no problems in the first 8,000 miles, and it is fun to drive. We ended up with 12 inches of snow in 24 hours and I had no issues commuting to and from work. Probably the funnest car I have owned, and it is number 6.

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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for about 6 1/2 months now. I drove both the Tribeca and the Forester. The Tribeca drove smooth, but I felt more in control of the Forester. The gas milleage is good. I range from about 24-28mpg and do about half high highway/half city driving. The biggest complaint is that the interior is cheap. I have a small tear in my interior, the back door and side doors rattle, and parts of the dash scratch easily. Biggest Pro: We got about a foot of snow last month and I didnt have any problems. Traction control only kicked in once. I helped my husband change the oil for the first time and it went quick and smooth. Overall happy, just need to fix the rattles!

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  Be careful of hard, hard, hard seats - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By William - May 12 - 12:53 am

  After countless research on this size of vehicle, we felt Subaru was the only way to go. Love this car, Except for the extremely hard seats (leather). Test drive was short and sweet so we didnt notice how uncomfortable they were. I have severe back trouble and this has put me in a horrible flare-up, after only driving 6 miles home from the dealership. Called the following morning and told of medical situation, and could we please bring the car back as I will have to stay with a mini-van. They would buy the car back at at $7000 loss (pretty steep for 6 miles). So, we are having the seats rebuilt, if this is of no help, then the car will have to go. Please beware of seat comfort.

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  A niche car, but fits perfectly in it. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By speedysteve - May 9 - 3:27 pm

  Ive owned my Forester XT for 6 years now, and it has been a very fun car. The only repair Ive had is the alternator. Its far faster than it looks and I love being able to floor it on the highway in 5th and it just goes. It looks good, carries a fair amount of stuff when I go camping, and is great in the snow.

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  2009 Forester LLBean - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By S. - May 3 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 1st Subaru purchase and, having only had the vehicle 2 wks, I can say that Im impressed thus far. Ride quality is superior to the Honda Accord that I also own. Mileage so far has been around 26-28 combined highway and city; mostly highway. Im expecting better MPG once the engine has been broken in.

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  Tribeca Wins with Fun Ride - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By CWhyte - May 3 - 12:30 pm

  August 2005: We compared and test drove new Subaru B9 Tribeca, Highlander LDT, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Nissan Murano, Infinity FX3,and used Lexus RX300. Final Round was between MDX & Tribeca. Tribeca won for us. Heres why: Better handling, especially in sudden high speed manuvers. Slight lean never gets worse than slight. Quick, accurate steering and shifting response. 255/55/18 Tires w/ 18" wheels contribute. Fun to Drive: Std auto trans adds "sport" mode AND " Manual mode". Zoom. (But Murono shiftless trans is cool!) Ground clearance: 8.4" allows a some off road adventure confidence. Features & doo-dads: All the rest being about equal or better than the competitors.

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  My first Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Casey - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Forester. I have a complaint about the back doors: it would be so much easier to get in and out if the doors would slide from the middle of the side (see mid-80s Stanzas). My older friends have trouble getting in and out. The front seats need to be able to be more upright,not reclining for driving. I have had to add a pillow to keep my back straight. Unfortunately I did not notice this problem in test driving, only when doing my regular driving. The car handles well, but needs to be 2 inches higher for ease of getting out for these old knees. I love the quiet engine, and it handles traffic well.

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  Who Designed the Subaru Seats? - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Frank Babcock - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles more like a sport car than a station wagon. It holds the road well with no body roll and the steering is tight with excellent feed back.