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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  Amazing handling - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Dennis - February 21 - 6:40 pm

  Excellent car and built like a tank. Very reliable and much better than its competition. I have owned it over 4 years and it still amazes me. Love the design and wish Subaru would bring back the 2 door in the current Impreza. Would purchase another Subaru in a minute.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Molly - February 21 - 6:20 pm

  Only 300 miles, but here are first impressions. Would rather have V6 than turbo due to premium gas. Arm rest are very low on left side, unsecure on right side. Would love better seat adjustments. Move panic button from back of key to front, I always seem to hit it when Im unlocking the hatch. It is fun to drive. Road noise is pretty loud at hwy speed. Love the room! Much better than others After test driving almost everything, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, MBenz Mclass, Acura, this was the best choice. The Acura has more comfortable seats and armrest for tall people like me, but cost $15K more. Just couldnt justify.

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  Good Midsize Surf Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jone - February 19 - 10:50 pm

  OK car. My 1st Subaru. Not as solid/precise as my 1999 Honda Civic or my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Good gas mileage (avg. 24/25 mpg). Good interior, nice looking, car can be modified easily (springs/sway bars/intake/exhaust/shifter). The engine needs more power, Subaru has that is in the works (Forester gets the upgrade in 2006).

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  Solid Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By ricardo - February 17 - 2:06 pm

  The car is solid as a vault and has been absolutely reliable. Plenty of power from the turbo 4, but the transmission is a little squishy on shifts. Great traction from the AWD, but the suspension is a little too soft for cornering. comfortable and quite ride. Car provides a feeling of confidence, and AWD is very effective since the 5 speed AT powers all wheels all the time (unlike the 4AT which is FWD biased). Mileage fairly poor ~20 overall, and never higher than 24 on highway. CD/radio a disappointment - rather mediocre custom built radio that cant be changed out or adapted for iPod.

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  Recent Purchase - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By johnnybb - February 15 - 8:03 pm

  Very stylish car. Had a 2009 model for three years and the 2013 is nicely improved. Very easy handling around corners. Nice, tight turning radius. Gets impressive gas mileage for an all-wheel drive vehicle. Brakes feel solid and sure. Ride is not too stiff, not too soft -- just right. Is the best deal out there for a vehicle with all-wheel drive with a good set of features at a reasonable price. Overall -- very satisfied. I would rate excellent in all categories, but this is not a luxury vehicle. A 4 in this class of vehicle is a very good rating.

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  Poor Heat Ouptput - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By jagerhood - February 15 - 6:57 pm

  Ill start off my review with the cons, although I really do like my car. Im not a car expert, but thought I could give my feedback to real world drivers. Bought the car early Dec and driving through a Cold NJ winter! That being said I have not ever been warm enough in this car!! The fan is Loud but there is not a whole heck of a lot of heat coming out especially on the floor!! I hate the Radio, but my iPod music sounds Great! I also think there could be more storage compartments as well as an armrest for the driver. Finallly, not lovin the black on black on black interior. You see every speck!! The "ivory" was not an option - that would have been black in a week.

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  Dangerous on snowy roads - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By barbarelli - February 15 - 2:57 am

  This is my second Subaru, bought the 2015 because my older one was very good in the snow. The 2015 feels like a death trap. The least little bit of snow on the roads and the car slides all over the road leaving no control even at 30 miles and hour. The car isnt safe at all in the winter. Seems Subaru isnt on top of the game when it comes to safety when it comes to the North East winters. Dont feel I should have to buy new tires for a new car just to keep from crashing. Shame on Subaru.

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  Glad I bought a Forester. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By hocdoc - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Only driven it for 6 weeks. Went skiing after week 2 and performed excellent in the mountains! Wish the rear leg room was bigger. Need to tint windows.Looks and drives great.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Froggie - February 11 - 11:13 pm

  Great car. I have over 121,000 miles on it now and still not a rattle or squeak. Runs and looks like new. This is my third Subaru, all very reliable. I have had only 2 out of pocket repairs. The head gaskets were replaced at 80,000 miles and new struts at 116,000 miles. Gas mileage is OK at 22-23 Mpg in town and 27-30 Mpg on the highway.

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  2002 Subaru WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By M. J. Hunt - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Fast! Fun! Turbo! Nothing like the feeling of hitting the turbo going onto a entrance ramp to the interstate. You up to 100mph in no-time.