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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  My 2013 Subaru Forester - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By willowby - June 16 - 10:34 am

  I love my 2013 Subaru Forester, so here comes the nit pickin. I bought this SUV in November of 2012. I hate the gray plastic dyed interior trim inside, looks great until you scratch it. Too expensive to fix or replace! Dont like the silver plastic front grill, there is no touch up paint for it! The inside carpet is fraying around the floor mat, but its not too bad so far, could use better quality carpet. The ride is not bad, but could be smoother. The Bluetooth doesnt filter out noise very well, when trying to call out! No exterior temp gauge! This vehicle could maybe be 3 inches higher. Keep in mind, these things I mentioned may be improved on the 2014 model!

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  Subaru For Life!! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru For Life!! - June 16 - 8:23 am

  WOW My first AWD. Loving it more & more everyday. I am hooked on Subaru for life. I really dont know why I didnt look at Subaru earlier in life.

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  First impression... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By GBockers - June 16 - 6:40 am

  Mine is the 2010 Legacy Premium 2.5i with CVT. The only option is XM satellite radio, otherwise stock. I love the exterior, in my opinion it resembles the Lexus IS250. The car feels solid, quality build. The 2.5i CVT with 170 hp is healthy; I traded down from a luxury car because of divorce. Besides the luxury doo-dads this car is just fine thank you. Smooth acceleration, not "jerky" from a dead stop. Feels like a performance car to me, it hugs the road. Im just finishing my first tank of gas which gave 24 mpg in mostly back roads / highway driving. Hoping that will improve. Premium package is very basic, although the brushed metal appointments interior are nice.

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  SPEC B is the car to buy - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By SpecB - June 16 - 6:13 am

  I was comparing the A4 3.1, 330Xi, and the Legacy GT. I came home with the Spec B for $7-8K less money and very similar performance and comfort. Admittedly, the interior and luxury is a bit better in the A4 and Bimmer, but this is a great buy! Test drive the GT and youll see. It is a great drive, fun and responsive.

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  Take the Plunge! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By giantkiller - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an 03 Legacy because I have dogs & needed more room. Many great features are standard. AWD is #1, handles confidently. Love the redesigned styling. Get heated seats, youll never go back! I like their politics, but dealership left A LOT to be desired. Partner hates the cheap-looking steel rims, but I think theyre ok. Otherwise, I highly recommend this car. They will have a customer for life when they go HYBRID!

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  Great CAR - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TimBO - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a cross between a car and a suv,just enought room and not a gas guzzling suv . I should have purchsed this a long time ago! Looks great in white. ONLY FALT THERE IS NOT ENOUGHT LIGHT AT NIGHT WHEN YOU GET INTO THE CAR,THEY NEED TO IMPROVE ON THIS ASAP.ALSO DOORS SHOULD LOCK WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR

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  Great Car For the $ - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By lotboy - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car to have if you drive a lot especially.The TS is stable to drive in adverse weather conditions.The cars weight keeps it planted well on roads. Engine power is good for both city and highway driving,with a power band that produces even power thoughout. Everyone looking for a car in this price range should drive it to compare with other cars.This car is worth your time,especially if you test drive it in slippery road conditions. Give it a try!

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  SuperCar Performance... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By EmergenZ - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Subaru got everything right on the STi! Look at the performance features: 300HP/300ft-lbs TQ, Short-throw 6-Spd, dual LSDs, DCCD System, Brembos, BBSs...the list goes on. The STis "fun-factor" is phenomenal. It is difficult to find a true flaw with this car. Ive had the opportunity to now drive mine in snow, in which it did not disappoint (clad in all season tires).

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  True love. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Goldencouple1 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  It puts the sport back in sport/utility. A blast to drive in the mountains. A reliable car to take to the ski basin. It turned the white- knuckle road up to Ski Apache above Ruidoso, NM into a fun drive. The Subaru Forester is in its natural element on an undulating, winding mountain road. And it eats up the Interstate miles with comfort and good fuel economy, while exhibiting plenty of power for hills and passing.

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  Wonderful Vehicle... So Far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Love IT!!! Good Job - June 14 - 6:00 am

  This was definitely one of the best purchases Ive ever made. The car is solid, whips around turns with superior handling. I love the paddle shifters for the manual mode. The premium sound is a plus (worth the extra $$). Easy latches on roof rails to swing them around.