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:

• 

  What fun! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By martian - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has all the get up and go one could possibly need or want. Wet or dry, the car handles like a slot car. My only two complaints are that with the gauge package there is no clock in the car and with the stereo upgrade (6 disc in-dash) one cannot random play between discs. It has been a long time since I have had this much fun driving.

• 

  Alternative to Hondas and Toyotas - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ronin - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a vehicle that should be considered when car shopping. If you want the reliability and performance of a Honda or Toyota but dont want to have the same car as your neighbor,this is your car. Im not big on 4 cylinder engines but this has impressed me. The AWD system is outstanding! Do yourself a favor and at least test drive one.

• 

  H6 LL bean outback review - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By FunkyAlien13 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent perfromer, The AWD is nice in the wintertime along with the heated mirrors, wipers, and seats. Put together very nicely with no big gaps in the paneling as you might see in a Ford or GM. The 80 watt sound system is excellent, and there is lots of cargo room, Subaru should have traded some of that for some more rear leg room though, bcause when the seats fold down there is lots of room anyways. The dual moonroofs are neat at night.

• 

  Look elsewhere - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By folledOnce - November 1 - 5:10 pm

  At first I thought that dealer(s) were the problem, but car proved me wrong. Everything was a problem. There is no dealer service in NJ and corporate culture is basic arrogance. The car proved to be completely unreliable. I changed oil myself and performed all recommended maintenance, but car started overheating after 38K miles (guess what the warranty period is?). The fact that it was engine overheating and it is theoretically has a warranty for 5 years or 60,000 did not change the fact that I paid for the changing of relays and electrical components on the engine ($400). Brakes: first time changed at 8,000 miles at the dealer. The second time I shelled $400 out of pocket.

• 

  Head Gasket again! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By countrycousin - November 1 - 2:42 am

  My 01 Outback has now had 3 head gasket failures. The first one was at 130K, second time only after 20K miles. Im now looking for someone to replace head gaskets again. The car now has total of 70K on the 2nd head gasket. The car has 222K total on it now. There must be something I like about it since I keep fixing it, but issues with quality appeared early on. I have owned 2 other Subaru vehicles, but now will consider other AWD for my next Colorado mountain car.

• 

  The perfect mix - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By TWBnMD - October 29 - 2:40 pm

  The LLBean edition Forester is the perfect mix of utility/performance/value! Its as roomy as a Pilot on the inside, but gets better overall numbers than the CR-V. Extremely comfortable interior, even for tall/large individuals - Im 63", 235 lbs.). Im already getting mpg in the 26-27 range, and its not even broken in good yet. This is an amazing vehicle that Im positive Ill enjoy for years to come. If youre looking at CR-Vs, stop looking, because Subaru delivers the ultimate SUV!

• 

  Silver Outback Sport, Take 2! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Drubaru - October 29 - 10:40 am

  After selling my 02 Outback Sport a year and a half ago, I finally made it back into the Subaru fold with the purchase of the 04 model. Both times I have been satisfied with my purchase. I miss the "bug-eyed" headlights and foglights from the 02, but everything else is pretty much aesthetically the same. I love the confidence I feel. I remember on a snowboarding trip in 03 being waved on by the Rangers at Big Bear Mtn. while everyone else was forced over to apply snow chains. HA! Subaru? No chains needed. Just drive. Whenever. Wherever.

• 

  Horrible gas mileage!! - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By unhappy_imprez - October 28 - 11:40 pm

  I bought the 2012 Impreza hatchback in January 2012. Ive had the car for 4 months now, drivin it 4000 miles, and has not gotten ANYWHERE near the bosted gas mileage they said. The only reason I bought this vehicle was becuase they stated that gas mileage was suppose to get 27-30 city and 35-40 highway. In all reality...it gets 18-22 city and 27-30 highway. So, if anyone is going to buy this for the advertised mileage, dont do it!! I also dont like the fact that the heated seats dont stay on. It turns on and off periodically.

• 

  2.5X Limited - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Karla - October 28 - 11:13 am

  I have owned my 2010 Forester 2.5X Limited for almost a month now and so far I am extremely happy with it! The Forester handles great in the snowy ND weather and rides like a dream. I love the roomy interior for both front seat passengers as well as back seat passengers. I also added the following accessories: body side moldings, hood protector kit, moonroof deflector, splash guard kit, wheel moldings, luggage cover, trailer hitch, rear bumper cover, & wheel arch kit. Vehicle is sharp looking and versatile.

• 

  First Subaru purchase - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Veronica - October 28 - 6:30 am

  I am so in love with this car! It handles so good, much better than any other car I test drove. I feel like I have gained an extra foot of viewing from the windshield, very well designed for the driver. My partner is 61" and has loads of headroom which is nice. Even the base model, which is what I went for, is loaded with feature like symmetrical AWD, power windows & locks, heated mirrors, and sport shift. It is a very safe car, I live in a climate with harsh winters and just days after I purchased it, we had a huge snowfall but my Impreza was a breeze to drive! Love this car, I will keep it for a very long time!