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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  Fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By naomi1 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Subaru Forester 2005 for about one month. I was previously driving a dodge caravan which was not great in the snow. I love this car. Great traction, smooth quiet ride, great on gas. Lots of room with the back seats folded down. Easy to drive, I thought it might be slow but it is quite peppy!!

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  One versatile vehicle - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By ToughCar - September 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Outback 03 in Nov 02. We needed a good AWD for tough winters in northern NJ and boy does the Outback handle winter! Reliability has been spotless so far - odo 23K. Mix driving averages us about 23 MPG. We were considering an SUV but are happy we got the Subaru instead. It handles very well in clear and inclement weather. Comfortable on long rides as well - took it down to NC and upto NH. We love this car and plan on keeping it for a long time. If youre looking for the most value for your money, I doubt theres anything better out there.

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  Looking for the Ultimate Sleeper?? Gramps approved - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Chris Hodges - September 16 - 9:32 pm

  First of all, I need to begin this review with a bit of a reality check- in 07, only 87 of these vehicles in my color of Metallic Grey, with a 5 speed AND the Towing Package (1 1/4 trailer hitch with 4.41:1 axles), so, if you THINK you may have found one of these beauties?? DOUBLE CHECK. Now that we have that out of the way, lets continue. As with any other car, what Ive found with Maintenance and the inevitable Tuning- find reputable shops who KNOW WHAT THEYRE DOING!! I found a Shop I thought was reputable, only to find, THOUSANDS of dollars later, that this shop was staffed by a bunch of hacks!! Pros: with the appropriate plug in Cobb tuner, will make GOBS of torque, with little or no change in mileage! With a dyno tune, turns this vehicle into a TOTALLY different driving experience!! No problems with head gaskets or major repairs. This car has been driven hard, but, with regular fluid changes, timing belt changes,etc., runs like a champ! Negatives: THE SEATS ARE ABYSSMAL!!! Omg...if you can find older leather WRX seats, PUT them in...your back will thank you! Invest in Grimmspeeds Master cylinder brace!! Why? Again, this is a part right off a Forester...the Base model...so, the brakes arent the greatest. The steering could best be described as numb...but, not to worry! 2004 STi power steering pump bolts right in, and, does WONDERS for steering feel. And, if youre looking at ANYTHING approaching decent handling, ditch the stock springs for Swifts. The first car Ive EVER owned as a gearhead where I can honestly say Im NEVER going to sell it...its been THAT good to me! Oh, and, do yourself a favor and spend that money for decent snowtires to put on your factory steelies- my Blizzaks turned this little SUV into a goanywhere vehicle, even in feet of snow here in Massachusetts!

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  Excellent SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Alberto - September 16 - 12:43 am

  In Oct 08, I bought an 09 Forester 2.5X with the premium package. I am very happy with this vehicle. It is very comfortable, very roomy interior, smooth, handles very well. There is not a blind spot to block your vision like other vehicles in its class. Im averaging around 25 mpg in city and hwy driving. If you are thinking of buying a CR-V, Rav4, Outlander, Vue, or any other smaller SUV you must check out and drive an 09 Forester. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice the Forester is.

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  Great Car!! - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Chucks Forester - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. The AWD gives great handling no matter what the weather. This car goes better in snow and ice than 4x4s I have owned in the past. The engine has surprising power for a 4 cyl--I use my Subaru to pull my boat to the lake. I am sold on Subaru thanks to this car!

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  2000 Subaru Forester S - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By M. Blanchard - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Positive: Handles most road conditions very well. Will drive across a 12 inch snow drift with ease. Seems to grip the road except, of course, in icy conditions. Stops very efficiently. Very good visibility all around. Negative: Apparently a design flaw, it seems to suck road dirt onto its rear surface.

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  Hold on to your Nickers - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Slanty - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. You cant get a better buy for under 30. Dont buy this car looking to modify, unless you take your time, because the parts are hard to come by. Its fun to drive, but to tell you the truth, i have no idea on how reliable it is. The WRX has only been around for a few years... But you should replace your car every 5 years anyways :P

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned!!! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By spunkyhorn - September 14 - 7:41 am

  I absolutely love my 2003 subaru forester. It has never left me stranded and has required the least amount of repairs of any car Ive owned. The only repairs that Ive done on it are wear out parts like brakes and rotors. Ive recently (105,000k) had the timing belt, water pump, and most of the fluids replaced just as a pre-emtive strike to keeping this vehicle running as best it can well into the 100ks.

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  The greatest car on the road - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Michael - September 13 - 8:08 pm

  This vehicle is unapologetically very fast and has a very aggressive road presence. This is a road going rally car, and as so all the intelligence lacking buttons in the cabin it has in performance. For the 2005 Wrx Sti comes standard with fully active LSD and ABS monitoring AWD, front/rear torque adjusting center differential with 4×4 locking, water spraying intercooler, differential heat monitoring, Brembo performance braking, 17 inch BBS wheels, Sti tuned suspension, adjustable shift light, a shorter-ratio 6 speed standard transmission, 4 way adjustable HID low beams, bucket seats, an aluminum alloy 2.5 liter flat 4 cylinder equipped with an IHI VF39 turbo producing 300hp @6000rpms 14 psi boost pressure from the factory 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. This is not for taking your mom to breakfast or grocery getting, but makes a great weekend driver or track day monster.

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  Best Car I,ve driven - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Blubaru - September 12 - 1:46 am

  This car is soo much fun to drive compared to my 2001 Legacy L. My 2006 Impreza 2.5is performance and handling just bring a big smile on my face each and every time. I really do try to find reasons to drive this car. My wife was so impressed that she too got a 2006 Impreza 2.5i wagon.