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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  Happy Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By J - January 31 - 11:33 pm

  I used to drive a 2750lbs 175HP Nissan Sentra so my new Subaru with 3135lbs 166HP felt a bit sluggish at first. I also test drove an XT but decided to buy X because of the price difference and gas price. After the break-in miles, the car responds much better and I dont feel its slow at all. In fact, Forester X has more than enough power. The ride is great and the mileage averaged 27MPG so far (80% highway 20% city). The best mileage I got was 34MPG on a 100% highway trip with cruise set at 65MPH. I couldnt believe the mileage and I made sure I calculated right! I hope it improves further since I have only 4000 miles on the odometer.

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  Good Value - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Scott - January 31 - 3:36 pm

  Have had the basic 5 person version for several months. We researched literally ever vehicle except this one, but drove it because dealership also had them. What a great car for the $$. Liked most everything from the start and the concerns (the cockpit design) have grown on us. If it is good in snow as its supposed to be then it will be a "10"

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  Listen To The Owners - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By subguy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Went looking on a whim. Surprised at how large and rugged this vehicle was. Drives great, tight. Interior reminds me of BMW (in a good way). Went with the all silver design. Looks sharp. Sub. does a disservice by using the yellow and silver with those mickey mouse spot lights as its "show" car. In monochrome, this car would appeal to much wider audience. Youll especially love this vehicle if your used to driving alone or with only a front seat passenger. That way, you can use the folded down rear seat area as your "trunk" (the tinted rear windows serves well to hide valuables) and the flat bed for the occasional cargo haul.

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  John of Columbus, NC loves his Outback Limited - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jaacolumbusnc - January 30 - 4:24 pm

  On 8/23/2012 I traded in my 2012 Honda CR-V EXL for an Ice Silver Outback 2.5i Limited with Option Package 04, body ice molding, puddle lights and splash guards. It is far more quiet and comfortable then the Honda. It rides like a sedan and is terrific on fuel. I am honestly getting 25-26 mpg around town and close to 29 on my limited highway driving. My dealer, Vic Bailey Imports, Spartanburg, SC was a real treat to deal with.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Combat Camera - January 29 - 6:43 pm

  I have had my Subaru Legacy GT sedan for about a month now and am extremely impressed with the car. The turbo kicks in at about 3000 rpm and launches the car like a rocket. I am also enjoying the handling of the all wheel drive and suspension system. I would highly recomend this car to those who are in love with sports cars, but need something more practical. This car will give you everything you want.

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  What a car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By GunnMan - January 29 - 4:23 pm

  For years I had a Porsche 944. It got old and had 245,000 miles. Time to go. This Legacy drives very similar to the 944 in the mountains. You can set this car up in the corners very well. Its transient response in the switchbacks is remarkable - and this is a sedan! In tight hilly switchbacks - you can feel the car transitioning power front and rear. Do I have to complain? It could use a 6 speed. Id buy this car all over again.

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  I cant wait to get into this car! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By MIke Vax - January 28 - 11:56 pm

  After driving trucks and minivans for about ten years, I am having a ball with this car. I actually look forward to getting into it and sometimes go the "long way" just to have more time in it. I just completed a 760 mile drive in one day and it was a "piece of cake." I was refreshed when I arrived and had a great time while driving. The turbo lag takes some getting used to, especially after bigger engines, but this car does get up and goes when you want it to, especially at higher speeds. (We wont talk about how fast that long trip went.....) I need room to carry people and things and this car is perfect for that. Four people work in it. The drivers seat is really comfortable

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  Love it! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By rwambold - January 28 - 7:33 am

  Im a picky car guy, and I love this car. I became die-hard loyal to Subaru when I owned an Outback wagon for 4 years. I traded it in hesitantly but boy am I glad I did. The Tribeca is the perfect mean between an obnoxiously large SUV and too-small station wagon. The controls are well thought-out, the engine performs smoothly and beautifully whether you are gunning it in sport or manual mode or just cruising around town, and the interior is perfectly roomy (do bear in mind this is compared to the comparatively small Outback wagon). I read some static about the exterior design when the car first came out, but I love the styling too.

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  Finally - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By fast as hell - January 28 - 7:30 am

  I love this car. This car holds corners while on the gas, like a go-kart. It can be scary sometimes. I get stares all the time. This car looks and feels like a race car. I heard it has 237hp at the wheels. If thats true, I do not want to feel 300whp. In the rain, you can shoot off a green light but watch out if you have to stop fast. Your rear may go sideways but it will straighten out. In Florida you can modify this car because the roads are flat and straight. Up north there are hills, corners, tight spaces, so stock is very much plenty. I pick this over the EVO because my wide shoulders fit in the STI seats.

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  Hidden Gem - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Baystar - January 27 - 9:50 am

  I traded in my 2003 Audi A4 Avant because it was so unreliable. The Tribeca is a hidden gem, it has a great ride and all the features of a Lexus RX but costs $12,000 less. While the critics complain about lack of space in rear rows that only applies to the 7 seater, the 5 seater has plenty of leg room. I think Subaru should stop trying to market the Tribeca as a 7 seater. Mileage could be better, but it helps that the Tribeca runs on regular gas. Handling is good enough that I dont miss the Audi. The overall ride is quiet, smooth and feels very sophisticated. The stereo is very good and helps make the commute highly enjoyable. The nav system has worked fine for me thus far.