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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  Shoulda bought a Honda - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By GPgurl - April 11 - 3:20 am

  I bought my Subaru after reading glowing reviews. Everything was great until I reached about 60000 miles. after an expensive $1800 head gasket replacement and 2 axle replacements, leaking bushings, and a check engine light thats been on since 80,000 miles - I feel robbed-like Im purchasing the same car all over again one repair at a time. Im torn between taking my chances with the check engine light and just driving it for a couple more years and getting a Honda. The dealers are no help at all.

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  2nd Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - April 11 - 12:00 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The standard 4 cylinder engine delivers sufficient power and steering is extremely responsive. Ride is comfortable, leg, shoulder and head room are all very sufficient. As to reliability we had a 84 Legacy Wagon that gave us 13 years with no major problems. We look forward to this vehicle to surpass that one.

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  Nice car but a couple of fine tune thing - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By frenchguy007 - April 10 - 1:56 pm

  Great ride, this is a drivers car. Love the 4 wheel drive system and the handling. Interior is very nice and the doors close like a Benz. Storage bin in the center console is really small for no reason (storage bin tapers smaller). Even though I have close to the top if the line model my satellite antenna is not on the roof but glued to the inside front glass (top passenger side). Give us a push start option on future models please.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Swarmlord - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic commuter car, long haul car or even light off road weekend fun.

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  A Clear Winner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Car Guy - April 8 - 2:56 am

  Just turned a thousand miles on my new green Outback. We needed something larger than my Forester XT for practical reasons, and we looked at various options. Few non-humongous SUVs and wagons have much space behind the middle seats, and of course theyre heavy and gluttonous. And expensive. This car is wonderful, a combination of room, comfort and economy (and low cost) thats not available elsewhere. Most people buying anew car should consider one of these if they need room at all.

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  My Wifes New Wheels - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By cachry - April 8 - 2:17 am

  I just finished researching small SUVs for my wife, and we settled on the Forester after looking at Honda CR-V. I believe we made the right choice, because the build quality seems to be about the same and reliability and resale value are also similar; but, the Forester provides a more comfortable ride and seating. To put it bluntly, the CR-V has austere seats, especially in the mid- and lower-range models. I would add that the Forester has amenities the CR-V does not, unless you buy the high-end model CR-V. It is true that the Forester is not as "pretty" as the CR-V, but my wife and I favor function over form so that dropped out immediately as a consideration. Best of all: She loves it!

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  Forester X - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Judy3115 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car 2 months and have about 4600 miles. I drove 1000 miles 1 way on a trip and didnt end up with a back ache or too much stiffness. Driving across western Minnesota caused arm stain due to wind although it didnt look like there was that much wind.

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  The AWD Fury under $26,000 - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By stalefish19 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing! AWD and 227 hp. stock! I wasted a 5.0 mustang yesterday, and my car is still stock. So many performance mods for the car too, if youre a racing enthusiast. Im an avid snowboarder, and the car handles and accelerates superbly up the mountains, even in the snow. My Eclipse doesnt compare!

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  Great Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By rkinn - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have 60000 miles on my LL Bean Outback with the 3.0 6 cyc. Only problems were handled by the dealer. We had a wind noise which was corrected by glueing the molding around the windshield. The 6 cyl engine is more powerful than quick. Outback has the top end power that loafs at highway speeds of 70 to 80 or 90. I bought the LL Bean for the engine and the side airbags. Wish they would have been options on the base model. Car has a few blind spots. Only pet peeve happens when the passager lowers their sunvisor, it will hit the rearview mirror and the driver must readjust. I wish it was a larger single roof the opened for the driver.

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  Worry free vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By dozer - April 7 - 10:58 am

  I bought my 5spd OBXT Limited new back in 06. Have not had a single problem after 6 years and 53K miles. The car is bullet proof, both mechanically and cosmetically. Paint has held up extemely well, very chip resistant. As for traction, the car is unstoppable in snow. Two foot drifts barely register with the Subies tenacious AWD and ample road clearance. If you live in or near a snow belt, these cars are at the very top of the food chain. Best part is performance. The XT has some STi DNA. It eats Audi A4s for lunch in the stoplight wars. Reliability, unflappable AWD, lightening quick w/turbo, sharp looking. Love it, love it, love it! I plan to hopefully ride it another 6 years.