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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  Great AWD and thats it - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By tcrew - January 25 - 8:43 am

  My wife and I purcarhased two new subarus in 2011. One a Legacy limited and the other a Impreza premium 5 door. The Legacy is great but the Impreza was a different story. I bought an automatic, should have bought a 5 speed. The 4 speed auto was terriable. The transmission got worse as i put miles on it. No mechanical problems just poor performance. The seats were a cheap material that faded fast. The tomtom navi was replaced after 14 months. The door trim rotted off. The center consoles plasic started comming off. The only good feature is the AWD. After 15 months i traded it for a 2012 Forester( i still love subaru). Im glad the impreza was updated.

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  2nd Subaru and it just isnt the same - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By dssquare85 - January 25 - 5:47 am

  This is technically my 2nd Subaru. My first Subaru was an 05 Saab (Saabaru) 9-2x Aero. I have owned my 11 2.5i Premium since May 11 and have about 7,000 miles. It took me a while to get used to the difference in size and power compared to my 9-2x. The power is more than adequate 90% of the time. My mpg is not what the ratings state. I was getting 23.5 when I first got the car but now Im down to 21.9 for the life of the vehicle according to the trip computer. I dont have a heavy foot like I did with my 9-2x. Ill attribute the decrease in mileage to the hills of Staten Island, NY. Car is quiet and has been reliable with the exception of the 2 recalls in 4 months of having the car.

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  90,000 mile update - Tranny Problem - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Fandango - January 21 - 9:06 pm

  At about 75,000 miles, I began to notice a whine/rattle in the manual transmission and, when it kept getting louder, took it in to the dealer a few thousand miles later. It turned out to be a pitted output shaft bearing. The repair cost about $1200 but was fortunately covered by the extended warranty, which, with a road hazard tire replacement earlier, has now paid off about what I paid for it. So far, the transmission bearing has been the only mechanical problem. After 90,000 miles, I still love to drive this car. Its just fun. It still reminds me of a British sports car in its simplicity. Now consistently getting 28-30 mpg highway mileage.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - January 21 - 1:56 am

  Ive had my Forester for almost a month, put on 750 miles, averaging 26.5MPG mixed highway and city. So far, Ive been pleasantly surprised by the handling and smooth ride. Ive owned Toyotas for 8 years previously and did not expect the Forester to drive as well but it compares very favorably. The interior finish is not as refined as my Toyotas were but its acceptable. Overall, its a solid vehicle with everything I need.

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  The 2004 Baja has arrived - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By BajaBhoy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the new 2004 Baja today. The turbo option makes it surprisingly fun to drive, with all the stability of my wifes Forrester. This is not a luxury car, but more of a lads car -- the small pickup bed is going to be useful when the snow melts and the weather improves. Gets a lot of attention, unusual on the streets of NYC. Silver color, looks quite sharp. For the money, an attention-grabbing, outdoors lifestyle-facilitating break from the mundane.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By NRS - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car and at a great price. I already have 55000 miles on the car and it runs better then the day I bought it. The AWD works great in snow and is very nice to have in Alaska. It does however get rather poor gas mileage I was expecting 30 miles to the gallon but it gets around 25 max. The 2.5L engine works great and gives the car an adequate amount of power.

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  Finally, a 6 cylinder! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Auzzieboy10 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Outback 6 Cyl. Wagon two weeks ago and so far I really love this car. Had a Sedan 20 years ago and really liked it, but I needed a SUV and wasnt going to settle for a 4 cyl. Found out the Outback had a 6 cyl. on Friday and bought it on Saturday:) However, at 212hp is only adequate in my opinion, but good handling and braking make up for continued lack of power.

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  Fix the front passed passenger seat - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Hill - January 15 - 11:10 pm

  Overall we are happy with the car so far except for the height of the front passenger seat. My wife stated if she had known this she would not have bought the car.

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  NOT A COLD WEATHER CAR! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By tamricks - January 15 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased this car in August. I had a 2010 Forester and loved it. When the new Foresters came out with the improved gas mileage, I bought one. I absolutely loved this car until November when winter hit. Mine wont defrost the windows or the windshield wipers properly. It doesnt heat up the interior of the car. The power windows freeze, and the cool engine light comes on after letting the car warm up and driving it for several miles. Due to the engine running so cold, my gas mileage has almost cut in half during these cold winter months. I have 7000 miles on it, but living in the North, cant keep it. Im extremely disappointed.

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  I got a lemon! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By fedup withrepairs - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Drives great in snow and ice but has had multiple mechanical problems including:Throttle problems,twice, accelerating suddenly and not wanting to gear down, a recall due to the cruise control,a second recall for some undercarriage problem that could have caused serious breakdown,two brake jobs and rotor broblems, sticking lift gate and now computer problems and a host of minor gliches that required a day here and there in the shop. I dread to think what is next and the car just turned three this December!!!.