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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  Brand New Outback Review - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Michael Fort - January 13 - 10:36 pm

  Found out about Subaru through friend at work. He knows theyre reliable so took his word and checked one out. Never looked back. Car is incredible. One problem. Annoying rattle coming from sunroof Ill have dealer address this when it goes in for its first oil change at 3500 miles. I get 30 mpg on highway, CVT auto tran is mated to a 2.5 4 cylinder. Extremely responsive. Smooth strong acceleration, very well balanced, engine low center gravity providing excellent awd power to all 4 wheels. Very comfortable, very quiet, good performance, cant wait to try it out in snow. Workmanship is so incredible, Im very happy with this car, very glad I bought it.

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  Subaru Bean - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By kayakker - January 13 - 12:16 pm

  Only 3000 miles so far - The handling is superb, the ride quiet, and the interior details are practical, easy to use, and well designed. It was the H6 that made me opt for the Bean, didnt need all those bells & whistles, but Ive quickly grown to appreciate them, although I would prefer cloth seats. I LOVE the MOMA steering wheel!

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  Very pleased - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By mike - January 11 - 8:53 pm

  Traded my 06 2WD Pilot on my Tribeca. Subaru has more comfort,better handling and (2 MPG more) than the Honda. 21-22 Highway and 19-20 around town after 13,000 miles. Best comfort since my Chevy Tahoe. Interior really cool. Love low center of gravity with the boxer engine. Would buy another one next time around.

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  Solid machine - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By 7hegreat1 - January 11 - 1:55 am

  I bought a 2013 impreza 5spd since I cant afford a wrx or sti and while it lacks power I cant complain. Its a solid car, avg mpg I have had as low as 14.1 and as high as 35.6 according to digital read out. I tend to drive it like its a fully built sti wot and wrap out every gear...... On my way to work. Its great in the snow, turn traction control off and you feel like Tanner Faust. Its well ballanced and the pedals feel pretty good. (distance wise for heel toe in the snow clutch feels a little soft compared to the stage 2 and 3 clutches im used to) but its not a sports car. I love the fact my oil filter is on top of the motor for easy access and u dont have to remove any splash guards

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  Excellent Craftsmanship - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By tdg - January 11 - 1:53 am

  I cannot believe that I dont see more of these on the road. This is the first vehicle Ive bought and not had buyers remorse at all. Interior is wonderful: I like it more than my friends Audi A4. 17 inch rims look great, and the ride is quiet, solid, and sure-footed.

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  Love my REX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Skiing REX - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my WRX. I wish I didnt put so many miles on it so it could last forever.

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  The most fun Ive ever had driving! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By waveoff - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun of any car that Ive owned. Every car I have ever owned has utilized forced induction but this one is by far the most entertaining. I went with the wagon because my wife was having our first kid and I wanted the utility. I must say though, the trunk isnt THAT big. I can fit more stuff into my 97 Honda Civic. Also, rear leg room is meager and is only recommended for short trips. If youre really looking for a long trip family car go with an SUV or Minivan.

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  Black STi w/ Gold Wheels..HOT! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Big Al! - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best Porshe / Mustang / Ferrari / Vette...EATER on the planet!! For the money, you can buy two STis and beat the above guys twice!!

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  Love it, love it, love it!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By LittleJJ - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2000 Integra GS-R for my WRX and I dont think Ill ever regret it! I love the 04 design even more than the 03, which was still pretty damn cool. The only problem is that when ever I drive some other car, it feels like Im hauling a ton of bricks. Looks great, feels great (especially on windy back roads...)is great.

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  So far so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By magman117 - January 8 - 7:26 am

  I bought the 2009 LL Bean w/nav to replace my 2004 XS premium. The 2009 is much quieter at highway speeds and the seats are more comfortable. I have only put 100 miles on the 09, but I did put 83,000 on the 04 (yeah I know, still new for a Subaru). Some pluses over the 04 are rear seat legroom, power driver seat, navigation, auto stick, VDC, side airbags, good looks, although I liked my ugly/unique 04. One problem, I cant understand why there is still only a 4 speed automatic. The vehicle is quiet enough but the RPMs are still high. I think the vehicle with a 5 or 6 speed would get gas mileage in the 30s. Imagine how many people would buy it. Gas in NY is over $3.45 (regular).