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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  Be Careful with this one - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By ... - January 6 - 7:13 am

  I thought this car would be a great buy and at first it was. I love the way it handles, acceleration is good, gas mileage is fair. Now after owning it for not even two years, and still paying the sucker off I have not one but two count em two bad head gaskets, $1600 to fix, and it is a common problem. Just check msn autos reliability raitings. Bad head gaskets, its what makes a Subaru a Subaru. Do not buy!

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tkw - January 5 - 2:10 pm

  This small, sporty hatch back is a very fun to drive. So far I have only good things to say about my first Subaru. The engine is very peppy and yet fuel efficient considering this is an all- wheel drive vehicle. A good car to run errands and do other family chores, and even longer trips - ride is firm but comfortable.

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  Cant wait to buy another... - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jmonk - January 5 - 7:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned; responsive, fun to drive; reliable and comfortable during the long drives. The new styling is appealing and the improvements to the interior affords storage and accessibility without taking your eyes off the road. I bought my Forester in February, so I was able to test its AWD ability...I was impressed. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone young or old. The base model offers just more than enough options.

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  I love everything about it. - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By mqbruno - January 4 - 6:40 am

  I drove every small car and just couldnt decide until the 2012 redesigned Impreza finally came out. Its extremely comfortable, has plenty of pickup, and is just the right size. Of course the all wheel drive is a plus and on my first all highway trip got 40 mpg.

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  Impressed first time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By New to Subaru - January 3 - 3:10 pm

  I am a first time Subaru owner and have been very impressed with this vehicle. I drive an average of 30k miles per year and have not experienced a single problem with this car (knock on wood). PZEV is not noticeable and it is nice to be able to reduce emissions so effortlessly! 28mpg on average (20% city/80% highway) mostly at 75-80 mph in the mountains, goes anywhere (deep snow, snow packed roads and ice) and it is comfortable. The 5-speed manual is essential as the non-turbocharged automatics are sluggish. Have had it on mild off road trails and the clearance/traction combination is great. As long as you take it slow, it will make it with flying colors!

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  Our second scooby - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By tscascade1 - January 3 - 10:33 am

  For those looking for a purely utilitarian vehicle, this is it. It eats up anything wet, snowy, or off pavement. Great for outdoorsy families. The unfortunate drawbacks are the ride quality and the noise. When driving this car I sometimes feel like the thing is on a Jell-o mold. The body roll,the acceleration squat, and the brake dive is annoying. It is also grossly underpowered for a 3200 pound cube. If you can bring yourself to do it, settle for the 4-speed automatic. The M/T feels like a broomstick connected to a pillow. Fortunately, it comes in turbo trim and may be worth the premium fuel cost to get the motor & suspension upgrades. In the end, at its price point, nothing comes close!

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  ELITE CAR - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By DENHAMLOT - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST SPORTS CAR EVER MADE ITS EVEN FASTER WITH MODS

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  Stick Shift Problems - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By sewerwitch - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Limited Wagon has lots of room and a great auto to drive on Vermont ski trips. But - we had to replace the clutch at 28000 miles and again at 52000 miles. At first we thought it was my wifes driving (but she had driven stick shift cars for many years)now we think it is a design flaw. Plus when reving the engine to drive up an incline a horrible smell would enter the cabin. A transmission seal leak??

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  Fast, awesome handling, great braking - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By NavyGuy - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  This car is amazing, purchased one over an EVO and havent looked back. The car is amazing on the straight aways and truly shines in the corners. Nothing compares.

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  2006 Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By K Barnes - January 1 - 2:10 pm

  I wanted a car for snow trips that got better mileage than my gas guzzling Jeep Wrangler. I average 22-24 in town and once got 31 mpg going 65 on the flats of Utah. It is a stick. Does great in snow. It is also roomy because of its boxy shape. The rear seat footroom is minimal however. The headrests are too far forward. The black dotted material on the door will chafe your elbows if you rest them there. I find the car quiet which others say is noisy. Car has tight turning radius. Did not buy it for its looks. Is functional not fashionable. High ground clearance prevents a lot of bottoming out. Needs a telescoping steering wheel. Have to reach too far to reach wheel with seat back.