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 winter car, has some quirks - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By ajc1961 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for winter driving in NJ and it was FANTASTIC considering the brutal winters for 2002-4. Some quirks Ive noticed are the occasional burning smell coming from the vents after bad weather driving (probably an AWD thing) and a whistling windshield in high crosswinds when all windows are rolled up. Neither of these can be addressed by the dealer, of course. Through various internet user groups, it seems these are common Subaru quirks and although annoying, are mostly sporatic and shouldnt deter anyone from buying this car.

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  Super Subaru - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By RDC913 - December 17 - 7:40 am

  I just got my BAJA Turbo and I love it. All my friends and even my wife have been against the BAJA because of its looks. Personally I love the way it looks. I have never been one to let anyone influence my decisions. Thats why its parked in my driveway now. So far I am very pleased with it and Im very glad I got the Turbo. Its very powerful and the functional hood scoop looks awesome!! The interior is simple but I sold my BMW 325 convertible to get one of these so its a slight adjustment. I snowboard and wanted a vehicle that would do well in the snow. The reviews from other BAJA owners sold me. I cant wait to use it this coming winter. I wish these would come back into production.

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  Great all-purpose vehicle - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By DenverGuy - December 17 - 4:06 am

  We looked at a number of small SUVs and wagons and went with the Outback for a number of reasons: comfort, MPG, and functionality. The other small SUVs did not ride well and seemed cheaply made (including Toyota and Honda). The ride quality in a wagon is way better and does everything I need it to do. MPG (28 hwy, 22mpg city) has been better than advertised, which is rare. Great resale in Colorado and low operating costs. Only 500 miles on it so far so I cant comment on long term reliability.

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  03 Forester 2.5X (5spd.) - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By cruadin - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is peppy, agile, and comfortable. Its design is well thought out and it has a roomy interior for both passengers and cargo. I was reluctant to move from the six cylinder engines of my previous vehicles to a four banger, but this Subaru engine delivers plenty of horsepower. The bonus from that is much better fuel economy with little noticeable drop in vehicle power.

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  subaru review - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Court - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my subaru! I am a student at Appalachian State University, in Boone, North Carolina. I am an avid snow skiier and the all wheel drive traction offered by Subaru goes unsurpassed amongst its competitors.

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  street king - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By illest34 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  its a great feeling to have knowing that you have the quickest and fast ride at any intersection almost all the time (except for those expensive 350hp plus sports cars, and coupes). looks arent that bad and is unique, interior not that cheap and is functional, performance/handling/acceleration is outstanding, seats are comfortable. acceleration is quick after 3000pms, so it needs a good reving up. ive had my WRX for 3 weeks and ive been taking cats out

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  Love my Tribeca! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jerri - December 15 - 7:43 am

  I love this car, recently put the AWD to test. The car handled very nice on the slick snow covered roads. I felt very secure and safe driving it.

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  I love my Scubie! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By finsprings - December 15 - 6:36 am

  Ive had my WRX for coming on 4 years now. My buddy had one of the old style ones back in Britain, before they were available in the US. As soon as they came out here I got one and Ive loved it ever since. You just cant get more performance, handling and fun for your money.

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  competent, good looking and inexpensive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By socalsubaru - December 14 - 7:40 am

  Looked at a lot of cars, never owned a Subaru before. Checked out the Legacy and was impressed with price, features and looks, not to mention AWD. Have had the car 2000 miles now and Im pretty satisfied. Average mileage says 24.3 on avg on the onboard computer, handles nice and smooth, nice storage for golf clubs, nice onboard computer and digital compass in rearview mirror; little short in leg room - emergency brake hits thigh and dead pedal is a little short in height (I wear size 11), floormat hook sticks up too far catches my shoe, a/c is weird - will blow ice cold/then not so cold/ice cold/not so cold in a cycle (dealer says this is normal!),

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  2014 vs 2018 crosstrek - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Dexter - December 14 - 7:36 am

  I had a 2014 crosstrek hybrid touring @ 75,000miles and i traded for a new 2018 base model CVT. The base has everything i ever used! The update was such an improvement. Tweaked suspension feels Better, better CVT drivability (can accelerate @ 2,000rpm as hard as the older could @ 2800rpm) for town driving, heres to hoping the new one actually is more durable! (2014 had front suspension and 3 wheel bearings (@ 50,000), and a front axle replaced (@75,000. Was getting repaired when i test drove new model). I work from the vehicle doing a newspaper route.