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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  Swiss Army Knife - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By pulse1 - February 14 - 10:24 am

  This car does it all. needed a car that would carry my family, safely, over the blizzard strewn highways surrounding the great lakes. This is the car for the job. Extra niceties include safety, cargo area, people area, a nice interior finish and great highway MPG. I like this car.

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  Still disappointed after 2 years - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Disappointed in De - February 12 - 12:50 pm

  From the day, I drove it off the lot, it has had squeaks. I have had it in four times and the dealer has never been able to make any improvements. Drivers area is cramped.

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  No car is perfect - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pjellison - February 11 - 12:16 am

  Overall the car is acceptable. The ride is comfortable and the interior design is pleasing. The right rear tire tread wore out at 20,0000. The dealer said the axle was bent. I replaced all 4 tires, the originals were not good quality. The quality of the ivory cloth seats are poor. Any spill or cleaner leaves a stain. The distinct line with the headlights are distracting. Oncoming cars frequently think I have on high beams. My hands do not grip the non-leather steering wheel (required a steering wheel grip).

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  1000 miles and heres the verdict - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Jeff Block - February 6 - 6:00 pm

  Im a Subaru newbie. Made the decision to move away from Toyota in favor of the Tribeca based on its looks and features. Having now traveled in the car for over 1000 miles here are my gripes: 1) The steering wheel mounted audio controls are poorly placed. I seem to always change the radio station every time I make a hard turn. 2) Poor gas mileage. Averaging 18.6 highway miles per gallon. 3) I feel no difference from regular drive mode to Sport mode. 4) Fit and Finish on the leather seats is poor. Lots of bunched up spots. 5) Not enough small storage room for sunglasses, wallet, Garmin, etc... 6) The Good-Year tires that it came with stink in the snow! 7) Audio controls are layed out odd

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  Baja Turbo - Colorado - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By hatake - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Recommend to those who a) haul large object every now and then (it is not a pickup truck, its a car with a small bed), b) dont race (if you do, go with Forester or WRX), c) live in higher altitude (above 8,000 ft) and still need responsive engine, d) not too concerned about gas mileage (about 22 mpg), e) like the looks (at least able to tolerate), and f) if your bike costed more than $1500 and always nervous when it is on roofrack. Its a good alternative car for regular light DIY Home Depot kind of folks.

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  Start your day with a smile - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Curt - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my wagon for a little less than a year, and it has been all good. I love to drive this car for any given reason. Need milk? Ill go. It may take me twice as long after I take the long route, but I will come home with a smile on my face. The handling is excellent right out of the box, and can be made even better with some better tires. The power comes on smooth, and once you get used to the turbos characteristics, it is no problem keeping this car in the power. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for affordable fun

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  Like it so far - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Roy - January 31 - 9:30 pm

  Currently we only have 6000 miles on the car, and so far it is very enjoyable. The ride is very smooth and sure.

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  Great car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Bart* - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle -- very pleased with it. Smooth ride, looks good, good gas mileage for this sized car (truck?).

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  Sherock - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Sherock - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this qasi SUV. It drives great - handles the turns great and my mechanic says that it is a great car and I should have many happy miles with it.

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  Dales Review - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By dale - January 26 - 5:56 am

  Fun to drive. Ive pushed the car hard, that is Ive driven it into a 3" ditch full of snow and it drove out and through the corn field with no problems. Ive push it to the limit of having the car on three wheels while going around cones and even one small rally run. Roll of house carpet fits. Tinting the rear windows really makes the car look sharp. I think the car has enought power for what it is.