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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  One of the worst cars I have ever owned - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By New Subaru owner - October 11 - 8:36 pm

  Nice car in many respects, but the engine hesitation when starting out from a complete stop is terrible. Gets worse as outside temperature gets over 90 and AC is on. Dealer tells me that it is normal. I think a 3 or 4 second hesitation is unsatisfactory and unsafe since you never know what its going to do when you give it some gas.

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  The Ultimate sleeper & Stealth machine! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bren - October 11 - 6:40 pm

  This is our second Forester (my wife drives a 2003 XS with PP). The power of the turbo is outstanding, yet it is still very practical & enjoyable on long drives....went to Washington DC & spent time in cottage country of central Ontario. Looking forward to the winter time with one of the best full time AWD systems in the industry!

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  I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Sharon - October 10 - 9:53 pm

  This is my second Subaru. Theres a world of difference between this one and the 2002 model I had earlier. The wheel wells are larger so I no longer get snow packed in them. (I live in a climate where we get 200 inches of snow a year, so this is important.) The car is roomier and theres more cargo space. The seats are more comfortable and the car is relatively quiet. Ive owned a lot of cars, but this one is my favorite.

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  2.5i Limited with Power Moonroof - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Pat - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the car since August and about 3000 miles later I hit a deer at highway speed. I am a female and was alone at the time. Ive never hit an animal before let alone a deer. The crash ratings on the vehicle lived up to every expectation. The impact was the front end drivers side and fender. I couldnt open the drivers door and I thought the deer was out there dead, but alas he was gone. I was able to maintain control of the vehicle. I didnt hit anyone else and I did not get hurt. The vehicle crumpled as expected, the air bags did not go off as it did not hit all the sensors and the frame was not impacted. I have driven it 5500 miles since the accident and have had no issues.

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  Great Car EXCEPT for - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By bal1013 - October 10 - 8:43 am

  Have 1300 miles on our Outback and we love the room in the front seats, seat could be bit longer on our theighs. City Gas mileage is less than advertised about 18.5, highway around 31 Clock could be bigger but biggest flaw is failure of the doors to lock when car is placed in drive and unlock when in park. This is a safety issue and if I had known or realized this when I was looking at the car I would never have bought it.

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Kevin/Frog - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I was very impressed with my new subaru. It is fun to drive and you feel really safe behind the wheel. You feel like you have complete control of the car in all weather conditions. Not to mention the car is quick and sporty. The only drawback is the thin coat of paint chips easily.

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  Subaru WRX STI awsome performer - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Purcell - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is just plain fun to drive. For a 2.5 liter engine it has neck snapping mid range torque. The exhause note is music to your ears. It is much more of a total package than I had expected. From the Brembo brakes, six speed transmission, 300 ponies and sophisticated all wheel dirve system this car is off the chart for value.

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  l love the WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By BMX881@aol.com - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the most fun sedans on the market today. I love the subaru

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  Great value in a crossover - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Pepe_V - October 9 - 9:20 pm

  Ive driven nearly 3,000 miles on my new Tribeca. I previously drove a Cadillac STS, and wanted a comfortable, sporty ride, that didnt require me to sit so low to the ground. My Tribeca is very comfortable, sporty (for this kind of vehicle), and versatile with the room in back and fold down seats. The nav system is inconsistent - sometimes its great, others, like a trip to central OH last week, it wants to send you 100 miles out of your way. Gas mileage could be better. The 2008 model is good looking, with a smooth engine and terrific all wheel drive at a nice price. It also has lots of storage, cup holders and power ports for family use. Put this on your short list!

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  The style/under-steering is a Boo - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Arrowhead - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I know under-steering is a common AWD problem. But not THIS much!!! At 5,500 rpm and 35mph, it cant corner like any others even with BS S-03. Youd beat a RSX type-R or Celica on open road, but youd never pass any in a race at cornering. This IS a Rally car, and sucks on the road. I turned it into a show car and loan it to people at autoshows. Finally, here is a catch. CHICKS HATE THIS CAR in both my personal experience and consumer research. I spent over $8,000 on make-overs included JDM HID headlights, carbon-fiber hood, and Zero- Sports bodykit/Wing, and women still dont buy it. So if you would like to pick up some hot chicks at night clubs. Give this one up!