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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  A Fantastic Road Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Don Adams Albany NY - May 9 - 4:30 pm

  I have owed 3 Subaru WRXs. This time I got the STI. Fast, determined, predictable and so easy to drive. I could live in this car and drive it 24 hours a day. It safely takes me to and from work and the performance on the highway keeps me from harms way. All wheel drive is killer in the winter. Braking is amazing and handling superb. I am in love with my car.

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  A good purchase overall - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Blackjack72 - May 9 - 6:36 am

  Overall, I like this car. I considered buying a Forester a few years ago, but I couldnt get over the wagon-type exterior and small back seat. The 2009 Forester looks better and is bigger inside. I have almost 3,000 miles now and I enjoy the ride and the interior and exterior styling. I definitely love the moonroof. I am 64" and I have enough room in the drivers and rear seat. The major concern I have is the weak stereo. You have to turn the volume at least halfway to hear it, and even higher when listening to the iPod. I havent encountered any snow yet here in New England, but if this car is as good as my previous Legacy, Ill be happy. Mileage is good for an AWD vehicle.

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  Great Choice - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Lou - May 7 - 11:33 pm

  Ive owned my Subaru for 1 month and Im loving it! It handles great and is just a pleasure to drive.

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  What A Great Car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By WVRICK - May 6 - 10:16 pm

  I got my Legacy Premium yesterday and what a great car. Traded a 2009 Honda Civic that was like a ski on snow. This feels like a much more expensive car than it cost. It is solid, stable, smooth and very comfortable. Drove through drifting snow on the Interstate at highway speeds and couldnt tell the difference from the dry road. I gave it a 9 on performance because it is not a sports car. The power is adequate, not blazing, but I knew that when I bought it. I even got an $80 break on my insurance with the Legacy over the Honda.

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  My new XT Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pthal - May 6 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this car in 5/05 using the 1,000 dealer incentive for a total of $28,600 (traded in a BMW 328i). All around it has great power but drives a little more like a SUV than I thought it would--sits higher than the previous model. Handling cant compare to a BMW but the acceleration is great. Love my bike rack and Im impressed by the quality of the interior. The more aggressive stance of the car is what appealed to me vs. previous version.

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  Wonderful car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By smurf007blue - May 6 - 11:36 am

  I suggest if you ever get the opportunity to buy this car and it is within your grasp, do it. It is a really reliable car so fun to drive. Keep in mind however it can take a little getting used to if youre tall.

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  It grows on you.... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Amberg - May 4 - 8:30 pm

  Traded a 2002 Honda CR-V manual for the 3.6R Outback auto. I live on an acreage and drive gravel every day, plus after this winter realized I needed the ground clearance. With snow tires (must have) it will be a tank. Most CUVs have gotten lower to the ground; Subie is tops here. Love the smooth, quiet power of the flat six; wish the engine came with a manual but paddle shifters will help wean me from my manual preference. I still have a Miata stick so ok compromise.

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  Ranch Mom Liking 08 OB - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ranch Mom - May 3 - 3:40 pm

  After 3 years of researching I decided it was time to downsize from my Ford Excursion. I love my Excursion, but couldnt stomach the cost of driving it any longer. Even though the Subaru is a world apart from my "bus", I am getting used to the small size. The Ltds fit and finish compared to other crossover vehicles was far superior. It is smooth to drive and after two tanks Ive averaged 28 mpg in mixed driving. Im 6 foot tall and with the much loved sunroof, the head room is tight and the leg room is adequate, while the backseats leg room is snug for adults. I enjoyed driving the XT but with the premium fuel requirement and decreased mpg I couldnt justify it.

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  Versatile - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By jim kilgore - May 3 - 3:30 pm

  With the 3rd and 4th seats folded down flat there is room to pack a kid back to college. Has nice power and is sporty.

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  Didnt look twice @ Subaru until now - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By 08STI - May 3 - 12:40 pm

  I have always been of the mind that performance equals American V8s. I bought this STI and quickly changed my mind. I am in my 30s and needed something a bit more, well, practical. I hate to say it. Decent mileage for 305 horses coupled with all wheel drive. I average about 19 city w/ short freeway commutes. This car will haul, groceries, kids, adults, large dogs, and large objects, all at a thrilling pace. It has a firm ride but not harsh. When you drive it, you can tell it means more business than just ho hum commutes. I would recommend this to any person looking for "usefulness" without leaving performance driving pleasure behind.