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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  Solid SUV - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By ciosavlo - September 25 - 5:36 pm

  Not really had any issues with this car. Its got nice pickup and is a blast to drive. Can routinely out drive the bigger v-6s. This Sube is like all the others, solid engine, drivetrain, and external parts. Some rust a bit quick than others, but you can tell some real design went into this car. Drawbacks are the interior. Rear seat is cramped, but hardly every use the rear seat so its worth the trade off. Also, choice of materials inside was weak and has lasted as long as it should.

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  Hot Subaru - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By peter remy - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive had driving since my college club racing days of driving Porsche Speedsters. Living in the Rocky mountains I cant think of a better car-snow,sleet,ice,rain and curvy roads. But you have to stay alert to drive this car.Due to the high torque and quick acceleration you have to judge road conditions before you stomp on it.

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  Lovin it - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By routedashf - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I got the OBS for AWD, performance, and price. The car is a blast to drive, even during break in (sub 4k rpm), has enough power to handle my daily driving, and plenty of cargo space for my recent move. It has great handling in snow and slush. I dont know why people complain about the stereo, maybe they shouldnt compare their old after market stereos to stock? Overall a great car with only a few improvements (see below).

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  My Review - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By smithdc - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Forester has been great. i have had no problems with this vehicle. I recommend it for small families (4 or under.) Having dealt with multiple dealerships, every one has been very friendly and helpful.

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  Not a Station Wagon Anymore! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By CHAK - September 21 - 9:23 am

  The requirements for a new car to replace our 1997 Outback was not to have an SUV nor CUV, but a wagon with 5* safety and AWD. Well, we ended up with the 2010 Outback, which is a combo of all three. Little did we know after we brought car home and seeing it in our garage, this is a large CUV/smaller SUV, not the usual Outback wagon. It is huge and if you are against SUV/CUVs, this is not your vehicle. Not sure how we will deal with driving an SUV, as it seems OK, but, it feels like I am driving a tank. I am also shocked to read neg comments on roof rack.

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  I miss my WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By itsjustmeLL - September 21 - 3:56 am

  I really miss how fun the wrx was to drive and how it handled so well! This is the best bang for your buck if you enjoy having fun when you drive for an affordable cost. Ive driven the G35 and 350Z and I like how this one handles and the control I had over it better. It was super easy to drive, parallel park, zoom in and out of traffic, change lanes, etc. I just thought it was time to get something more mature looking since I wear heels and skirts m-f. Another downer was the 91 gas because the turbo and the 20 mpg for such a little car.

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  A Fine SUV Choice - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By mr_ruez - September 20 - 10:04 am

  When it comes to finding a small AWD wagon with a sunroof and manual transmission, there are only two choices. One is the Jeep Patriot, but that car had some quality control issues that Im not sure were overcome, plus it looks like a toaster on wheels. The Forester fits the bill - not too fancy, not too plain, just right! There is plenty of room for full sized people. The black fabric on the seats and doors has subtle copper colored accents that add a nice look. You get easy entry and exit due to the large doors and seat height. Once behind the wheel it drives sporty with very few blind spots, and the huge sunroof brings in the great outdoors!

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  Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By ib76 - September 19 - 11:53 am

  I was very excited about my new car, but only for 2 weeks. I purchased used car with 12,000 miles. Then problems started- rattles and transmission. My new car didnt accelerate well, made strange noises, took it to the dealer, reflushed transmission and after 3 weeks the same problem came back. Extremely disappointed. Suppose to be fun car to drive but turned out to be a complete disaster. After 3 months I traded in my Tribeca, of course lost a lot of money : (.

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  Drivers seat is uncomfortable - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By jannys - September 19 - 10:00 am

  We have the 35th Anniv Edition-L model. The dual sunroofs are great. I love the car..so far, so good for me. The problem is that my husband finds the front drivers seat very uncomfortable during a long ride. Weve tried different cushions, now were trying it without the cushions. There should be lumbar support. He has wide shoulders, and the bolstered seat is snug on him.Hes only 58" and the seat bothers his legs also. After driving larger cars (like Ford Taurus) the driving area does seem compact. People advise him that over time hell get used to it..well see. So in the meantime, I can do the driving and enjoy it!

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  my black beauty - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By car enthuz - September 13 - 6:26 pm

  Ive owned my 04 sti for about a year and have been pleased! Good everyday car, avg 20 mpg. Lowered so bumpy but drives like a dream. My water pump went out resulting in overheating, resulting in a header job at about 100k mi so keep an eye out for that. Had I caught the overheat before I did, she coulda been spared the trama. The good news, I have an xs exaust and wow, the sound! Ive taken down (in speed and sound) many a mustang gt, gto, RTcharger and many v8 trucks with all kinds of loud exhausts. The sound isnt a cheap "bumble bee in a can" sound, its a full "Im eating your soul" sound. I even put it up to a 1976 stingray (vet) I won, mutually.