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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  my Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By jb - August 30 - 4:36 pm

  Really handles well on dirt roads. Has plenty of pick up and go! Love the extra leg room.

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  2005 Legacy GT wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By mikexray - August 30 - 5:36 am

  I bought this car used with 86000 miles, now has 96000 miles.The cars only issue is a whining noise from the engine that I hear only when it is cold.This noise goes away after about 3-4 min of warm up.I live in Montana where there are serious long distance stretches of open highways and I just love the way this car holds the road it feels almost as if its on rails but still rides comfortable.The 250 hp engine really gives it up when you need it.The manual transmission is such a perfect match to the engine that turbo lag is never an issue.After 4 1/2 months I still love it every time I get behind the wheel.Now winter is here and the car is proving its all weather capabilities in the snow.

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  Slow Love Affair - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Chicabags - August 29 - 2:13 pm

  This is my first brand new car and Subaru. My first driving an AWD as well. At first I didnt like it much. It took me a year to appreciate it. In time I experienced how safe it kept in challenging weather, bumping terrain sudden braking. I love how safe it keeps me on the road. This is important to me since I drive quite a bit on a daily basis, street and highway. However, there are a lot of things I would like changed. Appreciate anti-theft features standard with the model.

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  Ive always wanted.... - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By liswal - August 29 - 1:00 pm

  I read the reviews, did my research, and bought the car Ive always wanted. Ive only had it for 4 days. Things I love. The car is comfortable, easy to drive. I love the camera back up feature and the aux for my iPod. Taking my first road trip tomorrow and I cant wait to get it on the open freeway.

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  It just keeps going! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Scuby - August 28 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for its size, performance and reliability. I now have over 100K miles on it and it has had no issues and drives like the day I bought it. I will say the OEM tires had to go at about 15K miles. I also installed sport springs and stiffer sway bars. Those simple improvements greatly increased handling. The automatic has performed perfectly but could use a extra gear which would help in the gas mileage. I do get about 25 MPG overall as I do a lot of highway driving. The fits well in my small garage too.

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  Incredable - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By rickrover - August 28 - 10:00 am

  World class performance all the way. Absolutely increadable - I have never been more satisfied with a performace car purchase. I think this car is an increadable value - I have to stop typing now and go for a drive :-)

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  Subaru Groupie - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Subaru Groupie - August 28 - 8:30 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. They have cornered the market on all wheel drive. You can beat the low center of gravity and feel for the road. My only wish is that they would widen and cushion the seats better. All in all, wouldnt trade in my Subie for anything else. Like any vehicle maintenance and good tires are the keys to the vehicles longevity. Expect 200,000 miles

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  Caution! - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Oshkosh - August 28 - 7:43 am

  Great car all around, sporty, decent power, drives strong. Beware of the leaking head gasket, VERY expensive to repair (3-4k), knock sensor tends to go out at least once, otherwise drives superb in snow and rain with great suspension and AWD, Limited Slip is a plus.

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  Good car, very pleased - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dan - August 27 - 9:30 pm

  85,000 miles and no failures or repairs. This car has been rock-solid from the very beginning and shows no signs of slowing down. The turbo motor makes for some fun driving but I can also get 24-25 mpg on highway cruises. Visibility is top-notch and the built-in safety features are a huge plus. Its not the prettiest car around but thats not why you buy a Forester. Its a do-everything vehicle that doesnt make many compromises to accomplish that goal. Rear seat room could be a touch bigger and thats the only major gripe I can come up with. If my Forester got totaled tomorrow, would I buy another? Yes, without a second thought. All cars should be this good.

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  Good safe family car - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Lloyd - August 27 - 2:26 pm

  This is not a fun or sporty car to drive, but it serves it purpose as a safe family sedan. I bought it because of the AWD that Subaru is known for since I live in a hilly area in Northeast. The 2.5 engine lacks power and acceleration. There also seems to be lag accelerating from full stop. Cornering is just ok. The safety features are very good. Blind spot warning came in handy a few times when I pulled out of parking spot and a car suddenly zoomed by or pedestrian running by. Eyesight doesnt work well in fog or sun glare. The dashboard will warn you when Eyesight is turned off. Eyesight will trigger warning if youre cruising and the car infront of you suddenly breaks. Lane departure warning is very sensitive and can trigger erroneously if you drive over a tar line patch on the road. Overall, this is a good safe car and I plan on passing down to my kids once they start driving. Its better that they dont drive a high perfornance car.