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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  I love the WRX! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian - November 30 - 7:53 am

  Performance that cant be beat for the price! Much more solid than the SRT-4 and superior handling to the Mustang. The WRX is great through the turns or on the highway. Interior is comfortable but the cup holders are a nuisance. The car is suited for any and every condition (try taking it on some dirt roads for a real treat!) and is a pleasure to drive. Headlights arent strong enough for a vehicle of this performance and the brakes are a bit squishy, but the car can take a beating and keep on going!

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  Way better than standard impreza - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By belchfire - November 25 - 11:20 pm

  We were in the market for a new car. We own a 2000 impreza and have been very pleased with it. 230K miles and very few problems. I saw that the 2012 impreza with the 2.0 engine and CVT transmission was rated @36 MPG. This is super mileage for an AWD vehicle. I test drove one and wasnt completely sold on it. I trashed the shocks, brakes and the fact that the base model doesnt have cruise control. There must have been a hidden microphone because not long after the crosstrek was introduced. They fixed everything. Better suspension, huge killer brakes, bigger gas tank & radiator and a lower gear ratio. Nice 17" wheels and a more ridged body structure. Much, much better car 30+ mpg so far.

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  Didnt look twice @ Subaru until now - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Subie 4 Life - November 23 - 6:00 pm

  This is a 2nd review nearly 1.5 years after initial. I changed the performance rating to an 8, prev. was 10. The ECU Map seemed a bit hiccupy. Peaks and valleys thr/out the power band. Subaru recalled for ECU issues. Reflashed the ECU and it helped, however not as it should. I have since "tuned" the car w/ aftermarket mapping and parts. Power output is about 350 hp and 380 tq. Very smooth and usable power now. I lowered the exterior rating because of the tail lights. They really bother me! The front grille is out of place too. Nav system is still clumsy to operate and not very accurate. I have gotten used to the lack of amenities. Still smitten by a true 4 season perf. car.

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  Not a MiniVan - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By steveni1234 - November 21 - 12:33 pm

  After test driving CUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Ford, the Subaru was a very pleasant surprise. The engine is very drivable around town and the ride experience is as luxurious as the premium brands. The Tribeca feels more like a car as opposed to the minivan roots of the Toyota Venza and the Ford Edge. Interior room for five is exceptional and rear storage area is huge. Build quality approaches the luxury brands. If you are in the market for a vehicle in this class, test drive them carefully. My experience did not match up with the reviews on this site. It was almost as if the experts were driving different cars!!!

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  I like it... so far - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By jeanniebutt2 - November 20 - 10:50 am

  When you read this review please keep in mind that this is my first v4, awd, suvish car. i bought the forester primarily because i was looking for a small suv that could handle the snow and more rugged terrain, had more cargo room, and was environmentally friendlier (pzev was a big draw). Overall i would say that my experience has been good. The handling is not great although I think that may be because im used to low profile cars and the acceleration isnt great - it tends to stick on some gears. As a lot of other people mentioned, the stereo stinks but i only noticed rattle over speed bumps. im averaging 23 - 25 mpg combined so far.

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  An opinion - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Steve - November 20 - 5:56 am

  I have enjoyed driving this vehicle. Tight construction, firm seats, sport shift is fun to use. To date Ive averaged 18.9 miles p/gal overall driving. We had a recent 300 +/- mile highway trip and we got 22.9 mpg. I would prefer better mileage, especially today, but the vehicle has meet my expectations and Im very pleased with it. This is my first SUV and it is truly easy in, easy out. I had my first winter with this car and it was fantastic in the snow. I would buy another one.

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  CANT BEAT THE VALUE - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By J CHAMBERS - November 17 - 2:43 am

  I traded in a 2004 VW Touareg with v6 engine which gave me more problems than I car to report. Electrical, transmission and no power. I purchased a B9 Tribeca a few days ago and comparing the two vehicles, the Subaru in my opinion the Subaru is a better value dollar to dollar on both base models.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Bostonian - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price tag. Yes, it lacks some horsepower, yes it could have a little nicer interior, but for the money, this is a great car. Very nice handling, has plenty of pep for everday driving, passing, etc... Beautiful looking exterior, and the leather interior is definately top notch. I take frequent trips to northern vermont for skiing, and have not problems. Tears through snow, comfortable for lengthy drives, good sounds system, and just an overall safe car with airbags, etc...

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  Theres something about a subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Just bought - November 14 - 12:23 pm

  I just bought a new azurite blue 2.5 cvt legacy and have been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the ride is. So much that I find it easier to feel sleepy in lol! Ive owned a 2002 wrx and didnt expect the acceleration to be as it was on that vehicle because the focus was on fuel economy this time. The roomy interior is almost cuv like. Coming from a coupe (civic ex) it seems cavernous, but it seems so much larger than most sedans too. This was a strong selling point while I was also considering a forester at the time as well. Turning radius makes u turns easy and quick! Im glad i cam back to a subie! Plus the drivers side seat is ideal for tall and short people, wonderful driver seats

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Stiltd - November 14 - 12:20 pm

  This is almost the perfect performance car. Its handling, acceleration and braking are 80% of a supercar, but for 30% of the price. It gets all the right kind of attention (people complimenting its good looks) & none of the wrong kind. Engine has good power, transmission ratios are perfect, & AWD is awesome. Seats feel great, interior is very mature, all controls are easy to reach & the climate control system works perfectly. This is my first non-US made car, and while there are few things I miss, I can see why Detroit is in big trouble. I think its one of the best looking cars of all time. BTW, gas mileage is BETTER than rated! (Insurance is higher than expected).