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:

• 

  Why the Subaru is Vermonts State Animal - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By catperson9 - April 12 - 7:35 am

  We bought this SUV in July 2013 and now have 6,600 miles on it, using it only in summers at our cabin in Vermont and storing it all winter. We average 27 mpg in Green Mountain driving, get up to 31 mpg. The Forester rides and handles well. Alleged noise from engine, CVT and road is actually no problem. Visibility is unparalleled. Cargo capacity is enormous. If anything, the car is a bit too big for my preference; its truck-sized. But, in a Subaru plus, controls are simple. (We have no nav, since we tend to know where we are, or excessive infotainment nonsense.) Consumer Reports ranked the Forester tops in class, and we can endorse that. Id buy another.

• 

  Ohio Subie - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By zhto - April 10 - 11:26 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Forester XT Prem. Still breaking it in so not driving it hard. So far, completely impressed with the handling, and comfort, and "kick". Great amount of space. Love the option to recline rear seats an extra few degrees for passengers on long trips. Purposely did not purchase the Limited because I did not need the extra bells and whistles. However, great price for the product. iPhone aux in arm rest space is wonderful. Huge moon roof. Actually looking forward to winters and hard rains. Just became a Subie die hard. Felt it did need 5 speeds for the auto shift rather than 4. Im certain Ill still be able to smoke some other drivers with the turbo.

• 

  Nothing else like it - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Subaru_You - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Analyzed hundreds of vehicles for: Child safety; Appearance; Fun; Economy; Performance; 4-doors; and cargo capacity. Came down to four vehicles: Subaru Baja; Honda Element; Toyota 4Runner and RAV4. Baja came out on top for me. Local Subaru dealership beat my credit union on financing. Also got the 03 Baja well below invoice. Driving the Baja confirms the right choice: AWD, superb handling, tight, solid, and quiet. Fuel economy that is good. Audio upgrade sounds great, and more useful features than a Swiss Army knife. Work for a tech company with a parking lot full of grey BMW and Benz. Glad I didnt go down that expensive and typical route.

• 

  03 baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By daskmjeg - April 10 - 2:00 am

  My first reaction to the Baja as "get a real truck...one that you can acutally do something with". I ended up looking at this vehicle by accident. Once I was how versitile it was, I fell in love with it. The switchback is great to get lumber and such in the vehicle. With the bed extender and the tailgate that supports 700 lbs., there is little I cant do with it! The subaru awd system is incredible. the baja hugs all the mountainous winding roads. The ride is smooth over bumpy roads; more so than any domestic car i have travelled it. The baja is well constructed. No squeaks or rattles. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dr. - April 10 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought this car--Subaru WRX STI--I was stunned. Its performance is beyond comprehension and has great acceleration which makes this car match up to a Porsche 911 GT3.Its interior is sporty--not to mention expensive-looking and the exterior is excellent and craftmanship is good as well. I was happy with this purchase and you will be, too.

• 

  This Car Is Great - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Pre-diddy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car so far, and I expect it to continue to be so for a while. The power and acceleration is excellent, (with the turbo providing a fantastic rush) as is braking and handling. Not to mention its 4 doors and AWD suit my needs perfectly. The gear box is great and I love its "center weighted" feel. Also the little touches like the IC spray, rev light/beep and adjustable level HIDs, and Driver Controled Center Diff are all icing on the cake.

• 

  spice - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By merle - April 9 - 2:43 pm

  I love my Outback. Its one of two we have; the other, a 97, is also in excellent shape and reliable. I feel very safe and secure when driving or a passenger in either Outback. Especially after a long winter!

• 

  Great Car but get the Turbo - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By alan akselrad - April 9 - 3:10 am

  I have had some great cars, but, never one that was so perfect on all fronts. The turbo is great for city driving and fun on the highway. The car from 0-60 in 6 seconds/ and has great brakes. Btw-that speed is my old 1995 BMW M3 speed. The cost/ safety factor/ reliability is great. It had not let me down ever. And costs little to maintain. It has a really good sound system/ great visibility/ great on gas/ great on interior storage. I am never afraid of getting stuck in the snow.

• 

  Perfect for Petites - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By peggym - April 7 - 2:50 pm

  When shopping for a used car, I knew what I wanted. I had to have this car for one reason only. I am only 411" and have trouble with visibility when turning to see blindspots and out the back window. This is the ONLY car that I actually feel safe in (and I have test driven MANY!!). It was a toss up between this car and the Mazda3. This one definitely won out for performance and safety features. If you or someone in your life is petite, this is the BEST find for comfortability. My husband who is close to 6 feet tall is just as comfortable driving this car as I am. Its a win-win.

• 

  Best Wagon for $30K - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By VDC_Scooby - April 7 - 12:20 pm

  The Outback handles great in every day driving around town or on the highway. Steering is light and responsive. The Outbacks 3.0R engine delivers plenty of refined power with a hint of growl. The transmission delivers that power unobtrusively. I normally leave SI drive in Intelligent mode but when necessary "sport sharp" mode (S#) provides that extra punch. The Outbacks raised ride height means more suspension travel (take that speed bumps!) and it has a smooth ride over rough surfaces. I think the Outback looks the part of a luxury wagon. The interior is upscale and comparable to my 2004 Passat. The materials feel substantial and fit and finish are excellent. Braking is very sure.