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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  Descent, not great - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By talldude - February 26 - 4:06 am

  A solid performer in snow and enough backseat room for child seats, the 2 main reasons we bought this. We bought private party, single owner with receipts. The previous owners had to buy head gaskets (80k) and a 5 spd transmission overhaul at 110k; shortly after purchase (at 114k) I had to replace front wheel bearings, and shortly after that the clutch started to chatter (had been replaced at 80k). High wind noise at highway speeds. The car is too heavy and the engine works too hard most of the time. With the exception of excellent traction control, this is a very average car in all other respects. I wish Subie would build small light AWD cars again, thats what they do best.

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  Best valued car taking everything into account - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Alberto - February 25 - 7:38 pm

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  The Good the Bad and the Ugly - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By george - February 24 - 2:33 pm

  Picked up this 05 Subaru in March. The good: performance, looks, handling, utility. The bad: gas mileage, low ground clearance, turbo lag or engine revving in automatic. The ugly: For over 2 weeks it was in for a rattle behind dash, which was then entirely removed, and waited for new foam piece. The back for check engine light twice. Have the car back now for 1 week and hope nothing else goes wrong. This is my second Subie because I think I got a good price since last years model, and was less than the Audi A3 or A4 with awd. Performance is good though gas mileage stinks. And I dont like the way the auto transmission revs then shifts. I find myself using the paddle buttons or sport-shift.

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  Shouldnt you own one to review it? - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ironcow - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Seems like there a lot of test drive reviews here, not owner reviews. Great balance of practically and fun (erroring on the fun side). Exactly, what I hoped. I just hope its reliable in long run.

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  Great Vacation - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By musketball - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My 01 Forester L is all I expected,I had a 92 Legacy LS before so I knew I was getting a great vehical,I did all the research and read all the reports I could before I purchased it,its a pleasure to drive,my dog and I drove from central Florida to visit my son in Colorado,it was a real pleasure to drive on the road,we drove it up Pikes Peak to check it out at 14110 ft. elevation, it didnt know it was at elevation, it ran like it was at sea level.

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  GREAT! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Outback Sedan Driver - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The Outback Sedan 4 cyl is great. When i bought it, the 6er was not out yet.

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  Always looking forward to driving - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Lucas - February 24 - 6:20 am

  So far at 5k miles I am happy. This car has exceptional power and still gets ~23mpg with spirited driving. I have not driven much in the snow with the car, but so far the AWD has been great at keeping me gripping all the time. Transmission is smooth although the clutch makes odd noises occasionally. Seats are comfy. The tires should be upgraded at some point, however so far they are evenly wearing. Trunk in sedan is short where it meets the back seats. The brakes dont seem quite as "grippy" as one would assume. Also road noise is loud in this car, but I can deal with that. The stereo is somewhat weak but the engine is wonderful to listen to. Overall very satisfied with purchase.

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  Follow-up review...still satisfied! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By TAS - February 23 - 11:20 pm

  Its been a year since I wrote a review on my B7 Tribeca. It now has roughly 21,000 miles and Im still very glad I purchased it. My wife loved driving it in the snow this past winter. Only minor complaints are 1. I have to stay on top of the service mgr at the dealership when its in...which fortunately isnt often, and 2. rusty brake calipers.

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  Great car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Donald Smith - February 23 - 6:16 am

  Ive put almost 10,000 miles on my special edition Impreza and have loved every mile. Great in snow covered, wet and dry road conditions. I spent over a year deciding which car to buy and Im glad I chose the Subaru.

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  My own review and opinion of the 2.5RS - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By robertfusco - February 22 - 11:10 pm

  Awesome and fun car to drive and handles curves and turns with ease thanks to the rs suspension and of course the AWD.Plenty of power and a monstourous amount of torque for the NA 2.5 liter Horizontally Opposed boxer 4. Drop the clutch in first and your off no skidding/sliding you just go 2nd and third and fourth gears have a good firm pull to 5800 with some power power drop off heading to 6000. Comfortable buckets seats hug you nice and tight but can get some aches on long road trips.