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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  A pure drivers car for under 30K - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By mightymeeple - March 8 - 11:05 am

  Others both professional and amateur have reviewed this car all over the internet. Let me confirm that the positive hyperbole is actually warranted. Incredible sports car for the money. If you are a car enthusiast, you must drive this car. Steering is quick and nimble, suspension is firm and confident, acceleration could be better, but who cares when you are giggling and grinning as you carve up any curve with confidence. The boxer rumble is nice, I wouldnt mind some more noise from the stock exhaust. Weak points are what you would expect: small trunk, small backseat, low entry into car tough for taller folks (Im 62" and can get in okay).

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  Nice car, but one issue - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By dtom1 - March 7 - 4:22 am

  I bought it in January of 2011 and so far its great. It is fun to drive, has lots of grip and feels a lot safe inside. Now the issue. When the cars engine is hot and as it move backwards with the AC on and no gas pedal applied, the engine vibrates a lot as if its coming to stop, but at the next moment it comes back to normal.The engine sound also changes drastically when the car moves from idle in forward or reverse direction with the AC on. Ive also noticed that when Im idling at a traffic signal with the AC on, the engine is coming to a stop, but at the next moment it comes back to normal. There is no problem when the AC is not on and when the car attains speed with the AC on.

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  Great car, and Im spoiled - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By msurles1 - March 3 - 4:15 am

  My last 3 cars have been Lexus sedans, so Im spoiled. But when it came time for a new car, I wanted more sane payments, and a car more suited to my new home where we get some snow and ice in the winter. I have to say I am thoroughly satisfied with my new 2013 Outback Limited. Its adequately comfortable, smooth, quiet, and solid, and has enough amenities so that I dont miss my Lexus (OK, I do, but not the payments or poor performance in snow). I got the 4, but get the 6 cylinder if you want the full luxury SUV feel.

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  Not friendly enough for elder - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By PISC - February 23 - 8:13 am

  I like to see the 2011 Subaru outback to add power tailgate option. So, my grandpa can buy it since he like it very much. But he will not buy it because he has no strength to close the hatch back without others help.

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  Love my Subey - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By writerdianalee - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car out from under some poor teenage boy that had it bad for it ... and have never regretted it since. I havent had one single real problem with it. Im ready to sell it because its lower to the ground than my 48 year old knees can bear anymore, ,that will be a move I regret The car moves around curves like a dream. I once had to swerve to avoid another car on the freeway and that Subaru held the road like a snail on the side of a house. Probably saved our lives. In California, its the best kind of car to drive. Shes a keeper.

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  Wish Id Bought Another Toyo Sienna - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Andy - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I researched and compared the Subaru Forester Premium with a Toyota Sienna, 2010 models. Because the Toyo was about $4,000 more I decided to go with the Subaru. Do I regret that decision! Ive taken my Subaru to the dealer three times already since I purchased it in August. The car is very noisy upon start-up, but fine once I drive. Every start-up is noisy. The dealer keeps saying its part of Subarus design, but Im not buying it. Also, after about a month of driving, I continue to hear the rear seats rattle. If I could return this car Id do so w/o hesitation. The ext/inter design is okay, but I certainly regret not buying the Toyota Sienna! Think twice before buying a Subaru.

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  good car and bad luck? - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By quinn2012 - February 15 - 10:29 pm

  Just have a brand new 2012 Impreza basic model for a week. Good power, smooth CVT transmission, relatively high MPG, and large interior space. Everything works great until I had a flat tire during a long trip. The tire shop cannot find any object in the tire and suggested a possible manufacturing defect. I only have 250 miles on that car.

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  Sedan with Soul - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By resipsa99 - February 15 - 4:36 pm

  The GT is lightning quick when the turbo kicks in at 3000 rpm. Need to get up to speed quickly to merge onto a crowded highway? Just open up the 250hp turbo and hold on. The handling is solid and inspires confidence -- push hard on a twisty back road and the car stays firmly planted beneath you. The exterior styling is aggressive yet clean, with much more personality than its competitors. The interior is perfectly adequate, though some pieces are cheap looking for a car of this price. Leather is almost a necessity, since the only cloth option is not very attractive. Compared to its competitors, you sacrifice some luxury and options for performance, but its well worth it.

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  Great car with room for improvement - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By dronchi - February 15 - 4:00 am

  This car is a great compromise. As such however there is no one thing that it does particularly well. For instance, acceleration is great, but the engine is prone to detonation with California 91 octane gas. Handling is decent, but the car feels a bit heavy. Noise levels are fairly low, but the stearing response is somewhat mushy due to soft bushings. If you are looking for a racer, this may not be the car for you. If you are looking for a practical car that is fun to drive then you should take a look at this car. One thing I will say is that Ive beaten the crap out of this car by driving like mad most of the time and the care still runs great.

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  good car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By james - February 13 - 8:46 am

  So far car has been nice. But itÂ’s not as comfortable with 5 people in it even with 3 being kids. But for me it is only a second car and used mainly to get back and forth from work. This car has been a nice surprise, going from my Jeep Grand Cherokee. That I loved (just not the many trips to the gas stations) but going to this has not been too bad. I miss some toys but this car has a lot more sporty of a ride. So far so good.