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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  Good power but skeptical about the else - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By iizqueue - December 20 - 2:15 am

  This SUV has solid power train. Would rate it higher if I purchased premium or limited. The power train has little difference from the basic to touring. But extras are definitely not worth $10k. Nav is a joke. Slow response. Hard to see the screen under sun. And no steering information from the vehicle?? Use your phone instead, because thats actually a better nav system. Mpg. You get 30+ mpg only when driving at 50 mph. At 70~75 mph, you get about 24 mpg. Safety. Eyesight doesnt work well when facing sun or in the dark. So it doesnt help when the driver really needs some help. Also extremely sensitive gas pedal, and extremely insensitive brake pedal.

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  Great car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Erik Raab - December 20 - 2:00 am

  very good in snow, Fun to drive, Safe, worth every penny!

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  Subaru #4 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Valdezer - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Subaru that weve owned. We had a 1981, 1986, 1991 until now. The only problems ever were on the 1986 overheating and the 1991 pneumatic suspension sagging. Beyond that, they have been great cars. As for the 2003 Forester 2.5X, it has been great so far. We only have 500ish miles on it. We live in the lake tahoe area and believe me; Subarus can handle any snow. They handle great and all with the confidence that AWD is constantly working-great for black ice. The two most popular cars in this demanding area are Subarus and Jeeps. There must be a reason for that. They are great handling, durable and reliable cars. reliable.

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  Subaru get an A - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By 2002 Subaru - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable. Excellent in snow and rain. Stops on a dime.

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  First Month with 2.5RS - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By raceace - December 20 - 2:00 am

  We took delivery from the wonderful Williams and it was snowing so we drove for a half hour loving every minute. The torque is great and the engine note is pure music. The interior is just right for two and stuff, which is how we go, usually. We plan to have this car a long time and care accordingly. It seems to be decent quality materials throughout.

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  Its about time - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Fafnir - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle I was looking for was to be used for primarily for around town driving and an occasional trip to the park with the dogs or to the home and garden store. I wanted something more car like not truck like and still have truck bed. This is it. The ride is smooth and the seats hold you in place. Steering and handling are great with the Speed Sensitive Power Steering and AWD. The power is good with the AWD switching the power to the rear wheels. Gas mileage is a little better getting 20-25 mpg. The AWD is easy to use as it does not require my interventions. It is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks.

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  Japanese made had better quality - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By illanrob - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My third Subaru a Baja auto has atrocious piston slap after 2kmi. Serviced twice to resolve the loud engine tapping noise during the first 7 min of driving: the timing belt tensioner was replaced 1st, adjusted a 2nd visit. Neither repair worked. Another Subaru dealer mechanic says engine is not normal it needs further investigation. Area Rep Ed Luksic (Georgia Alabama), came drove it and says that it is normal, not a problem, they all have the same condition, his own Baja does the same thing, should last 130kmi or so. The area Rep would have some concern if I can prove that only ONE cyl is causing the problem. Otherwise NO!

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  love my subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By jb - December 19 - 3:47 am

  Best car for safety!! Our son and grandson were in a major car accident, T-boned, in their Subaru and suffered only minor injuries. The first responders credited it to being in a Subaru!

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  Great car for money - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By SClaus - December 17 - 9:19 pm

  Have owned Lexus rx and now own Toyota Highlander hybrid and the outback limited gives a great ride and list of options for substantually less money. Hard to beat

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  Good value and fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Brainy guy - December 17 - 12:40 pm

  Base model hatchback hauls a lot more than I expected. Where I work its all large SUVs and full-size 4WD trucks but I have had no problems with clearance through mud and snow and I stick to the road a lot better (and faster) than they do with way better mileage. Base model has enough power for real world and car is pretty rock solid. Did have a rock take out my air conditioning (dealer then put a screen under the grill) and windshields dont take rocks too well, seem to crack easier than they should. All in all, way more fun than a truck or SUV with much lower operating costs. When the 2008s arrive I intend to buy one.