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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  Solid Vehicle - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By jkwcivil - December 11 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car used in September 09 with approximately 41,000 miles. Since then Ive driven 10,000 miles in different conditions, including ice and mud, and Ive found this to be a solid and reliable vehicle. It has the four cylinder engine. I get 23 to 24 mpg with 50% highway and 50% in town. I admit that Im not an aggressive driver. Most others would probably get a lower gas mileage reading. The suspension is very much like an SUV when traveling off-road or over rough pavement. The all wheel drive gives a secure feeling when the roads are slick. I can see why Subarus are popular in northern states.

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  Satisfied to a degree - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Peter Z - December 10 - 6:03 am

  The power windows are too slow. The AC system modulates too frequently and never seems to get cold. Gas mileage is not that good. However, the fun to drive, especially for a 4 banger, is pretty decent.

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  Best buy for money - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By cd-in-pa - December 8 - 10:00 am

  While Ive only had the Legacy for a short time (will review in another year after another 20k miles) it is one of the best cars for the money. I bought mine used for a very fair price. I compared the Legacy with the Accord, Camry and Altima and found that price alone was one of the best features. Performance in the Legacy surpased all the above cars. Interior and exterior design are simple but very appealing. Solid value.

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  Street Shredder - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NHdriver - December 8 - 10:00 am

  On the whole, this car kicks some serious butt! The only issue I have with it is that there isnt any real room. My 3 year old son takes up a lot of space in the back with his car seat, so the driver really cant be that big of a person. Were moving from a 98 KIA Sportage. That being said, there are several MILLION pluses on the Subarus side. The only minus I can think of is the roominess. The Sportage had a little more room in the front and in the back and more head room as well. Our Subaru gives you so much confidence while driving. No matter what Ive put it through so far, it seems as if it knows what Im about to do before I do.

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  Horray for CVT! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By helm - December 8 - 3:23 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks and continue to be impressed with the design. The 2.5 is a little gutless off the line and under heavy acceleration, but it gets the job done and for the 26- 28 mpg Im getting around the city on regular grade gas, its well worth the trade. Averaged 32 mpg on a recent road trip. The CVT transmission is remarkably smooth and keeps the tach in a sweet spot. Handling is fantastic. What the Legacy lacks under the hood is more than made up for in the turns. Bluetooth works well, wheel controls are well placed, seats are comfortable and supportive and there is no lack of passenger space. No noticeable blind spots or tiny rear view issues as is common in many new cars.

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  2 Fast 2 Furious - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Johannes - December 8 - 12:33 am

  After reviewing the CR-V, RAV-4, and Forester, we decided on the Forester. Not only did my wife agree, but so does Consumer Reports. It was rated their top small SUV. Once we decided on the Forester, I got prices from the internet. There were serious price ranges. Dealers were adding on options and trying to pass them off as necessary items. However, I have found that the only options necessary are the cargo tray, splash guards, and bumper cover. The above options come as a package. After much debate here are the following totals: price $26,100 plus tax & license. I took the $1,500 cash rebate. Bringing the total to $24,600. Seriously shop around to get best deal.

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  Dont see the quality - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By stevenm5 - December 7 - 11:00 pm

  I am writing this for my sister, because I end up dealing with her problems and doing all the maintenance. She bought it new, the windshield leaked, and leaked and leaked, five trips to the dealer before it stopped. The wiper motor, two on the front, one rear, under warranty, but still. Leaked oil out of the sending unit, the valve cover gaskets, the drain plug, separate incidents. Chews through tires, 25-30K Bridgestones, not expensive tires, but not cheap either. Wheel bearings: at 100,000 miles she has had to do all four, the first ones at 50,000 miles. Now the head gaskets are leaking. This car is history, If she buys another one, shes on her own.

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  overall impression - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By road ninja - December 7 - 11:10 am

  Very fun to drive. Now put on 3,500 miles. Awesome road handling. Nice heavy duty suspension - handles off road bumps incredibly. Decent fuel mileage avg. 26mpg. Front bumper is too low - bottoms out if not careful. Exterior paint chips too easily - front plastic bumper absorbs road debris. Very jerky manual transmission when maintaining slow speed. 1st gear take off power is very weak, yet in all gears when passing 3500rpms acceleration picks up! Upgraded sound system is ok, not impressive; the stereo reception is not the best. Low fuel warning light is inconsistent. Some wind noise, overall love the vehicle am content. still worth the purchase - good price. AWD system is great!

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  Some good, some bad - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Monica - December 7 - 4:49 am

  After One Year I have owned this car for a year, now. Would I buy it again? Maybe - due to the clearance and AWD technology. Do I love it? No. It has started to rattle in the dashboard. Wind noise is still there. Rear door is still annoyingly slow. Computer screen is still functionally obsolete (I just want an image of my phone and I want to see the time and temperature larger). Gas mileage has never hit 33 for any length of time. Original opinion I had the 2008 2.5i. This vehicle has a lot of good - the engine seems to have more power, the continuous shifting makes for a smoother ride and better acceleration. On the "just ok" is the control screen. Its big, it catches dust and glares, the weather is useless for me because I dont live in a select city. Why would I use the navigation when I have my phone with all the addresses and a voice that talked me through the directions? The two data points that I do hunt for (literally) are the time and outside temperature. These are small and tucked at the bottom of the screen. I started with the good, to be fair.. However, there are two things I hate (hate) about the car. Unfortunately, they are in your face, all the time. #1: wind noise, wind, wind, wind. It sounds as though the window isnt closed so you are constantly trying to close the windows. #2: the rear gate is sllllooooowwwwwwww to open and close. I am constantly standing by the gate , waiting for it to open or close. I hate that too. Really hate it.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ted - December 6 - 7:36 am

  Ive had my Outback for 6 months and have put over 8000 miles on it. Initial impression of quality is good. I bought the car due to its safety features, additional room for my family, and reputation for quality. I havent been let down. My only real gripe about the car is the lack of horsepower. This car could really use an extra 20 hp. Not a big deal since Im not out to win any races. However, the car is slightly under-powered in my opinion.