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:

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By bigaldepr - September 24 - 8:53 pm

  It may not be a turbo but it will walk away from everthing else but the WRX. Handles great and the suspension is stiff. Transmition is solid and precise, no floppy stick. The AWD is amazing, power on turns on slick or uneven surface, no wheel spin, just go. Seats have lots of side support. It is just a blast to drive. The production finish on the paint of any car I have ever seen. Cons: The instrument package is basic on the RS, fuel level and water temp only. The radio antenna is painted on the rear window and has a pre-amp. If you tint the rear window you loose some reception. Also if you replace the radio make sure it has a power lead for the antenna pre-amp.

• 

  Love It! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By miss_m - September 24 - 12:06 pm

  I absolutely love my Outback. I wanted a station wagon but few auto makers have them. It basically came down to a Subaru Outback or a Mercedes station wagon. I opted for the Subaru, which seemed far more practical and easier to maintain.

• 

  Spec. B. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Roger Wickersham - September 24 - 5:50 am

  I was looking at the Audi A3 or A4 and the Cadillac CTS and then I drove the Legacy and knew Id found the right car. Its beautifully finished with maroon leather seats (I think they call it Dark Brick). My car is the Spec. B version and the handling is the best of any car Ive ever owned. Very predictable and agile, but not jarring like my old Trans Am. Its also nice to know it was made in Indiana. I appreciate that. Ive been as far as Iowa in the car and really never got tired of the driving.

• 

  Very Happy First time Suby Owner - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By rjslemm - September 23 - 11:37 am

  Have had my 09 SE for about 3.5 months, and have loved every minute of it with 109K on her. Sheila had a minor blip with a blown tranny after a week, but I can almost attribute that to the previous owner. After a fight with the dealer it was fixed for free, with a loaner I hated(2012 Nissan Altima/CVT) Unfortunately Subaru no longer makes the 4 speed auto so I wound up with a 30K tranny, but she still runs and drives like a dream, fun to drive wet and dry, and am moving from PA to OKC before the next winter, so her snow will be limited, but I know she can handle it.

• 

  My OB - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By tmccln - September 23 - 11:16 am

  I just purchased my OB last week and I was a former owner of a Honda CR-V. I started having problems with the CRV Air Condenser. Last year I had to have my air conditioner replaced to the tune of $700 plus, because there was a hole in the condenser they said. Less than 6 months later, my air conditioner went out again. I refused to get it fixed. I instead endured driving during those hot, hot summer days. All I could think about was trading it in for a more reliable car that didnt have a condenser exposed to the outside elements. Needless to say I did my research and decided on the Outback. I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Its a Gem - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By JaredSalinger - September 21 - 5:20 am

  I bought it new just before the beginning of winter. The all wheel drive and low center of gravity make winter driving about as secure as I have ever experienced in a car. The quality, inside and out is like that of cars I have had that cost much more. I bought this car as a second car, and did not want to spend a lot of money. At first, I thought Subaru cars were too expensive. Now that I have one, I wonder why they are not more expensive.

• 

  Great little AWD vehicle for the Money - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Mary J - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been wanting a Subaru for a few years now and finally got a great deal on the 05 2.5 RS Sport Wagon. I just love it, it is roomy, fun to drive, and great handling. I especially like the seats how they just hug your body. Good going Subaru.

• 

  Best Value in AWD - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By SteveF - September 20 - 8:56 am

  I love my Subie. I drove trucks for years, this was my first Subaru, its so much nicer to drive and gets much better MPG. I get 23-25 city, and 27- 28 highway. It has a great compromise between power and economy. I can tow and launch my jetskis at the beach at Pismo, then haul up snow covered roads to ski on a powder day. No problems in 42,000 miles at all. I do more with my little Impreza that most people will ever do with their gas guzzling, boring and hard to drive SUVs. It makes me want to drive fast and race or jump it. Its rally car roots really show through.

• 

  Nicest Ride Suburu for $ - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Eric SUNDQUIST - September 19 - 10:29 pm

  Dont look anymore. Find a one owner .We have every option available. Just now writing review. 49,000. Perfect. Just follow owners manual. Very quick 2.5 I 6 speed with flippers. Sweet Harmon Carmen 9 speakers. Overall awsome and fun economic

• 

  Very nice SUV - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By bob jones - September 19 - 8:36 pm

  After driving several SUVs, my wife and I narrowed it down to the MDX, Lexus 350, and the Tribeca. We chose the Tribeca Limited. The Tribeca was a good combination of sport and comfort with a reasonable price tag.