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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  STi - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By MJA - January 13 - 6:26 am

  Visceral. Its the best way to describe this car. If you are looking for a practical and reliable car with super car performance on a budget this is it. Handling is top notch (more than youllever need on the street). Acceleration comes in boatloads from 2000rpm toredline. Braking is excellent thanks to the big brembos. All of that performance combined with excellent Subaru reliability, and a nicely done interior thanks to Saab and this car is the complete package.

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  Drivetrain needs update, but... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By zulualfa - January 9 - 1:40 pm

  Love the solid feel of this vehicle. Well built. Put together well. As a six-footer, plus, lots of head and leg room. drivers seat could be a little more cushy, but not bad. Only complaint: only auto is 4-spd, so went for the five-speed manual, which leaves something to be desired. Very notchy. My Ford Ranger 5-spd is smoother. Love the little SUV.

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  Solid but better service please... - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By kalsank - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Drives well and is made well. Lots of decent features in the S model. Ideal for NW driving conditions (rain/snow).

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  Love the car, HATE the headlights! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Hope Stewart - January 7 - 6:16 am

  This is a great car. Very comfortable, great ease in getting in and out of car. Smooth ride, fun to drive except at night. Low beam headlights are horrible, especially in rural Montana with not streetlights, just a lot of deer. Extremely dangerous! I have to drive with high beams to see, but this is not always possible with oncoming traffic and weather conditions. We have taken it to Subaru shop several times and another mechanic, and nothing can be done. If I had test driven this car at night, I wouldnt have bought it. The lights take away from all of the great things that I love about this car. I am afraid to drive it at in the dark, but I have to in the winter. Car is dangerous at night!

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  Turbo lag is bad! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Maverick777 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Subaru and second WRX. I bought it last October and loved it all through the winter. But driving it in the summer with the air on is like pulling teeth. I feel like Im working it far too hard to get it to move. It drives me NUTS! We recently purchased a 04 Acura TL and its torque is addicting! I never have to worry about what gear Im in like I do with my WRX. Also, I wanted heated seats, mirrors and a sunroof but couldnt get them. I also wanted to get rid of the roof rack. Who knew Saab would be selling the Subaru I really wanted?! This car will be leaving our fleet very soon to be replaced by an Infiniti G35 Coupe.

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  Bang for your buck - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By carlo - January 1 - 12:43 am

  2000 miles under my belt in my new WRX wagon and no major complaints. It doesnt excel in any one area, but does a lot of different things really well. Its not perfect, but nothing else in this price range performs like this. Its a true drivers car, so its not always that comfortable, but so what? The all-wheel drive and turbo provide lots of fun on the way to work and the grocery store.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By retrogrouch - December 31 - 5:46 pm

  I bought a white 2006 2.5X with a 5-speed manual transmission, including a rear differential cover, a Class II hitch, and mudflaps. The miles per gallon isnt quite what Id like to have, but otherwise its a great little car. For trips with my small family (spouse and small child), I put a Yakima RocketBox on the factory rack, and then we have plenty of room. The power is sufficient, and its surprisingly quiet on the road. The handling is very good, and the 5-speed is fun. I first thought that the hill-holder feature was only clever, but its actually useful. I like the clearance a whole bunch, and its cool to sit up in traffic too. Economical, roomy, dependable, comfortable, and quick. What more do most people need?

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  Best Deal out there: Legacy - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By talkgtr - December 29 - 9:16 pm

  Our new 2013 legacy is fun to drive, looks great and is comfortable. I come for a long line of SAABs and am spoiled by great seats, the Legacy isnt as plush but they are firm and offer very good support. The Nav system is better than our Honda Odyssey. On my first tank of gas Ive averaging 25.2 in mostly city driving. This is the Limited model w/ upgraded stereo, works great w/ my iPhone 4s, downloaded my phone book w/o issue. With a EQ few tweaks, it sounds fine. I had shopped the Impreza but the Legacy is just more car, quieter on the road, better seats and stereo. Very happy w/ my choice.

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  Great New England Car for the Money - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By hre1718 - December 28 - 8:21 pm

  Traded up from a POS 98 Explorer. Overall, I am pleased with the car. AWD provides great grip. Ive yet to hear a tire squeal. Speaking of which, these stock tires are awful. Tons of noise. CVT takes some getting used to. I dont like the delays between drive and reverse. Get the upgraded speakers, worth it. I do wish there were more storage places & hidden cubbies. Sound insulation isnt great, but this isnt a luxury vehicle. Decent MPG if you treat it right. Getting around 34, 70% hwy. The MPG gauge is a little optimistic by a few MPGs. Bluetooth kind of sucks, but its fine for calls. AWD, MPG, visibility and good dynamics makes me a happy owner. Great car for the money.

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  Great value - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By mgraze - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Recently test drove the special edition Legacy wagon. Impressed with the value in the package. Very nice ride and handling. At first acceleration seemed underwhelming but I found out that you have to really floor it to get the trans to kick down and get the engin into the higher rev range. Once you stomp on it, it goes pretty good. This thing is huge inside with the seats folded down. The cargo capacity rivals the much taller Honda CRV. I thought the interior was of good quality for the price range. Exterior styling is understated but it kind of grows on you. Overall, I think it is a great alternative to an SUV.