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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  Almost completely satisfied - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Curiousfish - December 26 - 11:50 pm

  Had the car since January. Having this car made my winter commute just a bit safer and easier. Now that the weather is warmer and the motor is more broken-in, I am getting better MPG. My mix is 60-70% highway and Im getting roughly 24-25MPG. Im not exactly the most calm of drivers either, I dont straight cruise too often. I havent had any problems w/ this car except for the paint which is rather thin.

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  Made the Right Decision - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By mstrongin - December 25 - 12:34 pm

  Test drove many cars before trying out the Outback. Last Subaru I had was a 1992 Loyale (predecessor to the Outback) stickshift. Was a great vehicle, though I think it only had 100 hp. Really liked the new design and all the technology. Also very comfortable front and rear seats, as well as generous cargo space in the rear. Was pretty sure I would get the 3.6, but tried both and while the 3.6 was definitely faster/quicker, it was not sufficiently so and I opted for the lower price and better gas mileage. Id say for 90 to 95 % of my driving, the 2.5 is either great or fine. Very happy with my decision.

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  Go Everywhere and anywhere car - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Seeingsienna - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car doe sit all. It is my commuter car, my sporty ride car, my soccer/baseball car and my landscaping car, and now even my camping car. Other than 3 repairs to the rear wheel bearings {see other owners reporting same problem and local serviceman saying it is common for the car}, it has been trouble free. Mileage drops to 21-22 in winter - I suspect bad oxygen/gas mixture b/c tires are kept well inflated. In warm weather I get 25- 27 overall.

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  Love it, fun to drive, but some problems - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pip3 - December 17 - 9:16 am

  We love our Forester, for the most part. It is the perfect size. I dont have to sink down to get in and better yet, dont have to yank myself high up to climb into it. Driving it is fun, very responsive and great turning radius. Visibility is excellent and parking is easy. However, we have 2 strong complaints and a minor one. First, the radio is terrible! The fm sounds like hollow am radio. Next, the passenger seat is highly uncomfortable, non adjustable, and sunk down so low its hard to see over the dash. The minor complaint is storage. Glove box is tiny, cup holders are square and bottles routinely fall over. In-door cupholders are also flawed.

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  great turbo - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By michael - December 15 - 11:43 am

  This is a terrific car much more responsive than the 6 cylinder. Wanted to get the Limited, but am too tall for the sunroof. Why does a nice interior require a sunroof? Great handling for a car with this much ground clearance. Good job, Subaru.

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  Rally Inspired Fun - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NLR350Z - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This car will probably be the funnest car to drive becuase of its power and stability.It will out run any car in the $30,000 range, no other car can touch this one in that range period.

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  Intial Review, I love my new Suby! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By rhayes - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car, will follow up review in about 10,000 miles for an update. After a long and frustrating search, someone suggested this car, and its perfect for me! Young and sporty, reliable, and has plenty of room (was trying to get away from SUVS). All wheel drive will be great in Michigan!

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  Its about love - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By tarsier - December 11 - 4:10 am

  I could have paid less for my Forester if I had been more patient but its about love and the extras I might have added for the same price were not terribly interesting or involved trade offs (standard, turbo) I wasnt willing to make. I have no problem with stereo volume but the plastic/felt interior, goofy high chrome exterior trim, engine high speed rev and blind spots exist. I am not thrilled with the armrest, but my dog likes it and I have issues with the ipod integration kit. But thats it, other issues are more industry-wide technology-style issues than Subarus fault. 15,000 miles, 6 major road-trips from the snow to the desert and its still all about love.

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  Fun to drive, premium gas a problem - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Deep - December 10 - 2:33 pm

  After driving a 1990 Legacy, I switched to 2006 Tribeca. Now that I think of it, I have both Subies in their 1st year of mfg. It is fun to drive. So far driven 6000 miles. Pretty comfortable in long drive. Although not suitable for off-road driving, it is very nice ride on rough roads. Took it on a 500 mile drive recently. Only concern is its use of premium gas and also the pick up of the engine. It takes some time and the engine revs up with a lot of noise. But they are changing it in 08 models with a better engine.

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  Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Baja Turbo - December 9 - 2:00 am

  You wont see one at every intresection.I get alot of stares and what is it.The best time behind the wheel is when it rains.You can take off faster than any one else,take corners and turns faster.The AWD system works well with the limited slip rear end.I dont know why sales are slow.I think subaru should have come out with the baja sooner,better late than never.I cant wait til the turbo model hits the ground.