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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  New Car Purchase - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Phil - May 28 - 3:03 pm

  This is the true SUV, especially the "Utility" aspect, since it conforms to nearly all my needs. Also, theres great value here in all its added creature comforts and the great reputation for safety. In city driving, its peppy and its short turning radius is great for parking. On interstate drives it is wonderfully comfortable for me and an 85 lb collie. On the sport side, it can transport up to three sea-kayaks comfortably and cross-country skis can fit inside (over the front seat median). I do give up some things like having to slowing down on the curves, overall gas mileage (21) can be better and telescoping steer wheel and memory seats would be nice, but, overall, its a winner.

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  Ruby - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Staypuft - May 28 - 2:20 pm

  I picked up my Ruby Red SE on Labor day and got the same lease deal they were offering on the 08. Drove many other cars and this was love at first drive. I am a very large person but the smallish size doesnt bother me. Everything seems to be cut to fit. Quality is top notch. I have been given compliments nearly every day. My kids think its a sports car and all the neighbors are jealous.

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  The swiss army knife of cars! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By problemcat13 - May 28 - 1:16 am

  Want a wagon to haul stuff? Want to do some light off-roading? Want to smoke that 350Z sitting at the light next to you? The Forester can do it all! I am on my second Forester and am now a die-hard Subaru fan. My 04 XT is a nicely put together vehicle with nice materials, but most importantly, smoking performance. I smile just thinking about pushing my Foz through the corners and speeding away from lights. I like it, my kids like it, and even the wife likes to take it out for a spin! Reliability, style, utility, performance... you cant go wrong!

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  Ill buy another - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - May 26 - 3:00 am

  My first Outback will not be my last. We love it. Well built, good performance, great styling, and excellent integrity of body. I do not like the padding in the seats; too thin with not enough support. I am 6 tall and 155 pounds so that is not an issue. Also, we have had the fuel door freeze shut numerous times. That being said, I can find no other things that I do not like. We have the 4 liter H6 and it is very responsive. Thus far, it has been fault free and if it continues, as I think it should, we will have the car we have been looking for. Subaru has done it for us.

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  Theres a new Sheriff - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By threeblockwheelie - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I test-drove my scoobie on a cold, rainy night during rush hour. I pulled out onto the freeway feeder and stomped on the gas. Never before have I experianced anything like it in such unfavorable conditions. Amazing acceleration. A good, balanced handling and steering package, a very rough ride, and a little more understeer than expected. But mash the gas and other drivers are just sitting still - fantastic. Its your chance to own a true musclecar. Those Playstation kids will want to hug you.

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  So far so good! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mr. Vic - May 26 - 1:24 am

  I wanted something a little less expensive and easy at the pump, this car did not disappoint. The seats could have a bit more support and the stock tires arent the best but after 25,000 miles those are my only complaints. I love the way it looks and it laughs at snow. I average around 26 around town and over 31 on the highway. No repairs as of yet.
  
  Im over 30,000 miles now and Im still very happy. The heated seats are awesome and my brakes are like new. Ive reached 39,000 miles with no problems. The front brakes pads are large and still original. I replaced the back brakes about a thousand miles ago. Other than routine maintenance there have been no problems. I still really like this car.

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  Great Car, have owned it for 7 years - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By karl hoffmann - May 24 - 8:34 pm

  There is nothing bad I can say about my 2009 Outback. The car has been rock solid and would recommend a Subaru anywhere, anytime. I purchased it with 16K on the odometer and I put another 102K on it.

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  Get one! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Ronald Nelson - May 24 - 10:10 am

  Do your due diligence. You can save much. Shop very carefully.. Not a review, just a practical observation. By the way, the Forester is just great! Totally useful, fun and well designed. Does everything well.

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  Fun car for young man - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By dad - May 24 - 10:00 am

  My son bought his WRX after working for one year, gave me a ride on highway 9 of CA last week, I was amazed how smooth, quiet, powerful, and handling this car is, Im impressed and agree to his choice - an absoulte fun car for young man..

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  Great ride/handling balance - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Ordered one - May 24 - 5:00 am

  We test drove an X model with the Premium package, and then an LL Bean model with NAV. Both were impressive, but we liked the perforated leather so we opted for that. The GPS was not set up for our region, but it didnt seem very intuitive so we passed. Ride is quite good and it corners very flat. It drives smoothly and SportShift is quick, completing shifts in a fraction of a second. This vehicle has the best visibility in its class, others have wide D- pillars and high rear windows and then try to up-sell you on a rear backup cam that is a cash cow for them, so you pay for their poor design. Cant wait to take delivery.