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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  Exactly what I need - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By bbq4 - November 23 - 3:36 pm

  I keep seeing reviews of this car, saying that it is too spartan. To be honest, I only need that and nothing more. There are things that regardless of money, you simply cant find anywhere else aside from the Forester and those things are: easily the best visibility of any vehicule Ive ever driven; best AWD system, best fuel economy for an AWD compact SUV, best safety rating in its class, among the most spacious compact SUV, having among the biggest panoramic sunroof. For those reasons alone, Im extremely happy with my purchase! Honestly, I dont want to pay more for a name or for gadgets that would not make a difference if theres a snowstorm outside and that I needed to go somwhere.

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  I like - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Ala - November 22 - 1:33 am

  My ex was an 86 Tarago GLI van that can get bogged on a football field, yet I was able to force it to go into 4WD territory mainly cos of the ground clearance. Subaru AWD is awesome, and the comfort level is a huge step for me in all respects. Being an 03 model the head gasket was done before I purchased it at 160K. Its is a manual with lo-range. Tearing off in lo-range there are no wheelies, just a rocket forward up a steep slope. Handling in the dirt or on the tar is impeccable. Anti-lok brakes are a welcome novelty. The 2.5 L boxer is edgy and free-revving making this a drivers vehicle. Handles like a well mannered car, better than the cars I drive. Love it

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  Wipers!! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By helpubirth - November 16 - 2:40 am

  Overall a good car. Not very roomy in back. 3rd row for small children only. Handling ability in snow is fantastic! However, I only have 2200 miles on this car, have had it in the dealer twice replacing the wiper blades and then replaced the whole wiper. The wipers DO NOT clear during snow. There is significant build up on the passenger side especially. To me totally defeats the purpose of having an AWD vehicle if you cant see when you drive the darn thing!!

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  My first Subaru - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By JohnPublic - November 14 - 2:20 pm

  I have been a loyal Honda fan for years but when looking around for a car to replace my beloved 1998 Acura Integra found the Honda spaceship interior horrible. I test drove the Subie Impreza and found an interior that was very comfortable and functional for a 200# 6ft 3in guy (my head doesnt hit the ceiling and my legs have room). I was also impressed with the horsepower and torque (something even the Si doesnt have). So, this formerly loyal Honda guy bought an Impreza 5-door hatch and love it!

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  Good Value - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bob - November 14 - 3:13 am

  I have driven the car 2000 miles. I find that the engine is disturbingly noisy above 2500 rpm. The rear hatch does not have a latch that you can undo before you lift it. Takes quite a hefty pull to open it. If by chance the hatch is locked when you pull, your fingertips are going to feel the pain. At highway speeds the car has a tendency to oversteer. The analog speedometer measures from 0-150 mph and it does not belong in the Outback. 0- 110 mph would be more suitable

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  My Forester XT - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Stanley Andrucyk - November 10 - 8:56 pm

  Drives fast like a racing car. Great performance. Kinda small but thats just OK. There is no good storage space. Uses premium gas. Loads of fun to drive. It may be the best car that I have had.

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  Wonderful as expected - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ESmith813 - November 10 - 7:03 pm

  Though I have not owned this car very long, my mother drives a 2000 Outback Wagon that I fell in love with. The extras on the Limited model are very fun and feel solid. The 5-speed manual is smooth, but cruising at 65MPH just a little over 3000 RPMs is higher than my mothers auto. The AWD is amazing. I have never been stuck in any snow or ice. This past winter it climbed a rather steep icy brick hill with ease. A recent road trip put 1500 miles on it without a single grip from the car. I averaged 25MPG with a heavy load. I wish I was able to find an H6 model - the power is only adequate, but I prefer the manual transmission that isnt offered with the 6-cylinder anyway.

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  Little Cash, Lots of Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By RomanoM - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The most practical, fun and fast car you can buy for under $25,000! A true all-season, all-condition fast and fun car. With performance tires it can handle with the best and with snow tires winters are a breeze. Not perfect, but you get more than you should for the money.

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  Big bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By newscoller - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 97 Supra Turbo I am blown away by the performance of this car. 4 cylinders, 300bhp and 300lbs of torque above 3000 rpm! I thoroughly recommend this car. For the money, you wont find better and that includes the Evo, which - while quicker - does not provide the all-round performance of the STi. Bad news? Expect to pay a premium over MSRP until supply catches up with demand

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  Great do-it-all with minimal compramise. - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By GTP_Kent - November 5 - 6:53 pm

  2.5i premium Impreza, automatic, silver ext. black int. So far its a great car with a near perfect mix of everyday practicality and enthusiasm (shared use for two drivers). HP and Torque are good across the entire rev range, steering is responsive, suspension is just right. Manually shifted auto is great fix for so-so automatic. Ext. styling is handsome but subdued. Int. styling is nice and despite concerns for hard plastics the materials are good for those who have kids or other damage prone occupants. Bottom line: more sporty than any Toyota, more power than Hondas, more grip than anything, and an excellent community of owners to support anyone with questions or concerns. A great choice.