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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  the little subaru that could! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By john - August 10 - 8:16 am

  i enjoy driving this truck very much, it has confidence-inspiring handling, great acceleration, and certain fun factor that is unexpected in a small suv. my other car is a 2004 corvette so i value driving fun when i consider a vehicle for purchase. and this subie doest disappoint! fit and finish is great. the wagon has a fine tailored look with supporting comfortable leather heated seats that truly warm your buns! there is plenty of cargo room for all,except perhaps large families going on a long vacation but there is a roof rack to help resolve that issue. ive had subarus in the past and the allwheel driving system is unstoppable in all weather conditions. this is a great car, forget about price points.

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  My Third Subaru - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Jim Fisher - August 10 - 4:36 am

  We currently own a 2004 Forester which my wife drives and loves. But the Forester is very noisy above 50 MPH. We bought a 2008 Legacy 2.5i Limited and I have driven it just under three hundred miles. The trip computer makes you very conscious of your gasoline consumption. I averaged 28.4 MPG on the first tankful. This was town and country mileage. The car is quiet and reassuringly rigid. Several people have complained about the sound system. Maybe I have tin ear but the system sounds just fine to me. As far as I am concerned, this is another outstanding car from Subaru.

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  They should charge more! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By lorraine - August 10 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car as a single lady and then got married and added a couple kids. It fits life! Sexy, fast and fun but safe and dependable enough to put your family in it! I cant say enough about this car. The power is nuts. I cant believe the handling and of course it looks amazing for such a reasonable price. Lots of trunk space too.

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  STI-ME! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Which Subaru Be U? - August 9 - 2:30 pm

  My 5th Subaru in 18 years. Started with a ‘92 Legacy sedan; ‘02 & ‘05 Legacy GT sedans have also filled my driveway. My wife also bought an ‘06 Legacy GT after driving mine. Other than maintenance/yearly inspections I have never had any problems with my Subarus. 3 weeks ago I was ready to buy a used Lotus Elise, new JCWorks MINI or new BMW 135i, when I made a trip to my dealer for my ’05 Legacy inspection. By days-end I bought a WRX STi SE hatchback which I test-drove wrapped in white plastic, fresh off the delivery truck. I’ve yet to question my decision. Wow, what a ride and it comes with serious street cred! Mine is Dark Grey Metallic; a real looker, but mature, color, IMHO.

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  Dont bother buying - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By luism2013 - August 9 - 9:07 am

  Car consumes way to much oil for a brand new car. Never thought I would spend so much on just oil. Spend more time getting oil for the car then I do getting gas. My oil light came on right after I purchased the vehicle and had the dealer see what was wrong they said it was just low. After topping it off I began my trip home and on an empty road the oil light came on had to drive it several hundred me to get oil. Took it in to a dealer and say the car normally burns 1 quart every 1200 miles. You do an oil change every 7000 miles thats 5-6 quarts of oil at 10 bucks a quart. Never had any problems. So with other vehicles first and last subaru I personally buy. Also the car over revs.

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  Fast and Fun Hauler - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Wrxalot - August 9 - 7:50 am

  I bought my WRX Wagon for its rally bred performance. Since then I had a kid and it has turned into a family wagon but when my son isnt in the car its a sports car again. I can haul lots of stuff and have used it to move twice. I had a lease but just decided to buy out the lease and keep it. After all it is still a Subaru. Feels like it will last forever.

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  Great performance but needs improvements - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ARefaat - August 9 - 7:36 am

  While I really love the performance.. (incomparable handling and steering, 4 speed transmission really helpful on mountains and have no problems at high speeds) the bumpy ride and the bad interior built quality keeps me from enjoying the drive of this great performance. compared to any other small SUV or even mid sedan Ive been in the ride of this car is very bumpy the car shakes constantly... also the quality of putting the interior together is not the best and this shows as annoying rattling noises, also even with putting the driver seat at highest position the seat is still sitting low which is not a very comfortable thing neither

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  2008 WRX Premium - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By T from CA - August 8 - 1:46 pm

  I was in the market for a daily driver that was reliable, had excellent crash test ratings, affordable, and was fun to drive. The Subaru WRX was the answer. My wife and two kids fit comfortably in the car and the trunk has just the right amount of cargo space for our gear for our weekend getaway trips. This includes luggage, a stroller, and other miscellaneous things for the kids.

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  Great, safe car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By ??? - August 8 - 9:43 am

  This is my 4th Subaru. I need, and can rely on, its all wheel drive. Its very dependable. Nothing bad to say about it except I really dont like the Yokohama tires.

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  Subaru - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Barbara Bengels - August 7 - 12:26 am

  Adequate acceleration, stable braking, air conditioner dual controls and seat warmer excellent, single roof window works fine. Quite pleased with it. Miss cassette tape deck. Would like MP3 port.