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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  Good car overall - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By OurLadyofPets - July 10 - 2:10 pm

  Good vehicle, no problems other than interior design issues. Im not crazy about the fact that you need to use high octane fuel, I assumed all economy cars used regular - oops! The seat heater toggle switch gets turned on accidentally, not so much a problem in the winter, but when its already warm its difficult to cool a warm seat that you are sitting on. The window switches are awkward; Im forever opening the back windows when my intention is to open the front. The drink holders are placed too far back, the driver has to look away from the road to replace a drink in the holder. The phone charger goes off when the vehicle isnt running; Im not crazy about that idea. Everything else is GREAT.

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  Who Knew Suburu - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By J Lu - July 10 - 10:13 am

  Suburu wasnt even on my carbuying radar until this SUV came along. Fell in love immediately after the test drive: great looks, lots of power, smooth ride, great handling. Easy transition for me from a 93 Toyo4Runner. Packed with features - this is the best SUV to get in the market for its value.

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  2006 B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dwnayl - July 6 - 6:50 pm

  I searched for mid-size SUVs for two months. I drove the Murano, Highlander, and fell in love with the Tribeca. I got the 7 passenger Limited with the leather seats, gps navigation, and sun roof. The interior is beautiful although I am worried that the chrome fittings will scratch. Drives very smooth and very quiet. I get around 21 mpg in town and 25 on the highway. I have had a lot of positive comments on the Tribeca. I love that the 2nd row of seats can be adjusted. I am 64" and I can fit in the back seat. I couldnt be happier with my decision. Plan on getting rear cargo mat and bumper cover. Definitely recommend the Tribeca.

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  2003 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By rgren - July 6 - 2:00 am

  A great car

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  Glad to own a Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Topher - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I am already anticipating paying my current Forester to purchase the latest iteration! It is a great, dependable vehicle with few flaws.

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  LOVE my Subaru!! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Pastmaster - July 4 - 4:06 am

  The Forester has given me no trouble. Beyond oil changes and regular maintenance, I have had a broken rear window (kids and rocks) and one gasket.

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  subaru forrester 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By ima252459 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  fun car to drive.Im 6ft 6 andi fit in pretty well .Though it is my wifes car i do drive it fairly often . I would recommend it.Car handles well interior in my estimation is pretty quiet.I feel the dash is laid out well.I feel pretty safe in it.car handles well .

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  SANTA MARIA! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By VT AWD - July 1 - 10:00 am

  How does Subaru do it? This much power and control cannot be had anything on the market south of a Porsche 911 Carrera. But at just over 32Gs it could be the greatest sports car value of all time. The car easy cruises at speeds of 100 mph plus and has jawing dropping acceleration in all 6 gears. Subarus AWD set makes the car corner like its on rails. It loves to eat up asphalt and can tear up dirt roads as well. Yet it can be driven in all weather conditions and is comfortable to be driven everyday. A truly AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWESOME machine!

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  Subie Newbie - Part 1 (At 2,500 miles) - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Pat from New Jersey - July 1 - 12:40 am

  Before buying the 2010 Subaru Forester I considered the V6 RAV4 (also own CRV). The boxer engine and AWD won. The turbo engine was impressive, but lost out to non-turbo (requires premium fuel and loses 1-2 mpg in fuel economy). This vehicle is very spartan even in top Limited trim so dont expect a luxurious interior (the CRV has a much better interior). Be aware of the following: the PZEV engine is very rough during morning starts (but this is normal) and lots of interior plastic that rattles/buzzes. Otherwise its been a good car. If you expect a good reliable car that can drive in any weather you shouldnt be disappointed. If you expect luxury you will be disappointed. Part 2 soon...

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  I love my Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By dm Rochester, MN - June 30 - 10:33 pm

  This is my first car and I am very impressed by the shape that is in after 120k miles. I bought it for the safety ratings and great winter handling. I am planning to drive it another 10 years. Thanks Subaru!