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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  Forester disappointment - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By mathmom - January 9 - 5:00 pm

  My 2012 Forester SUV has fewer than 6000 miles on it. The transmission has had to be replaced. The fuel lid lever broke. The dealership ruined the seat. The "check engine" light came on... I thought I was buying a dependable vehicle, and I am so disappointed in this car. I will say that the dealership has been pretty good, but as soon as I can get rid of this car without taking a financial bath, I will. No more Subaru vehicles for this family!

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  Great Car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By carter haywood - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fast car that has impressive handeling and styling in the interior. Will match just about anything on the street performance wise.

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  headlights - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By w.frascella - January 9 - 10:00 am

  low beams in rural areas look like a shade was pulled down to about 6 feet off the ground.headlights have 2 filiments in 1 bulb and to raise the low beams so you can rean street signs the high beams are directed into the sky. there is a coller around the bulb and it cuts off the top two thirds of the light.it is not as noticeable in the city because of the background lights.i contacted subaru at the suggeston of my dealer and after 2 calls was told they plan no corrective action. test this car at night and on rural roads-it is scarey!

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  Beauty, Brains & Muscle - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Viking517 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 Outback VDC. It was a very good car. I did have a few minor complaints that always prevented the car from being all it should be. I just bought the 2005 LL Bean Edition Outback and it now qualifies as EXCELLENT! The performance has been greatly improved, the ammenities are what you would expect from a $32000 vehicle, and the design (interior and exterior) is up there with the best from Europe. And it handles much, much better than a comparably equipped VW or Audi or Volvo...all of which cost significantly more. Overall, while not inexpensive, a great value!!!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By John - January 7 - 11:56 am

  This is a great car. We wanted a car that was a little different from what most people are driving and felt we succeeded. Weve had it dealer maintained and havent had to do anything other than routine maintenance. We just finished a cross country trip in it and it was comfortable and smooth. Averaged 28-29 mpg on the trip.

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  Liked it so much, I bought two - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By BernieKl - January 7 - 5:53 am

  Live in Cleveland Ohio where winters are harsh and streets are not well maintained. Test drove the Tribeca and my wife and I loved the performance, comfort, and style of the Tribeca. Traded in two full size SUVs for two Tribeca LTDs the same day. Absolutely love this SUV. Solid feel, great handling, fun to drive, very comfortable, loaded with features and thoughtful amenities. Feels comparable (and even preferable) to Lexus/BMW/Mercedes/Acura SUV at 10k less. All of the other SUVs Id considered were on the dealers trade-in lot from people who bought Tribecas. My wife is getting 18/24 mpg on her used 2006 Tribeca B9, however Im still in break-in period and getting 12-18 mpg.

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  Forester is a winner - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By seng - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have my forester for over 4 months now and im a happy camper. I am averaging 28.5 mpg for the last 6 times at the gas pump! (granted i drive mostly on the freeway). I love it when it rains... it feels safe and comfortable; I like the intermitant front wiper (can either speed up or slow down) and the rear wiper... excellent visibility. The seat height adjuster is great(driver side only). Its a great ride. Everytime I see another forester on the road, I catch myself marvelling at how great they look!

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  Disappointed - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By vubencne - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After several car problems, reports said this car was the best! This car i junk. Since 10,000 miles Ive endured brake problems (incessant squealing). At 40,000 the head gaskets blew, and left me stranded. Now, at 50,000 the wheel bearings went, and the car is back in the shop again. Not, to mention all the "quirky" problems along the way. Long story short, my Subaru Forester is an unreliable piece of junk, that I cant wait to get rid of! Oh yeah, the gas mileage sucks!

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  Loving the Legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Frank - January 6 - 8:33 am

  This is the first non pick up or SUV I have owned since 1986. I wanted a car but also wanted 4WD or AWD. I think the Legacy fits the bill perfectly. It drives and handles great. I think the exterior redesign is sharp and most people that see it for the first time cannot believe it is a Subaru. The interior is very sporty and comfortable. I am looking forward to using the All Weather Package this winter.

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  Road Noise - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Carter - January 3 - 3:40 am

  First wind, then engine noise make this car a problem on the highway. The wind noise can be fixed with a fairly simple repair (the frameless windows are at fault). The engine noise, however, is a result of the manual gearbox. The fifth gear has to rev high to allow the cruise control to pull the car uphill. As a result the car revs at 3-4000 rpm at highway speeds and makes a real racket. The raspy, unrefined 4 cyl. doesnt help. It is a deal killer. Other than that, pretty good car. Secure on dirt roads and in snow and fun to drive on both. The exterior is distinctive Subaru and the interior is well executed.