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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  Great Car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Harry 15558649998+95 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 6 months ago and I have had only one problem and that was with a leak in my windsheild. I love this car I gets me to all the good lakes in the Wa area and it gets good gas milage for an SUV also.

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  Traded a turbo monster, and havent looked back - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By mike_in_nepa - March 25 - 6:31 am

  For the last 10 years, Ive had various turbocharged vehicles, some of which were modded. I grew tired of temperamental turbos, having too much power in slow traffic, and spending ungodly sums of cash fueling them up. I just needed a reliable AWD vehicle that can get me around in the mountains throughout the winter months, ground clearance, get good fuel economy, and can stand up to my outdoorsy lifestyle. So far, I have 1000 miles and have been very impressed with this vehicle. I find it very peppy, and find the 145 hp rating deceiving. This climbs up mountain roads feeling sprightly, and never gives even a hint of losing steam. At 75 mph, I get about 30-32 mpg. Love it.

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  2010 Outback -> 2011 Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By macmuchmore - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2010 Outback (2.5i Premium CVT) last year and really liked it except for a few issues (no folding mirrors, some window trim misalignment, no homelink, not red). So while I was in dealership getting an oil change I looked at a 2011 red outback. All the things I wanted changed were there. so I traded in my 2010 for the 2011. Love the new one more than last years. Have already used the folding mirrors.

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  Drive this car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By WiscGuy - March 20 - 4:30 pm

  Bought my Subaru Legacy in October. Have the 4 door Sedan Special Edition Auto. It is a blast to drive. Passing performance is excellent. MPG is good for AWD car. Get mid 20s in city, 30 or just under on highway. Very quiet inside and visibility out is perfect. New this year for sedan are 60/40 split fold down seats and mp3 aux input. Dash is easy to read, safety scores are tops. Interior is classy and well put together. There is a rattle or two however. Drive this car before buying any other mid-size sedan.

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  Car is solid - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By nortel73 - March 20 - 11:30 am

  Ive had my Outback Sport for nearly 5 years and was thinking of replacing it (vanity reasons)...but the cost to own this has been so low. I easily get 28mpg highway, brakes and tires are cheap (unlike BMW, audi and VW which are 10K more from the start), and the car is solid (unlike the Toyotas and Mazdas at the time which are comparable price wise). I have seriously abused this car and it runs fantastic.

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  05 Outback XT - Standard - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rfisher - March 19 - 7:50 am

  I had a 2004 WRX which was too small for family of 5 with 4 dogs. Needed more space. Got great price at end of year for 05 with rebates and upgraded to Outback XT. I love the extra room and features of this car. It is built much better than the WRX.

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  First Impressions XT Turbo - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By cdwood - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This our second Forester. Our first, a 98, was essentially trouble free for 118K miles. When the turbo came out and I drove it, I wanted it. This is the stealthiest high performance vehicle on the road. The XT version is seriously quick, gobbling up hills and unsuspecting large SUVs or pickups that are inclined to play games.

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  Best truck for surfers - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By cold heart - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for a while i havent had to fix barly anything yet

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  This is the All In One solution - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By sagelwwa - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best mix of practicality, cost, performance, looks, and reliability Ive ever seen! I sold my 1995 Toyota Supra Turbo with tons of modifications so that I could get a more practical car. I got this car and it turned out to be much more than practical as I had hoped. It was a great, worry-free decision to get this vehicle!

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  MY02 WRX by WAM - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SubieWAM - March 18 - 10:00 am

  After having my baby for a year, this car is a supurb deal. Its the money wises Audi S4. Although I would like more luxury options especially a sunroof. Although a little tight for space but its my toy and I love it. I really cant complain, I spent a lot less than an S4 and enjoy driving it especially when I can keep up with them and still have money left in my pocket :) Not to pick on the S4, that was my other vehicle of choice but just did not want to worry about high monthly payments.