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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  happiness - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By baltimoresube - December 27 - 9:13 am

  We have had the car for 4 months and 4000 miles and it has been fun to drive; it has all the features youd need with no frills. Cars acceleration is much better than some say; fine for travel. Averaged 27mpg on a recent 900 mile trip to SC. Great space, very efficient; easy to parallel park.

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  Excellent choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Excellent choice - December 26 - 9:36 pm

  After the first 3 months, I can say this was an excellent purchase. You cant go wrong with the vehicle entirely made in Japan. I had to wait 8 weeks for the vehicle to be made and delivered. I love the turbo.. incredible acceleration. So far no speeding tickets. The interior leather is beautiful and everything is nicely finished, including the metal/racing pedals.No rattling noises so far, may be because of the Limited version. It makes some of the expensive competitors look silly.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By C-mac - December 25 - 5:40 am

  I just purchased the car last week. I tried several before buying (Volvo V50, Honda Accord and Volkswagen Jetta) and like this car better for several reasons. This car handles better, rides quieter and has the options that sealed the deal. I love the fact that my five door can bee a family car and a performance car at the same time. I have now switched to seeing how well I can make the MPG go up with the nav display. It can get around 30 or maybe a tad more on the highway. If you want to race, dont expect stellar gas mpg performance. Stay out of the turbo and things get pretty nice for the wallet. Very satisfied with this car and the dealership of purchase.

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  The right choice - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By noop - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a 2000 wagon for three and a half years. Comfortable, secure car. A little wind noise from the drivers window and one recall (havent had time to follow up on that yet), but no problems otherwise. Will probably get an 05 next fall. For me, just about the perfect car, and I dont understand how anyone can call it underpowered. It isnt, even with a fully loaded roof rack and cargo area: luggage, dogs, computer, printer,every square inch packed.

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  Pleasantly Impressed - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Rick Drewyour - December 22 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first Subaru. For a utilitarian vehicle, it rides better than my Honda Accord. It handles great and I really like all the safety features. Easy exit/entry with the higer ground clearance. Sunroof is noisy when only wing is opened. Mileage is 25 mixed and 30 on the highway. Good looks and sporty feel.

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  Loving It! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By blogan - December 21 - 7:00 am

  Just over 400 miles driven but love this car. SE with manual tranny. Fantastic acceleration in all gears. Taconic Parkway is very hilly and twisty. Accelerating up hill in 5th! Traded in a 3800 Buick six and have given up no power. Best handling Ive ever had, including BMW 5, Mazda 626, and Celica GT. Great back support. Short throw shifter gets lots of bad press but this base tranny is wonderful. Very little downshifting needed, and upshifting is smooth and very rewarding. Loves to rev!

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  Traded in a Forester for an Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By danwatson - December 20 - 7:45 am

  I purchased a 2010 Forester in June, 2010 when a job changed forced a move to the Eastern Sierras and an elevation of 8000 feet. The Forester was a great car that handled the snow without any problems. But, it was underpowered at this elevation and too small for someone whos 63" and 260 pounds. So, we traded it in on a 2011 Outback 3.6 Limited. No regrets at all. The 6 cylinder is both smooth and powerful, and the 5 speed transmission is much better than the 4 speed in the Forester. Its got plenty of room, front and back. The only car Ive owned thats as comfortable was an Infiniti M35. This is a great road car. If its as reliable as the Forester was in 18,000 miles, Im happy.

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  GREAT all-around car to own - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By spiro morogiannis - December 19 - 10:20 pm

  I have had my 2010 legacy now for 6 months, put just shy of 13k miles on it and I would have to say its been a great and very comfortable car to own. I do have a couple complaints however, i have had both front struts replaced under warranty due to leaking, and i feel that the cabin could be just a little quieter. If i could change one thing about the 2.5i, i would add another 15-20 hp, because it feels just slower than i would like. However, i average around 30 mpg mixed with my legacy, and i am completely thrilled with the mileage considering the size of the car, and it is one of the most comfortable and fun to drive vehicles Ive ever owned. I highly rec this car, especially for the price

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  Strong Competitor - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Secure Feeling - December 19 - 8:03 pm

  Fine small SUV choice. Very solid build. Excellent crash test scores. View is clear and unobstructed. Has good acceleration. The leather interior and wood steering wheel are nice touches. It doesnt sit so high as to make it difficult for some to get into and out of, similar to a car. This is my 3rd Subie, and theyve all been tanks in winter driving. The gas mileage is a plus also.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 4TIRES - December 19 - 7:16 am

  Ive had it for 2 months now and did some camping (therefore loaded it a lot) drove in hilly roads and so far, nothing to complain about! Great purchase, great handling, good power/weight ratio. Good feature too, the hill holder that prevent the vehicle from going backward on an inclined road (excellent when you are fully loaded in a very steep road at a traffic light).