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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  Legacy Keeps Getting Better - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By LegacyFan - July 24 - 11:00 pm

  This is my 4th Legacy, and by far the best one yet. The new Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade rocks, and the car is so much value for the money! It feels solid and tight in any conditions, handles amazingly (the test drive will make you buy this car!) and when you look at the sticker price compared to similar European makes costing much more, it makes you feel smart and lucky. Wish it had Bluetooth, love the new music and cruise control buttons on the wheel, would like more ambient lighting inside (which the Germans do to great effect). Elegant but not fussy, this car is comfortable, fun, sporty and luxurious all at the same time. Simplicity of design still works and defines a nice car.

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  A car not pass up - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By zenith13 - July 24 - 1:16 pm

  This is my first Subaru. Coming from a celica, and with this car being made jointly by Toyota and Subaru, I felt close to home. The engineers nailed it on this one - the 200hp to weight ratio is perfect and the handling is great. I had a problem with the nav system twice and had to take it to the dealer and have it replaced, but other then that it is a great car to drive and a car that a car enthusiast should not pass up.

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  Forester 2.5 X - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Peter - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  Have had several Subarus over the years as I live in snowbelt country. Car gets you there with its AWD. Have had very few problems in the past, thus the purchase of a new Forester. I didnt need all the frills so I got the plain X model, but it has all the stuff I need. Great so far.

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  looks tougher than it is - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Jimmy - July 23 - 8:30 pm

  Nice ride, good mileage and easy getting in and out. Not too quiet from the outside. The steering was off a bit after 500 miles because I went over a 2 foot high pile of dirt. A side view mirror cracked cracked in half on a winter night. The back seat is for little people only. The brakes didnt last too long either, it pulled to the right every stop after 10,000 miles.

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  2003 vs 2002 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Nova Tony - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve had a 2002 Forester S Premium for a little over two years; and like it so much that we recently replaced our other car with a 2003 XS with the premium leather package. Both are auto trans. Drove the 2003 from Virginia up to Acadia Maine and spent a month driving in Maine and Western Massachusetts (3000 miles). No complaints, very similar to the prior model (which is an excellent vehicle) except for a flaw in the drivers seat adjustment mechanism.

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  Best Subaru Yet - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Fastmover - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Subaru Outback. This car is built so well, no problems, always reliable. I love the handling, the feel of the steering, great brakes, wonderful amenities. I highly recommend this car. This car is refined enough to take to the city for the latest opera, yet tough enough to cross steams and go where I really waant to take it.

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  Mediocratic Platform - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Subesation - July 23 - 1:53 am

  For a 2010 model SUV, this vehicle is lacking some basic features other vehicles in its class have. Comfortable driving position is one. The driver position is awkward with all the plastic parts sticking out reaking havoc on leg pain. Blue-tooth, the horrible sound system even with the circle sound on and the lack of auto on headlights. I enjoy the quality the subaru brand projects and thus far reliability is number 1. I have yet to get over 23 MPG even driving highway everyday. If your wanting to buy this vehicle its offroad ability is great, but the luxury interior is just not there! I dont have any rattling but considering the forester is mostly plastics I know its coming.

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  Totally reliable, but a bit spartan. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Jon P - July 21 - 11:03 pm

  I did a great deal of research on mid-size SUVs and narrowed my choices to the 2003 CRV or the 2003 Forester. After 4 years and 45K of driving I think I may never buy anything but a Subaru again. The car handles any weather condition you can throw at it with ease. Snow, rain, ice, sub-zero temps. The car behaves well in any element. Most importantly though the car just runs well with no major mechanic or electrical problems to date. Certainly there are some minor, mostly aesthetic and comfort changes I would welcome. However this car has earned my trust and has been an excellent ambassador for the Subaru line-up. The best vehicle purchase I have ever made.

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  Tons of fun for the money... - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By DGman - July 20 - 8:06 pm

  I traded my 2004 WRX for a 2009 model year. This is a HUGE upgrade all around. The 2009 has better performance, better comfort, better ride, and better accessories. I optioned for the SPT Catback exhaust system. It really gives the car a nice note. The drone at interstate speeds is a little much. Driving around town, though, it is an awesome throaty growl. The interior space in this model year is loads more than the 2004. My 04 had barely usable rear seats. I love the split fold down rear seats. This is a FUN car. Car and driver tested 0-60 in 4.7 and 1/4 mile 13.5. Those times are on par with the 2010 Mustang GT except you get AWD and better MPG.

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  Station wagons can be fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Bill - July 20 - 8:06 pm

  I went from a 2004 outback base to this turbocharged outback. Let me say this, I deliver newspapers for a living. So the car needs to be reliable. I will say that the car has been really good so far. Gas mileage isnt the greatest, but then again a lot of starts and stops and riding the clutch too. The car is fast only when you let the rpms run to about 6300 rpms to shift it takes off. For the money you cant go wrong but sadly Subaru dropped the turbo outback for 2010 now it looks like a big SUV. Driving this car everyday is fun, love the turn signals on the side view mirrors. Subaru only made a few of these cars every year if you can get a chance to own one grab it.