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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  Comfortable and Fun - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Rusty - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought the STI but I am glad I didnt. I like the fact that I get heated seats, heated wipers, moonroof and all around more for my money. and for an extra $2500 you can make the WRX a little faster than the STI with actual Subaru performance parts. So, my vote is for the WRX. Its comfortable and fun!

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  Why no wagon? - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ROC - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Just curious: Any others out there who would like this vehicle in the wagon version?

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  Ill do it again - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By ForesterAgain - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Superb handling, great looks, a c0ouple of issues with the oxygen sensor and the right front inner steerin/drive boot are all that prevent this form being an ideal auto for the money. This was my first, but definitely not my last Subaru!

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  dog mobile - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By scottasbj - September 13 - 8:23 pm

  I totaled my 99, but it saved my life. I had reservations about another one because it was VERY noisy, the shift linkage was awful and the clutch worked best parked. There were a lot of ignition problems, and the rear brakes were drums. But having two dogs, always had manual transmission, and not wanting to be sitting high off of the ground left me few choices. I ended up with a 2003 with 18,500 miles on it for $13,800. I love it! Subaru addressed every issue but the rear brakes (sigh). It is quiet, no hood scoop, more power, and the best shift linkage I have driven yet. It feels like a Legacy.

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Patch - September 12 - 9:40 pm

  Great car that is fun and safe to drive. I get between 29-30 mpg with it in mixed driving. Good access in the back to carry loads. Had a WRX before that was fun, but had a harsh ride and was not as stable in adverse winter conditions. This car has plenty of pep.

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  A Lesson Learned The Hard Way - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By machineryman - September 12 - 6:32 pm

  I bought my Outback two years ago with 115,000 miles on it. In over 200 cars that Ive owned Ive never owned an Outback, but everyone that I talked to that had one loved it. This car ranks as one of the 3 worst cars that Ive owned. Its the only car that Ive owned that would break just sitting in the driveway. Its been a real money pit. With the chronic head gasket problems Im surprised that anyone buys these. I sure wish that I had researched it before I bought. This was definately an expensive lesson learned the hard way.

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  good, except... - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Suz - September 12 - 1:06 pm

  The rear view camera is nice but I wish they had included an object warning beep. There is a shortage of storage. The speedometer is hard to read, they should have made it digital like in other Subaru 2016 models. That being said, I love the vehicle, great mileage, responsive except on hills, looks great, and some nice features like dimming side mirrors.

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  Happy with my 1st Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By anne - September 10 - 5:23 pm

  Traded in my 99 Lexus RX300 for a 2010 Outback. This is not the old Subaru that people have in mind. It has more room at the back than the RX. With the limited trim, I dont miss any luxury features and I got more tech stuff like blue tooth, mp3, steering wheel control, etc. Compared to the RX, this car is more stable when cornering. The ride is comfortable and quiet. With 2.5L engine and CVT, the gas mileage is very good. I have only driven 200 miles but in heavy rain, it handles beautifully. I looked at Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4 before deciding on the Outback. Im totally happy with the quality, fit and ride. Funny, I dont even miss my Lexus! Luxury car drivers, dont overlook Subaru!

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  I FEEL LIKE AN ADDICT - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By leafer - September 9 - 10:46 pm

  This car is so addicting that it draws you to the drivers seat and says lets go! The unbelievable power that is pumped out of this four banger is incredible, the car handles corners like it was a straight away, it stops on a dime picks it up, then gives you change. I cant believe the amount of respect this car gets no one wants to race you in fear of humiliation. This is absolutely the funnest car Ive ever drove! (P.S. I didnt even notice there was a stereo.) Worth every penny!

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  Great Car...Worth waiting for 05s - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rsorganize - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded 99 Volvo XC. Too many problems/way too expensive to repair. Waited on the 05 Subarus. Worth the wait. Great design and ergonomics, dramatically upgraded safety. Bought VDC for complete safety package. Smooth, quiet, fast. IMO, best value by far in this class, with the upgrades (AWD - Volvo, Audi, Passat). Looking forward to 150,000-200,000 miles (at least!) of safe, fun and quiet driving in all kinds of New England weather.