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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  "4 Door Vette" - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By DJuenke - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Simply Awesome! 3 days and my first ticket. Mileage sucks but hey it is worth the price of entry. Took top of wing off and put on 50 series tires and it has become quite civilized and a sleeper. Potential currently exceeds my ability... but not for long. I am trully happy that I bought this vehicle and I got it for less than MSRP to boot. Truly a 4 door vette!

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  awsome car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By amsterdam - August 14 - 10:00 am

  use to max baby yeah

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  STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dan I - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Very fast and high performing car. However, it takes a while to get used to the all wheel drive system. The steering is unusual on a turn, when you gas and let go the gas on the turn, the car (steering) kind of jiggles a little. In addition, if you take a turn and gas it too much, your rear will break loose, so you must understeer like a rear wheel drive car.

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  Subaru is a GREAT car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Rob - August 13 - 12:13 am

  This is my second Forester. I have loved the 2004 XS all-wheel drive, 4-disc brakes, the feel of quality, maneuverability, crash test safety, and practicality of a hatchback to haul or carrying stuff. (I love the XT, but it uses premium gas, so I avoided it in both cars). The 2009 is more elegant, taller, more room, adds the new "VDC" rollover safety feature, has the SportShift autoshifter, better visibility, more airbag protection,and still has that Subaru quality. I have owned Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, and VWs, but my Subarus just cant be beat. They hug the road and can handle diverse weather conditions. I feel safe. I love to drive them. Glad I bought them. Great cars. Love them both.

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  Pass on Subaru not worth trouble - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By JeffD. - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car based on Consumer reviews. Car has lived in the shop: valves, clutch, brakes, radio, etc. The car handles well but no power and no room for kids. Most expensive car Ive ever owned based on days in shop and dollars in repairs. I keep cars for 10+ years but looking forward to parking this one under a tree and walking away from it. Subaru dealerships have a lot of swagger about the belief of what they read in consumer reports. Unfortunately this attitude makes it "your fault" that the valves fail after 60 k miles and be prepared for very long waits for parts. Took 3 weeks to get in a new rear windshield wiper arm. None of the needed work has been under warranty.

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  Great Vehicle, No Regrets - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Former Truck Driver - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a Nissan Xterra to the Subaru was exceptionally easy. The 2010 Outback offers the greatest value, safety, fuel economy, and quality for a discriminating buyer. The 6spd is clean and crisp with close ratios for easy shifting. The AWD system performs exemplary with the only problem being slight cases of over confidence (a few trips around an empty parking lot to get used to the car is a smart move!). Subaru hit the mark with this car. The appeal of the vehicle is with a wide range of buyers with styling that is simple yet great for a family. Some have had issues with recalls on the vehicle but that shows a company willing to listen and improve their products.

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  Mazdaspeed to a Subie, I grew up! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By OhioLifer - August 12 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. I only have about 500 miles on her and so far its been a fine car. I love the AWD and the nav/roof, the backup cam and ipod integration are nice touches. The HK 440-watt Dolby audio is fantastic. It really put the Bose audio in my Mazda to shame. The paddle shifting is weak at best, usable for snow driving only (that i can imagine). Its sporty enough that I dont really miss the Mazda and luxurious enough that I dont want to remember it!

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  Cost effective car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By leousa - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the most cost effective car on the market today. It is a luxury universal in the city, fully capable SUV in rural areas, yet fuel efficient and affordable. Was shopping for a crossover for at least 4 month. Test drove Venza, Rav4, HR-V, Sportage2011, Forester, InfinityEX35. Almost bought the Infinity for the driving impressions and design. But ended up with Outback. No regrets. Did 2700 miles so far in the Salt Lake City area. Mileage as advertised 24 to 32. Climbed the hill where Ford Explorer has to backed up, and crossed the deep river where only serious SUV has courage to go. Accelerate to 100mls/hr and had no vibrations with avg noise. Roomy, comfortable, well thought vehicle.

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  Practical with a twist - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By NewSubieFan - August 11 - 8:13 pm

  How often do you find a practical vehicle that is tons of fun to drive? This car is my first Subaru and Im very happy. The cargo compartment holds things I didnt think would fit (I fit an entire Charbroil smoker in there once!). Acceleration is lively. Get the cargo tray - makes cleanup of messy cargo a snap. Mileage on premium fuel (I get about 20 mpg in mixed driving) is a little disappointing but thats what you give up for the HP and the AWD. Mileage is significantly better (22 mpg mixed) with more conservative driving, but thats hard to do in this car. Great dog car with the leather seats and easy access. Impress your friends with the monster sunroof! No problems so far.

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  I drive for a living - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By I Drive - August 11 - 7:03 am

  I drive a ton of miles a year (50-70K) and hate to read a review from somebody who bought a car last week and says "Its the best Ive ever had." Well, yeah. Ive had my Forester for a few months and already have 9000 miles without a hitch. Im getting 28-30 mpg and like the ride on both highway and in town. The stereo is adequate, not great. Cargo room is like my previous 07 Forester. I wish I got the 5 speed to improve the performance off the line. When I drive in NYC my leg got cramped in my old car...a trade off. Im just mad that the car policy at work changed and I have to sell it.