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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  AWD Mini El-Camino - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Jim-Rome - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Since the 70s Ive said I wanted an AWD (or 4WD) El Camino. This is in in a mini version. Very versatiel and fun. It isnt a REAL truck... but the.. my wife would expect REAL work.

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  Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By stevelew - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Great dealer. No problems so far. 30000 mile service was as expected $500.

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  love it - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By carrotts - July 18 - 11:36 pm

  love this car, did all the usual things before-car for 2/3yrs then changed for a new one, had this one from 2005, had a new engine at 80.000miles, (did,nt know about the head gasket), and now at 149.000miles, costs a fortune in fuel, lots of niggles that need addressing regularly but drive this or another tin box give me scoobie every day, I have the comfort pack and would sit comfortable in this car all day.

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  Legacy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Trish - July 18 - 10:33 pm

  I would rather have my Infiniti G35 back. The quality of the Legacy is not there. Also, I rather spend $30,000 on a car with quality and one that holds its value. I have had the Legacy since Nov. 2004 and it is a big negative $10,000. For those who love Subaru, good luck to you but I will never buy another.

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  "Car of the Year?" - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Peter Bishop - July 17 - 10:53 pm

  This car replaced a 2003 Legacy sedan--non-turbo-charged, and is one of 3 cars and a pickup in the family. The difference between the 2003 and the new car is like night and day. The quality of the paint, the fit and finish, ride, comfort, handling, the redesigned steering, and especially the sure-footed all-wheel drive make this an incredible bargain. The Subaru logo makes it a "sleeper." Ill be surprised if it doesnt take the "car of the year" award from some magazine. The interior is well designed and the materials used, including the MOMO steering wheel, have a quality feel. Its not like any Subaru you have ever driven. This car is a true high-quality drivers car; its the real deal.

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  No Comparison - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By employee446 - July 17 - 6:33 pm

  Subaru steps up the mid-size legacy inside and out. We own an 05 and were looking for something with more room, luxury features and interior. Researched so many vehicles. Wanted AWD for safety so we looked to Audi and BMW to compare. This car is great on the things that matter. Comfortable, safe, great on fuel economy and striking looks. Limited package is definitely worth the price.

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  03 Forester 2.5X - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By janderson5 - July 17 - 3:33 pm

  I totaled my 98 Camry in 06/09 & decided I needed an AWD or 4wd car. I looked at Honda CRVs, Toyota RAV4s, & Subarus. After much research & many test drives, I decided I like the Suby. I like my Forester, its a good car. However, its had some issues. Had to replace water pump due to leak from weep hole right after I got it, I replaced timing belt at that time too to save $ in the future. Now it makes whistling noises when eng revs to 3-4k rpm. Think its cat-converter, but cant fig out for sure got an extension on 80k fed war, but having difficulty with dealers. Hope once things are fixed itll last 200k.

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  Overall Great SUV - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Brad - July 16 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased vehicle 7 months ago after much deliberation and was extremely happy with my choice. I understood the shortcomings: no telescoping wheel or bluetooth, small gas tank and 19-23 mpg (not bad considering AWD). However after I had the oil transmission cooler installed, the transmission hasnt shifted correctly again. Stays in gear too long, hard shifts etc. Working with the dealer to attempt a fix. All in all, a great vehicle for the price, all essential features and then some. Look hard at the this vehicle; youll be doing yourself a disservice if you didnt!

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  Fun, Safe and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Giantomaso - July 16 - 1:20 pm

  Very car-like. Extremely responsive for what is considered an SUV. Fuel ecomomy is good considering it is on all-time AWD. CR-V is only part-time AWD and has similar MPG. Excellent fit and finish. Most extras included in price, whereas Toyota and Honda get you with the extra options (resulting RAVs and CR-Vs more expensive than the Forester with the same options).

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  Subaru Forester XT after 9 months - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By BCJ - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  Best car I have ever driven. Goes down hills like a spider climbing down a wall. Takes off like a rocket, have to watch myself on the acceleration. You think you are light on the pedal and next thing you know the rest of the traffic is a block behind you after the light changes.