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:

• 

  Perfect for our Needs - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mowine4me - June 30 - 7:00 pm

  We needed a car that could haul stuff for our home improvement projects, got great mileage, was reliable and under $20,000. Final purchase price was $19,800 new, and the car has been everything we wanted. The engine could use a little more power when merging onto a highway, but otherwise we love the car and highly recommend it.

• 

  A Joy to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By jlt - June 29 - 4:03 am

  Ive only had my Forester for a month, but already love it! It is an absolute joy to drive, so much so that I find myself creating reasons to get out on the road. Its got fantastic pick up and is so responsive that I think I could drive it with my little finger. Ive also found it to be a very quiet drive and it has terrific visibility. Much better than any of my other recent cars. I had a Subaru once before and am I glad that I came back for another!

• 

  Decent vechile, fun to drive & Satisfied - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By montavistas - June 29 - 1:06 am

  Have been driving this vehicle for about 3 months and have all the options except navigation and have been satisfied with the drive I had on local and highway. Decent MPG about 25 on an average. The SRS audio doesnt seem to work as expected no help from the dealer as well. Havent experienced any rattling as some complained. Nice to drive and good control on the road. Overall a Satisfied Subaru Forester patron.

• 

  "WOW" Move over Honda, Nissan and Toyota - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By lexcsls - June 28 - 10:49 am

  First of all , its "ALL WHEEL DRIVE" a no brainer for winter driving as well as wet weather handeling (it rains just about everywhere) The build quality is top notch and Ive owned Nissans, Honda and many Toyotas. Whe you drive you feel safe. The car feels lke its heaver than it looks and it handels like a dream. Sure it could use just a little bit more powert but its perfect for you average driver. Gas mileage is outstanding and the car rides smooth and quiet. Its a value being all wheel drive, its economical and well built and you see and feel the quality all around. Buy it and see for yourself and belive me you wont be dissapointed. Test drive it and youll be impressed

• 

  The best STI yet - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxlep - June 27 - 4:30 pm

  This is my third STI. So far it is my favorite! It is more grown up now, which is perfect for someone that has graduated from the blue interior and giant wing (which I STILL love). The hatch is really great for hauling around stuff or for a guy with a family. The car has lost a little edge from the old one, but for my needs, its for the better. I do recommend a 3M clear bra as the water based paint is still not as durable as it should be and rock chips WILL happen. The car is a little more incognito because of the new shape and isnt quite as much of a cop magnet.

• 

  Wish I had considered this purchase more carefully - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By CC - June 27 - 3:40 pm

  While I liked the appearance and style of this small crossover, it is not nearly at the level I expect from a car so well considered by so many. What do they see in this car that I do not? Far from spacious, there is not much room in here. It is not very comfortable to drive, even with the premium leather interior, no where to rest your elbows really. There is a very flimsy layer of carpet in the trunk area, carries over when you fold the seats down, the carpet actually sags on the support bars. The leather is also paper thin on the arm rest and already ripped. The loud ungodly blowers of the heating/air climate control system are terrible and I cant make business calls when I am driving because of the background noise. I wind up saying what?? the whole time. This is a hard pill to swallow. The 33 MPG highway...sounds super inflated and I have never see milage that good, even though 80% of my driving is on the highway. The worst thing about this car is how I work out of my trunk and I can not see anything at night...never even gave it a thought about how important A LIGHT WOULD BE in a trunk, nor did I ever think to check really when I bought it...a hatchback with no light in the back!!! Its a bizarre shortcut. It annoys me to no end that I need a flashlight to prepare for my day/bring product for work in and out of the car. Why did Subaru make a car with no interior hatch lighting? It is not going to win any races, but I could live with that if it had great gas milage. I had a Volvo XC previously, so when other reviews said this car is great in the snow...I believed them. Not so, I have had more white knuckled trips in this feather weight...not to mention you need running speed to make it up hills since it is so light. My Volvo could have pushed this little guy up the hills! It ate snowstorms and spit them out. Bottom line: Im not a big believer in reviews after reading this cars. Did I mention the paint will come off if you lean against it? It had 2 large rust spots on the roof already before it hit 40k, and chips all over it that I had a detailer fill. He said he filled 55 chip marks, pebbles on the road take the paint off this car. So disappointing. Cant wait to unload it. Sorry Subaru, this is a fail.

• 

  Very Nice Car,.. from Day One - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Iowa Man - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and was second owner. Car Drives Great on Gravel Roads and hugs the road.. Has All Wheel Drive and its a Perfect Car for Winter Driving both on/ off Road. Heated Seats, Auto, Great Heat n Air Car at 190,000 miles , drives like New. Like all Midwestern and Northern Cars/ trucks.. problem with corrosion around wheel wells. Dash board Check Engine Light is Very Sensative to Gas Cap n little things that make it come on n off, but doesnt affect fun & Strong driving of this Car. Car will Drive over 400,000 miles before dying...

• 

  What a great car... - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Cabriniman - June 27 - 6:43 am

  This is such a great car! I have been looking for an all-around performer that is easy on the wallet and this is it. I dont know of any other cars in which you get a four door, turbo charged, all wheel drive, reliable, and super fun ride for around $23,000. I test drove a 2005 WRX last summer and was sorely disappointed. Way too much turbo lag. The 2006 virtually eliminates that problem and you have more choices. I love that this car is a "stealth speeder" without the spoiler too. This car has a great ride and handles well. I actually get decent gas mileage too (25-27 regularly). I highly recommend at least a test drive as I was completely blown away with the 2006!

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wht93gt - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I dont even own one of these cars. I went to the dealer, and a younger guy came out to help me. He then offered to take it for a test drive!!!!! It was about a half hour before closing and he wanted to kill some time. While I was driving he said to me, "dont be a girl, give it some gas. this is a performance car." so thats what I did. All I can say is WOW. I have a 93 Mustang GT and the STI will destroy it. When the rpms hit about 2000, it feels like you just got shot out of a cannon. The car is absolutly mind- blowing. Im now trying to find things to sell, so that I can afford an STI.

• 

  High Value Car - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By r_k - June 27 - 12:51 am

  Owned a Sienna XLE 2010 and wanted to move out of the big car league and looking for relatively smaller car which still gives SUV feel. We did try our hands on Forester as well but liked Outback better because of robust interior and better road grip. We drive it for pleasure/road trips and have put over 5K miles on it so far. The only complaint I have is, while going heavy on gas, it makes noise and seems like has trouble coping up, however give it 2-3 seconds and its back to normal. I love the eyesight feature and whenever on highway with less traffic, I put it on cruise, leads to worry free driving. Love lane departure feature. My wife likes it better than Sienna. Love the green color.