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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  Love @ first drive - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mary Box - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven a Ford truck or SUV (F150, F250, Explorer, Expedition). I was looking for a SAFE smaller SUV / Wagon / Hatchback that had AWD/4WD and leather or vinyl seats. The Forester was the only vehicle that earned top safety marks. It is icing on the cake that the Forester is fun to drive (I find myself looking for reasons to go for a drive). I have driven more miles in 2 months I have had the Forester than I normally drove in 6 months.

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  Eh... wont do again - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By thumbsabit down - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Liked it alot when I bought it -but wont do this model again. Many people I know LOVE their Subaru- but, IMHO- its too much $$ for the bang. Our plan was to buy a new car that we can drive for many years. Its cramped when 4 in the car- and worse if an avg size dog comes with us. Exterior paint stinks-chips easily. Too many blind spots to find during test-drive. (I didnt read the articles for testing- beforehand.) Thought gas would be better- 19-21 is best mileage yet.Dont fall for the brouha-ha... Im going with Honda or Toyota for my next car- asap.

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  The best car ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By My New STI - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome! I have owned many other performance cars and this one stomps them all. The interior has been slightly redesigned so you have a 6 cd changer new cloth on the door panels and cup holders. The wheels have been widened this year as well. Also the steering is tight. Super SUPER fun to drive.

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  2009 Forester LLBean - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By S. - May 3 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 1st Subaru purchase and, having only had the vehicle 2 wks, I can say that Im impressed thus far. Ride quality is superior to the Honda Accord that I also own. Mileage so far has been around 26-28 combined highway and city; mostly highway. Im expecting better MPG once the engine has been broken in.

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  Tribeca Wins with Fun Ride - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By CWhyte - May 3 - 12:30 pm

  August 2005: We compared and test drove new Subaru B9 Tribeca, Highlander LDT, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Nissan Murano, Infinity FX3,and used Lexus RX300. Final Round was between MDX & Tribeca. Tribeca won for us. Heres why: Better handling, especially in sudden high speed manuvers. Slight lean never gets worse than slight. Quick, accurate steering and shifting response. 255/55/18 Tires w/ 18" wheels contribute. Fun to Drive: Std auto trans adds "sport" mode AND " Manual mode". Zoom. (But Murono shiftless trans is cool!) Ground clearance: 8.4" allows a some off road adventure confidence. Features & doo-dads: All the rest being about equal or better than the competitors.

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  this car rocks - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Brandon - May 2 - 10:00 am

  today is 10-06-02 and i got the car on the 3rd ( thursday )and i have already but 300 miles on it i cant be in it enough its so fun to drive i have the 5 speed edition and i am having so much fun in it you done need to speed or be crazy to have fun in it how great is that...!

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  this car rocks - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By brandon - May 2 - 10:00 am

  today is 10-06-02 and i got the car on the 3rd ( thursday )and i have already but 300 miles on it i cant be in it enough its so fun to drive i have the 5 speed edition and i am having so much fun in it you done need to speed or be crazy to have fun in it how great is that...!

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  My first Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Casey - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Forester. I have a complaint about the back doors: it would be so much easier to get in and out if the doors would slide from the middle of the side (see mid-80s Stanzas). My older friends have trouble getting in and out. The front seats need to be able to be more upright,not reclining for driving. I have had to add a pillow to keep my back straight. Unfortunately I did not notice this problem in test driving, only when doing my regular driving. The car handles well, but needs to be 2 inches higher for ease of getting out for these old knees. I love the quiet engine, and it handles traffic well.

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  My Green Bean - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Nathan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its my first Subaru and hopefully not my last - we love our Green LL Bean (aka the Green Bean) - Our Subaru has an excellent highway ride and comfortable seating. However, the V6 Edition needs a little more power and could use some work on the handling maybe Subaru could borrow the suspension from the WRX.

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  Who Designed the Subaru Seats? - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Frank Babcock - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles more like a sport car than a station wagon. It holds the road well with no body roll and the steering is tight with excellent feed back.