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:

• 

  Great Car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By vallyo - April 26 - 2:59 am

  Ive the car for 3 weeks now and I can tell one thing I dont why so many reviews complain about the 2.5 liter engine. Its working fine for me. my other car is a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and I am used to CVT it it a little different but still a good transmission. It corners really good for such a tall vehicle and it is almost as fun to drive as the Kizashi. Overall I cant think of something I dont like about the car. I am so happy that Subaru finally realized that the appearance matters.

• 

  problem child - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By gurumichael - April 25 - 1:13 pm

  I was thrilled after waiting 7 years for this puppy. Shortly after purchase I had to get both front struts replaced as they were bad, driver side window worked on three times for squeeking, dash rattles inside (third time) and the computer on it had to be sent away for a week after two months of driving! This is all with normal driving and no modifications. Its a blast to drive, but way too many problems for the price tag and the lack of quality. I recommend looking at alternatives.

• 

  nice surprise - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By echo1234 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my vehicle for 3 1/2 months now, and I have enjoyed every moment. I was looking for a vehicle with adequate cargo space, but did not want a monstrosity of a typical SUV. I did not even consider the Forester until I was disappointed with the CR-V. The Subaru is definitely worth more for the money! And I drove my Subaru from Texas to Connecticut and am constantly on the road (8000 miles so far!). I highly recommend the Forester.

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By kevykev - April 25 - 2:00 am

  There is no other car like it. Best bang for the buck and it looks too sweet. I have had no major problems with the car.

• 

  new baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By sag - April 25 - 2:00 am

  i love the versatility from going to home depot, Christmas tree,or carrying people. it is great navigating through 10 inches of snow. Subaru is a well engineered automobile.It is definately worth the money.

• 

  Bad Roads - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By TFC - April 23 - 9:36 pm

  (90K) Handled very well 2000 miles and very bad dirt rural roads in Laurel Hill Fl. in 04/2009. Only normal and minor things wrong. Front passenger axle assembly, $268, 03/2008. Alternator 11/2008 (rebuilt), $168. Driver door outside door handle,($69 P/L.) Clock, CD Drive (not done). Cold, Rain and moderate off road very good. Rear tire hum tolerable. Full non-towing load performance very good. Still love it. Go anywhere, do anything. Beach, fishing, hiking, bicycling.

• 

  This is Definitely the Low End Product - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By historybuff13 - April 23 - 8:13 pm

  Before I begin I just want to say I have owned 2 Foresters and they are both great cars. I bought this Imprezza used from a dealer in 2014 with under 36000 miles. I thought it was a great deal because of the milage. I have owned it for less than 3 months and I am now scheduled for my 3rd service appointment to fix the turn signal. I have read that Subaru cut corners on this model to save money and actually made the wire harness too short so that it pulls loose. I really like my dealership and in general I like Subarus, but I cannot recommend this model. I will actually be purchasing a new car this year, but I am no longer considering the Crosstrek, as it is just another Imprezza.

• 

  My wish list for the Crosstrek - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By doraflood - April 23 - 11:17 am

  Bought Crosstrek Feb2013 --wish I had waited for the 2014 Forrester. While an initial test drive MIGHT convince you to buy the Crosstrek -- you get bored and frustrated will quickly as you drive around your neighborhood. While you might enjoy the 8.7" ground clearance-try wearing a baseball cap and putting the visor down. If the seat is forward or up, it cant be done. Same goes for tall people. Taking the head rest off the passenger side - even with an open moonroof, cant be done. They need to add 3" to height - which might also help with cooling the car: the angle of the windshield causes higher heat from sun buildup-making AC less efficient.

• 

  Subaru #6 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By ihtpsswrds - April 23 - 2:40 am

  Ive driven them all (yep, Ive had a De Soto); domestic, Japanese, German and American, and this make is the best bar none. The only brand Ive been able to consistently put 300k on since the Ford Falcon of the 60s. But this is a lot more fun. All Wheel Drive - its very addictive. The first time you squeeze a little too much out of a wet curve and you feel the Outback "hunker-down" and dig in its claws, youre hooked to the car like the car is hooked to the road.

• 

  Great Value -- Subaru!! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Vancouver, WA - April 22 - 11:56 am

  The car drives very smooth and quiet. Great car for the money that looks good in and out, safe and fun to drive, and good on gas. Good handling and AWD is great in slippery/snowy roads. I drive about 40% city and 60% highway so I get very good gas mileage (average is 20-21) and on all of my highway trips I got 23-24 mpg. So the EPA is accurate for the highway for me. But again I drive very smoothly and try not to drive hard for no reason.