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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  Truck to SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Lee - March 27 - 7:23 am

  Settling down doesnt mean slowing down. I had an 02 Tacoma Limited and traded up for this new toy and have no regrets. Great performance and power when you need it while its tame looks might suggest otherwise.

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  20 Minute Vacation - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Craig - March 26 - 5:03 am

  Moving from a 2004 WRX Wagon, my 2005 STI fixes the few things that I would have changed about the standard WRX . Power and handling come together providing entertainment that I couldnt afford before the STI. The wing is a bit outrageous and upsets many people on the road but Im having more fun than 99.9% of the driving public. Did I mention the power and handling.....

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  superior quality for value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By e. v. willhelm - March 26 - 2:00 am

  first time suburu owner. exceedingly pleased. 3 important criteria for purchasing a vehicle -reliability, safety and value. i got all of these plus comfort, performance and good looks too. the immense moon roof was the icing on the cake in decision for forester. if only suburu would listen and take action on few suggestions, i would be a repeat buyer for sure. ARE THEY LISTENING?

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  Great little SUV - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By rkoby - March 26 - 2:00 am

  After driving for about 5 months, this is a great little sport ute. Compared to my LandRover this car is much more fun to drive, much better gas mileage, better handling. Still has good headroom like LR. Could be better looking. Put on 17" wheels with Michelins which improved looks and handling. Drives more like sports car.

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  What a great car! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Roodriver - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had my 98 Forester for a year/14,000. Couldnt be happier with it. Mileage is good (21/27) so is the power. The seat adjustment range is wide enough that most everyone gets comfy. It hauls much stuff and passenger room is good. I replaced the speakers it sounds better, but the system could use an upgrade. Needed good all-season tires with low noise. Still, the noise is acceptable. Im gonna be driving this puppy for a loooong time.

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  This car is a continuous Headache - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By starsmyles - March 25 - 9:13 pm

  I purchased my Subaru Forester in the summer of 2003. I live in Maine and was looking for something safe and reliable since I need my car for my work. I was in love with the car when the dealership let me take the car home overnight for a test drive. It drove wonderfully! I dont believe I had any major issues with the car in the first year that I had it. I had oil changes done as recommended and took care of it. Also my bug deflector panel thing that came with the car flew off one day while I was going 55 mph. In the summer of 2005 though I started to have issues. The car would not go anywheres until I put it into reverse first and then into drive. Once in drive I had no issues.

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  A Good Buy! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By TomQ - March 25 - 11:03 am

  I was looking for a fun car that is unique and practical. The WRX Wagon is fun, unique, and practical for sure. The power is enough for the street and having fun at a track. The all wheel drive can make a bad driver look good :o) (i appreciate that) It is reliable and robust. Designed from rally roots, its a beast on dirt roads too. Being a sports car, Subaru did not add sound dampening, which means if you are on a tar and gravel road, you will hear it, but this reduction in weight is a plus overall.

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  Subaru Legacy Wagon - Terrific! - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Palingenesis - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely pleased with the Legacy Wagon. I do not like two-tone and I detest SUVs - the Legacy gives me AWD without these negatives. Exceptionally smooth 4 cylinder boxer engine - very nice sound when accelerating. Very solid - no rattles and gives a feeling of solidity. Very comfortable seats at an excellent height for easy entry and exiting.

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  at 2,000 miles - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By funnycar - March 25 - 10:00 am

  a little launch lag, but after that hold on, its a whole lotta fun!

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  best ever - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By robert ranallo - March 25 - 10:00 am

  All wheel drive is execptional. You can take this car anyhwere, anytime in any weather with confidence. The handling is amazing with the all wheel drive coupled with the VDC at any speed.