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 my Forester! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Love my Forester! - January 30 - 12:06 am

  It was time to replace my 95 Legacy Sedan with 225K plus miles on it. This vehicle was indestructible, but I fell in love with the new Forester. I also considered a new Saab 93 XWD Turbo and Volvo Cross Country. Both vehicles are absolutely beautiful, but it seems like different parts of these vehicles are made in different parts of the world. I love my new Forester with a turbo engine. Its a dream come true.

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  Aint None Better, for the money - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By rcpowell - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I started with a 98 GT, graduated to a 02. I miss the hood scoop and the color white, but other than that, I like the car very much. The wife puts too many miles on it, but it goes and goes and still goes some more. The kids love it, the pep, the handling, etc. That took me some what by surprise, because it is a wagon. We are just another happy family with a Subaru to get around in.

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  Brakes Suck !!!!!! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Bart_Brakes - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Take a look at the brake rotors of this car usually they are worse then rotten and is makes the car very unsecure. I have them replaced and can show the pictures

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  Best Subaru Ive owned - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - January 28 - 11:40 am

  This is my 8th Subaru and I think its the best. The fit, finish, and power of this 2.5XT Limited is far superior to any previous Subaru Ive owned. Some minor complaints like no upfront interior lighting and relatively poor gas mileage and the requirement of premium fuel do not negate the pure "fun to drive" quality of this car. There are some annoying whistles that start at around 40mph but the removal of the cross bars on the roof might stop that problem. I bought the red garnet pearl with the taupe interior and manual transmission. Im surprised at how many people say what a handsome car it is and some young boys told me Ive got a "dope" car. Thats a good thing I hope.

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  2006 STi review - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Rajesh - January 28 - 3:30 am

  Overall a great car under the hood. Performs great, drives good, handles sweet, but mind you, I have only 1000K on it. I have few gripes on the initial quality; front speaker vibrates, wiper wash jet doesnt work, driver side door latch doesnt open. I have to basically roll down the window and let myself out. I think Subaru took the racing pedigree bit too far :- ). I have not taken it past 3000 RPM, will let you know after the engine break in period.

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  Car of my dreams - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Barb Bennett - January 27 - 4:16 pm

  Its not often that a "practical" car is also a blast to drive. I live in the Great White North and this car is better in the snow that anything I have ever driven, including my former hulking 4WD SUV. The handling is great, braking is very quick and nimble but the best part is the interior - all the creature comforts I need like heated leather seats, HUGE moonroof and 6 disc CD. Highway gas mileage is 30 mpg with the 2.5i Ltd which is a 4 cylinder. The only drawback is the back seat - my two sons are 6 foot 4 so they are just a little squeezed for leg room unless the front seats are pushed forward but hey - they are both almost off to college anyway....then its all MINE.

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  Buy one! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Jim K. - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new over 2 years ago, for an OK price. So far I have had no mechanical issues, no failures or anything abnormal. The car is great. It has some small quirks, at idle the heater doesnt work really well, the A/C compressor kicking in is a little harsh in traffic. The clutch will shudder when cold and most dealers will fix this under warranty. Fuel economy is less than stellar, there are some rattles that can be fixed, the window may squeak when rolling it down/up and the floor mats refuse to stay in place. The car is a blast to drive, great in all weather conditions and (if you can ignore the small problems) is an excellent car for its

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  My Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Myrddin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Although this car was chosen by my wife, I can say I really enjoy driving it.. It really shines when the road is slick.. Two winters have proven its the car to have when the going gets slippery.. Mileage on long trips is has been in the 27MPG range when crusing at highway speeds.. The only drawbacks have been the placement of some controls, especially the seat heat switchs.. They are frequently turned on when you set some down between the seats.. All in all when it comes time to replace this vehicle we will get another Suberu...

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  Fantastic Forester! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By BaldBabs - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle!!!! Its very comfortable and handles great. Ive never had one problem with it ever!! I only wish it got a bit better gas milage but Im happy to spend a little more on gas and have All Wheel Drive. I used to clutch the steering wheel in wet weather but now I feel completely safe and in control. Love the Subaru and the support staff is knowledgable and friendly.

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  Manual Transmission Not the Best - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By lancer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with ride quality, interior, and comfort with a long drive. Biggest annoyance was with the manual transmission. Subaru has rigged the transmission to abruptly cut off when the gas pedal is released even at moderate cruising speeds. I took this to the dealer and the service rep commented that he had seen several complaints with this. It is something you can learn to live with, but it can be a nuisance especially if stuck in traffic.