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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  Two Year Review - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By i4collin - May 13 - 10:27 pm

  Going on year two of ownership of a 2012 Impreza Premium Sedan. Here is the good; Its a very fun to drive car, and will put a smile on your face every time you drive it on a back road. The AWD is a lifesaver in the snow and works wonderfully. The interior controls are laid out nicely, and very easy to use. Now for the not so good; The car lacks overall refinement. In the cold the engine is noisy, and there is always a delay when selecting gear with the CVT. The car is very smooth at speed, and the ride is comfortable. The eco-tires it comes with lack grip and love to slide around. After only 20,000 miles the interior is FULL of rattles, and the sound system is awful.

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  2009 Legacy - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By cogs1 - May 13 - 6:33 am

  owned it for couple years and 35k miles, still looks and drives like the 1st day I bought it. No issues at all. No, the car is not fast but it is fun to drive, corners like a dream and with the AWD is the best car I ever drove in snow, we get 27-28 mpg all the time in mixed use driving, the mileage got better as it broke in over the first 6 months. The car has been great so far and we are very happy with the purchase. The looks, solid feel, AWD, good price, made in the the US, safety ..it is a winner all the way around

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  Good Value-and Fun Too - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steamloco76 - May 11 - 2:43 am

  The 2009 Forester in base trim provides a ton of utility, capability and safety for a fairly low price. I am a big-tall type and most vehicles dont fit me well-the Forester has plenty of room and big, wide opening front doors for easy entry. Excellent visibility and driver sight lines. Negatives- Seat cushions are too short, pedal space is tight for size 14E shoes and the seat cloth and carpet are cheap feeling. Biggest complaint INTERIOR RATTLES!! The clutch is smooth, but the drive-by wire throttle hangs revs-coupled with a notchy shifter makes smooth shifting challenging, however, the stick allows you to make best use of the high revving flat four. Handling is nearly sport car class.

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  AWD Clutches - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By BKPRAP - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Great car in the snow, MPG is not great, Early electrical problem with the transmission not shifting. At 63K the AWD clutches went out, cost $1000 for repairs. Original tires were very poor. Dealer support is poor. I may buy another Subaru, but not from local dealer.

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Evan - May 8 - 11:33 am

  Take my review with perspective. A 10 in any category is outstanding. For instance, a 10 in performance would be something with Corvette Z06, or better, performance. A 10 in comfort might be a SL500 or Maybach, and a 10 in fuel economy a Prius. With that in mind this is a great vehicle. I moved from a 95 M3 to this vehicle and, within context, am happier about my transportation. The Subaru Outback Sport SE is relatively nimble, efficient and comfortable. It is also very utilitarian by nature and provides a great compromise to those not seeking performance, utility, versatility, and reliability. All in all great car.

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  240K Great car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By John - May 4 - 5:16 am

  Bought ours used with 90k. After normal maintenance (Battery, 1 CV joint, brakes) and another 140K it is at its end. Engine seal leak, transmission is slipping. Has been a great car for hauling 4 dogs to park, great in the snow and rain.

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  Smooth but rattles - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Subie2010 - May 3 - 1:30 pm

  The Forester 2.5X base model is a good value and is a decent and quiet AWD wagon on the road. I upgraded the base model with leather and installed my own hood protector, mud guards, and bumper guard. Im still breaking in the engine at < 800 miles so mileage is all over, between 22 and 28 mpg. I owned a 2001 Forester S (loved that Subie) and changed to my 2.5X. The jury is still out as I need more time behind the wheel. The annoying and loud rattles in the rear of the vehicle is putting a damper on what should be an enjoyable driving experience with this Subaru. Some loading on the floor seem to quiet the rattles a little. Ill have the dealer try to fix the rattles next week.

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  Just about perfect (Just about)! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By gentle ben - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive. Very nimble and easy to handle. Make sure seats fit your bottom before purchasing (kind of narrow for big bottomed buyers). Car could go beyond limits for un- experienced drivers. All round great car but if power is want you want, get a WRX. Last note, standard stereo not very good, upgrade aftermarket. Very little wind noise on highway.

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  Forester rating - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By SCK - April 24 - 11:30 pm

  This is my second Forester. The first was a 2000S model. Not too many changes in features as far as I can see from a performance standpoint but it is a little noisier car. The suspension has changed and I dont find the ride to be as smooth. It seems to be a little sluggish once you take your foot off of the gas; sort of pulls back a little. I am, and always will be sold on the AWD feature and thats why I bought another one. It handles wonderfully in the snow. Not too sure of how it does in the rain. Havent had the chance to tell yet.

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  Very good car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By St. Nick - April 20 - 4:20 pm

  Yeah, the handling isnt tight as my old 2.5 RS Impreza but its almost as much fun to drive with a much improved ride, a good tradeoff if you drive on rough roads. Also the overall interior design, room, and build quality is better too. Its almost as big as a Legacy on the inside. The fuel economy is better than the EPA figures. I get 27 mpg in mixed city/highway driving and the motor is not even broken in yet. Get the manual transmission unless you totally hate them. The four speed mutes the performance of the spunky motor a bit too much. The manual 2.5is almost make you forget about the WRX when you consider insurance and $3.25 premium gas.