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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  2009 L.L.Bean Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - May 28 - 10:06 pm

  Traded my 06 WRX in for this car. Loving it so far, first car with leather and most options for that matter. Needed more room with 2 children, and we got it. I can sit in the front passenger seat where I could not in the WRX.

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  Underrated - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By rilbo - May 28 - 1:40 am

  B9 Tribeca is not getting the fair review as it should properly be compared to other foreign cars. The exterior and interior designs are fairly comparable to the luxury brands of Toyota, Honda and Nissan. You take a look at the safety features of the car you will be surprise its even better than those big 3 imports. I am enjoying my B9 Tribeca in terms of its luxury appointment and the price that I have paid. Try test driving one and compare it.

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  Super Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By hkoestner - May 27 - 6:46 am

  Have 3 Subarus in family, two 2005s - the 05 Outback with 5 speed is a wagon, SUV and sports car rolled into one. As with all my Subies, this one has almost 20k on it and no problems; great handling, superb in snow & comfortable. I am in sales and spend a lot of time in the car driving. Living in snowy winters you get the comfort as well as absolutely superior handling in all weather conditions. I trade them every 3 years or at around 40k, always buying Subies. I only consider Subies. Why change to something else when they work so well. Great looks, great handling, great reliability, comfortable and finally great value.

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  My favorite car so far! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By G. Martin - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My Baja has been very reliable so far. I have put many miles on it in my first year of owning it, due greatly to how fun it is to drive. It gets good gas mileage. So far the only thing I wasnt able to haul in it were sheets of 4x8 plywood. This vehicle was exactly what I wanted, the functionality of a truck with the feel of a car.

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  Were Very Happy - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Canuck - May 25 - 6:23 am

  We bought a Legacy partly because everyone has an Outback, partly because it cost less than an Outback, and partly because its cleaner looking than an Outback. People say it looks like an Audi. We havent been a bit disappointed. Because it is 2.5" lower than an Outback our Legacy corners great on curvy roads and provides as much as 30 mpg on the highway.

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  Updated Review - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rivernsnow - May 25 - 3:10 am

  20 months in (review Feb 2013) Im loving my XV. The jittery steering calmed down after 1-2 months. Handles great in rain downpours. Driving onto beaches to launch kayaks has been easy when other cars spin wheels. Had enough power at altitude (8,000 Ft.) Front seats very comfortable. Mileage still not as advertised. 26+ MPG on 89 Octane. Minus are still that power locking automatically actives alarm and paint scratches much too easily. and rear seats need to be more comfortable

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  WOW!!! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By johnnie2 - May 24 - 1:06 am

  Traded in the wifes 98 Outback wagon for the new 2010. What a difference!! Looked at other brands for a replacement but she came back to the fold. Im glad she did as the price was right, Its roomier and the transmission and engine has made great strides in the past 11 years, No wonder people keep coming back to the brand. Comfortable and a lot of looks and praises. Subaru for life!!!! Im thinking of the sedan, which is a very nice vehicle also, for myself.

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  I love it!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By mkerrigan - May 23 - 2:46 pm

  This is my first Subie! I love it! Its the manual turbo with heated cloth seats. The interior is simple and nice. Exterior is sharp looking. Pickup and go is awesome! Great interior room and ride is quiet and solid. Gas mileage has been approx. 20 mpg, not bad. I am very happy.

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  Second Subaru - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Happy in Ohio - May 22 - 10:20 pm

  This is our 2nd Subaru and we couldnt be happier. Our first was a 2003 Forester, which is still running strong and soon to become the kids car. You just cant beat Subaru when it comes to safety and dealing with snow, rain, or ice. Oh yeah almost forgot they are also fun to drive. People at work are almost always surprised to hear that our Tribeca is a Subaru. The exterior is as nice and the interior nicer then the couple Acura MDXs I park beside everyday at work. The best part thanks to the price we can still afford to take ours on a road trip when we feel like it. We are just starting to look for my wife a new car and the 2009 Forester is looking like the front runner.

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  Cheap Fun - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By JDS1975 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The RS provides an active driving experience for those who know how to use it. The combination of a balanced chassis and performance oriented suspension give the driver the ability to handle challenging roads and conditions with fun and excitement. The interior dimensions may not provide room for the larger driver, sorry you football lineman out there you will not fit. There is a need for more power, which was delivered in 2002 with the WRX. Unfortunately the WRX only comes in sedan and wagon. The WRX continues the Fun and excitement started with the 2.5RS, yet they too could use more power.