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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  Awesome Buy - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Gaz - February 1 - 1:16 pm

  The company I work for has a few Subarus, before I worked there I would have never thought about owning one. Now, I would not have it any other way. One of the office Subarus has over 220,000+ miles on it (99 Impreza,MT) & another has 130,000+ miles on it (05 Impreza,MT)Ive driven the 05 "like I stole it" too. We change the oil and rotate the tires. I chose the Legacy, a little roomier than the Impreza. I also opted for the 5 speed MT, less overall ownership cost and I control the MPG a little more than the AT, not a computer. I dont understand the mileage rating from Subaru, I read other posts and several people have pointed out that these cars can get 32-36 mpg on the hwy. I do too!

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  Subraru XT 2.5 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sock1eye - January 31 - 8:00 am

  Very fun car to drive.

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  After three Lexus Rxs This is a real gem - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Jim D - January 30 - 11:20 am

  Having leased Lexus RX vehicles for seven years, and enjoying all of them. I took advantage of the opportunity to buy a low mileage Tribeca. While it doesnt have all the features (integrated bluetooth/Nav, express up/down windows, power rear hatch release/keyless entry etc.) it is an extraordinary vehicle that I have come to enjoy very much. Multiple trips to the North woods of Wisconsin have become my second hobby because of the Tribeca. Fit & Finish, features, quality of workmanship, power/safety/great 4x4, Ipod connectivity, great seats, and best of all; it has Japanese quality control, but is assembled in Indiana. I love the car, and it may be my last new car purchase.

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  Traded in my Explorer - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Robert - January 30 - 5:13 am

  I traded in my Explorer for this Forester. Having now driven more than 14000 miles in 6 months, I have saved quite a bit on fuel costs, as well as having the comfort of a smoother ride. It has all the room I need, even when taking extended trips, and it looks good. I caught the dealer at a good time, and they took $4000 off the sticker before my trade.

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  Incredible Car! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By JimHinCO - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I went from a 1999 Acura TL to this incredible machine. It gave me all the comfort of my TL (though the new ones are much nicer) but with all-wheel drive, a unique interior, and an amazing turbo engine that is just plain fun to drive. Im averaging about 26 miles per gallon...excellent for an all-wheel drive with so much power.

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  It gets better... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By CallMeSkippy - January 29 - 7:50 am

  Being a 4 time Subaru owner I have come to expect reliability and value. This car gives you a bonus by throwing in performance. For a few hundred more Cobb Tuning offers a solution to address some lagging and improve boost ... all without getting your hands dirty. While youre at it, dont forget a K&N stock replacement filter. The performance you will experience will once again justify your decision to purchase this car. Where else will you find an AWD sedan that is under $30K, stays out of the shop, but can humble the G35x, 330xi, and A4? I am thankful Subaru has stepped up and shown themselves as a company that can offer it all.

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  SUPER VALUE & FUN, TOO - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By LADriver - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Here in L.A., this car is uncommon, and thats a nice thing. GREAT handling on city streets & canyon roads, smooth and solid ride, quiet and comfortable in most situations. Theres none of the vibration when idling you often feel in 4 cylinder cars. AWD gives it a heavy, solid feel. If you like the feel of AWD, dont miss out on Subaru. The 05 Legacy design is one to watch for!

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  for the money, cant beat it - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Tony Parks - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. It gives me a perfect blend of the performance I love and the ability to go off road if needed. I recently took it to West Virginia, where I go white water rafting/rock climbing yearly, and let me tell you, up in those hills my car and I had a great time! I also took in on some pretty rough roads and off road a little bit and I was surprised. How can something that handles so well on the road do so well off of it. I just wish that it came with a more performance based tire. The bridgestones are horrible! I cant wait for a set of pirellis.....

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  Love my Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By gms4868 - January 26 - 11:24 am

  After nearly 20 years of exclusively buying and leasing Nissans and one month into a 2012 Outback 2.5i limited, I couldnt be more pleased. The vehicle is very comfortable and nicely appointed and fit and finish is excellent. Granted, the pickup for the 4 cylinder engine isnt the best, but it gets you up to whatever speed at which youre comfortable and easily keeps up with the traffic flow. Dont know what the steering "wander" fuss is about, as the R&P system results in a sure-handling sports car feel. Moreover, overall fuel economy in the first month of driving has run from 25.5 to as much as 29.5 mpg over the course of two 600 mile NYS thruway round-trips and local driving.

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  Watch out A6 and M35s - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Peter - January 26 - 10:00 am

  OK, so I decided that the 50K price point was the limit and I downsized after owning/leasing an A6 and M35.. No regrets (drove the 4cyl..get the 6). A few nits, like no storage net on the back of the driver seat and got the 2011 with the folding mirrors but so far so good- lots of pep in the 260 hp boxer. easily surpass the 25 mpg level turnpike (dealer did not lie)- 16-18 local,good body features- folding back seats (not on A4 or G35), lumbar ( you need the electric seats the plain seats are not padded enough). Nav system took a few extra reads in the manual to master- if mileage is a worry you can almost get a 3.6L plus a prius to spare for same cost as A6