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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  Incremental Improvements => Good Value - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By redeft321 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We have driven a 1996 Legacy Brighton 5 speed 120K miles, and just purchased a 2002 Legacy L wagon wi 5 speed. Subarus strategy has been to make many improvements on a good base car instead of running wi short cycle of major reengineering and redesign. Like VWs strategy of the 60s and 70s, this has allowed Fuji Heavy Industries to spread major design and tooling costs over longer multiyear production runs. The benefits of this strategy, wi modest yen depreciation, reflected in value. Our 1996 Brighton cost us $15300 with self financing. 2002 L Wagon with the improvements and added standard equipment noted below cost us $18500 with 1.9 percent 24 month financing.

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  super suburu - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By STEVEN SCHOENGOLD - October 5 - 8:51 am

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  Is there anything this car cant do? - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Jvs04 - October 5 - 1:50 am

  Before this car I had a 2004 Subaru WRX. The car was modded to 340whp. I got tired of the suspension, brakes, and tranny so I decided to upgrade to an STI. Stock, I know this thing isnt as fast as my WRX, but it feels so much quicker, so much smoother, so much more nimble. The transmission is built like a tank and so smooth, especially with a short throw shifter. Power delivery is linear and there is little to no turbo lag. The brakes are insane and have an amazing bite to them. Buying this car was the best decision Ive ever made.

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  Good car for the money - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Cheryl - October 4 - 6:36 am

  I love the outside styling of this car, and you sit up very high. Handles well on country roads, good pick up on the highway,you have to watch your speed. Have to warn you, the carpet is poor quality,almost looks like it is wearing out already, and it is brand new. I dont like the "velvet" texture of the doors, this too is hard to keep clean. Not the interior for you if you have dogs or little kids, it would drive you insane.

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  OEM Bridgestone Tires - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By truman - October 2 - 7:06 am

  BIG BUT however: the Bridgestone Dueler tires are poor, unsafe in any kind of winter conditions. seconded by Consumer Reports tests, user experiences. There are many other all season tires that have better all season performance without poor handling in snow. Why buy an AWD if the OEM tires no va (remember Chevy Nova?) in winter? More: at 25K the Duelers were worn, wear bars up to tread. 25K wear !!! Replaced with Michelin Symmetrys that DO perform.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By phyllie - October 2 - 1:28 am

  Love most aspects of the 2014 Subaru Forester but one of the key elements which influenced my decision to purchase this vehicle was the advertised 8.3 liter per 100 km gas mileage. Currently, I am averaging 13.6 liters per 100 km or 16 mpg. city driving. Not impressed and will put a For Sale sign on this vehicle if this hasnt improved significantly in the next 6 months.

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  wind / mirror noise - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By elantra6 - October 1 - 5:26 pm

  I like this car, except the window noise.... It starts over 40 mph, and around 70 mph is intolerable. Ill take it to the dealership and if they cant fix it (or dont want to fix it ) Ill be very -very unhappy.

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  Great car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ty - October 1 - 1:56 pm

  This is my second Subaru. Had a Legacy wagon previously and loved it. The new 3.6R outback I bought is higher but more powerful. Love the paddle shift and handling. Highly recommended. The version I purchased has identical power seats on both sides (no height problems here).

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  Subaru Legacy Limited Edition - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Janneth Bethea - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving my Subaru Legacy Limited Edition. During the winter months, I never worried about getting stranded or having car trouble. This car is extremely reliable and very affordable. Its in a class by itself. Many of my friends are not familiar with the Subaru. We they see me they think its a Volvo, Saab or one of the expensive sedans. Yes, I love the comfort and the sleek look of my car. I highly recommended this well kept secreat.

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  When the going gets tough - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Depressed Subaru - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Well, it all started well. Then the warranty expired and so did the rear- wheel bearings three times, then the Catalytic converter... I loved this car, now I cant wait to unload it. I drive waiting for the next thing to start buzzing, humming, or cracking. Oh hey, the great oversized windshield had to be replaced three times... But, the silver lining is that you can sell the car fast to dealers shipping overseas. Wonder why?