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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  Good Wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ben Smith - June 18 - 8:46 am

  I live in the pacific northwest where AWD is a must, and the outback exceeds my expectations. Snow, Rain, and sleet have no effect on this ride. Its simply a must in the rough weather. The Heated seats are a charm in the cold, plus they heat up fast.

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  Well Rounded - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By bonesofstone - June 17 - 12:46 am

  The automatic version of this vehicle is quick after 2nd gear - which is fine. The exterior design always receives positive commentary. The interior design is very low key yet not boring.

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  Have had them all, and now? - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Marty - June 16 - 1:36 pm

  Have had Tribeca 3 weeks and put 1500 miles on. A few defects found, but probably from Dealer roughness. Car rides nice, fairly quite and smooth. Have had WAY TOO many vehicles,and just traded in a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. There are trade-offs, but I would put the Santa Fe first for now. Still happy with the choice, but time will tell. Getting 19 MPG so far. Rate a BUY for good value!

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  You need a Subaru! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Rhodes275 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The best car dollar for dollar!!

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  A Fantasic Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By alinki - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything . It is one fine auto.

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  1 Year Review - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Troy - June 15 - 3:03 am

  I bought my Subaru a year ago and gave it rave reviews, and Im here to second the initial review. This car has been outstanding. I have had no problems whatsoever, and like it more each day. The leather still looks phenomenal, and I average around 28 mpg (highway and local combined - about equal parts). My only gripe is that this model year did not have an AUX jack for my iPod and lacked a folding rear seat, both of which have been rectified. Get one, youll love it.

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  Lots to like - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By mg47 - June 15 - 2:04 am

  Over the past 15 years, my family has owned Rav4, Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus RX330. This car is the most "friendly" of the bunch. Mileage at 29 for combined city/country. Plenty of power going up our hill at 7400 ft. Love the lack of shifting jerks common in 4 or 5 speed transmissions. Ride is stiff/responsive, but I wouldnt characterize as "jittery" at all. The voice recognition is way below the Lexus or Hyundai and the computer interface is not particularly user-friendly. The eye-sight works very well and is fun to use. Friendliness comes from the keyless lock and ignition system which turns on a light in the rear view mirrors as you approach, and makes it incredibly easy to lock.

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  05 GT Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By whitehe9 - June 14 - 11:47 am

  This is the most performance for the $ you can possibly have on 4 wheels. Read the reviews - said about that. However, the 05 model and possibly others has a major problem with turbo failure, which is not the fault of the turbo but a design failure by Subaru. This is fact and other buyers and independent mechanics agree - read forums. This a $3000 repair by the dealer but you can usually find used or aftermarket turbos for $500 and have a mechanic install it but it is likely to fail again without modificaitons to the oil tubing. Bottom line is change your oil often <3000mi and buy a spare turbocharger. Out of 115,000miles, this is my only complaint (failure just outside 60k warranty period)

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  2006 Legacy GT automatic w/nav - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By fisch - June 14 - 2:30 am

  I mainly purchased this vehicle because of the availability of all-wheel drive since I live in the state of Maine. It is a fun car to drive, completey different than the 2000 Acura TL that I drove prior to owning this car. It definitely exhibits quite a bit of road noise and and the idle isnt nearly as smooth as my Acuras was. I do have to admit that the acceleration in the sport mode is phenomenal. I am totally unimpressed with the gas mileage and thats while driving conservatively. Reminds me of my old Jeep with a gas hungry V8. You can almost see the gas gauge dropping as you drove.

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  The go anywhere do everything vehicle! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By thesubarunut - June 13 - 7:40 pm

  Our 2010 model is our 3rd Outback. Have owned a 97, 2007 turbo and now the 2010. Previous Outback models have been fantastic and suspect the 2010 will be also. All have been incredible vehicles! Very dependable, inexpensive to own and a real joy to drive! We LOVE our Subarus!!! Everyone should have at least one of these vehicles!