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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  Lots of car for the money - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Scott - June 25 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased the Forester for my daily commute of 100 miles a day round trip. I gave up a perfectly good running Honda with 260K miles for the Forester and with the exception of gas mileage, I am very happy. The Honda was a consistent 32-36 mpg and this is around 24-26 on the highway, but with premium gas. Doing the math, that is comparable to 22-24 mpg running regular fuel. The car is FAST, fun to drive, practical, reliable (the Forester is built in Japan) and an excellent value for the money when compared to other vehicles. My ONLY complaint is the gas mileage. I would expect a little better with a 4 cylinder engine, but then again its a turbo and AWD. Passing on the highway is done with ease.

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  Great Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Mt&SnowDriver - June 25 - 6:46 pm

  This is the third Subaru I have owned and it is the best yet. Really enjoy the added room inside. I can find no quarrel with appearance inside or out. Drives very quite and assertive. Appears to be built as well as all previous Subarus. Good maintenance and they just keep on running.

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  The Enthusiasts Family Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By kameojoon - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Amazing power. Subaru must under rate the power/torque on these cars. Ive seen dyno results of stock XTs that would support this. The responsiveness is nothing short of amazing for a sub $30k vehicle with ample seating for 4 adults. Great handling and all wheel drive versatility. This is a great performer that will give lots of higher end performance cars a run for their money. Exceptional sleeper.

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  A great value - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By peterofski - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Outback. I owned one in the 90s and didnt like it. The fuel tank was too small and the car seemed excessively noisy. Needless to say, I was impressed by the improvements in the 04 models. I have the L.L.Bean edition. The ride is impressive for a car in this price range. The fit and finish are high quality. It perfoms well in the snow and slush of New England. The sound system is first rate. I enjoy driving this car. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

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  22500 miles in year 1 and just like new - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By kluet - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride and can take anything including 4-wd only roads. I drive everywhere in this car b/c you can travel in comfort and still get all your gear in there. Roof rack is great and use it all the time for bikes. Great all around car for any environment.

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  A Dream Ride - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By jazzfocus1 - June 21 - 1:17 am

  I just got it so this will be a preliminary review. So far Im very impressed with this "freshened up" model. Very attractive vehicle, quiet interior, good power. Have only driven one day but am fairly car savvy and know about Subaru since its earlier days. They keep improving on a good thing and dont cheapen their cars like other companies to save money. I saw the car in April at the NY auto show. One of my old cars was up for inspection and I decided to trade in for this puppy. So far, I love it.

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  Big Transition, Big Suprise - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By jrollins12574 - June 20 - 5:36 am

  I traded in my 05 Dodge Durango SLT (w/ Hemi)for my Outback. I was looking for AWD & better gas mileage, 2 weeks later Im very happy with my purchase. The 2.5 L engine has more power than I thought it would and the gas mileage has been averaging around 26 MPG (I live in a rural area with a lot of hills). My Outback handles very well, of course Im comparing it to my old Durango. The Outback has a surprising amount of cargo room & the interior is very comfortable. The All Weather Package is a nice touch - Im looking forward to having heated seats and mirrors this winter. The only thing that seems goofy is that when I first start it up, the car seems to hesitate, but runs fine after warming up.

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  Legacy GT a Cut Above - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By lslgal5350 - June 19 - 9:10 am

  I have owned Subarus for several years, mostly WRXs. I finely decided to try a Legacy GT. I am really glad I did. It is a great car, having good power, and more luxury than the WRXs I owned. Subaru has done a great job on the entire design, and functionality of the Legacy GT. I have added a Stage one Cobb Accessport, and it changed an already good performing car into a really GREAT performing car. The added hp/torque from this programmer really changes the entire character of the engine, without cutting the mpg. Its the best $695.00 I ever spent!!

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  Flawless AWD - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Seattle - June 19 - 6:13 am

  This is a great multi purpose car for a young couple or older folks without children and also for you single folks too. For 06 the more powerful engine mated to the automatic is perfect. From a stop this car is a little rocket, and passing at highway speeds is not a problem. This car comes with all the safety features STANDARD! You don’t have to pay extra for side airbags or antilock brakes. And to having a bullet proof AWD system is great. The front seats are fairly comfortable but the back seats are better suited for children. Ride and handling are great for what ever kind of driving you do. And the new projector headlights are awesome for nighttime visibility.

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  Great Little Arctic Urban Commuter Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By majort - June 18 - 1:16 pm

  The 05 Forester is a long overdue replacement for a 91 Suzuki Sidekick. The Forester is very solid, well-built, responsive and fun to drive. The driving position is excellent and the extra leg room up front is wonderful. The fit and finish seems very fine and so far I have not found any flaws needing correction. Gas mileage is super, even in an all city commuting usage. My Scottish Terrier enjoys the small back seat. The cargo area seems large enough to handle shopping and hualing duties.