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 Subaru Legacy Special Edition - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By edman01 - May 23 - 10:36 am

  Just bought this 2009 Subaru Legacy Special Edition with 8500 miles at a good price. I liked the new style but went with the older design. It is fun to drive....

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  Did not meet expecations - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Briofny - May 22 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased the car in April of 08, and just hit 27k miles. Small gas tank, but mileage not bad for an SUV. The fit of the interior of the car is disappointing, loose pieces every where, & the rear hatch is not designed to strategically close when packing. Also, what is the point of the rear blower if I cant control it from the front, my kids cant reach it. The look of the car is great, but I cant justify the looks versus the quality I expect for the prices. A+ on the handling and engine (although Subaru wants me to change the tranny fluid already)! C on interior quality and pointing out as another post did, who scans on the radio any more, let me change my presets from the steering wheel

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  Love My Wagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By marketresearch2001 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a hoot to drive and has all kinds of mods available. You can make this car go very fast cheaply. Just by pulling a vacuum/pressure hose I was apply to pull a 13.68 in a 1/4 mile. This car is otherwise stock except for an aftermarket muffler. What is also great about this car is the following at WRXs forums and all the info about them.

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  190,000 Mile Update - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By fandango - May 21 - 10:07 am

  Ive had this car since new -- almost 7 years now. Repairs included replacement of a bad transmission bearing (covered by extended warranty) and a leaking head gasket. Otherwise it has needed only routine things like a battery, brake pads and struts (at 150,000 miles). It burns some oil. For quite some time, I have had to add a quart between oil changes. Otherwise it still handles very well and looks good, inside and out, despite frequent trips on dirt roads, including some pretty rough and steep 4WD roads. I still really enjoy driving this car, especially when the roads are twisty, and am glad I bought it.

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  Just a review - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By smith - May 20 - 5:10 pm

  With the chunky Toyo Garit HT winter snows this car handled very well in most of what a harsh Canadian winter could throw at it. A pleasure to drive in the summer as well with the huge moon roof open. Tight handling - great.

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  Sti fanatic - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Jason - May 20 - 1:47 pm

  Absolutely love the value and memories in this car i miss mine every day. Id buy another one in a heartbeat. Turbo cars have turbo problems but this car can battle with the likes of corvette, ferrari, gtr for a fraction of the price

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  Horrible technology... - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By colonative - May 19 - 1:29 pm

  I purchased this Outback in March. I travel a lot for work. I currently have over 22,000 miles on ths 2012.I purchased this vehicle for the mileage. It has met ALL of those expectations. I average 29 to 30 mph. I have EVERY option available HOWEVER, the technology is HORRIBLE! I have the GPS, top of the line electronics. The bluetooth is marginal (I dont use it anymore) I use 4000 minutes a month on my cell phone. The steering wheel controls will NOT let you switch to the next preprogrammed station on the XM. It takes you to the next station, but NOT the ones you have saved. You have to reach up and touch the screen. The voice controls are terrible as well.

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  A good update for Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - May 19 - 5:13 am

  For 09 Subaru showed it listened to its customers and Endowed the 09 Forester with many enhancements improving functionality, drivability and all around usefulness. The ride and handling match that of many Euros (which would be helpless on roads the Forester devours), and the interior flexibility make it roomy and versatile. The interior shows budget limitations w/ hard plastics, etc., but is better than before and NVH is substantially reduced. If you value functionality over style, the Forester outdoes its CSUV competition by a wide margin!

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  no problems yet - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By mcc7 - May 18 - 5:14 pm

  Bought the car in July 2008 and currently have 31K miles on it without any problems. The suspension is a great. It is nimble enough to handle well but not jarring on bumps. The front seats are very comfortable, even after a few hours in the car. The back seat is tight but still respectable. My only complaint is the radio is horrible but it can easily be replaced with an aftermarket one. With the rear seats folded down a lot can be transported, even long skis. Overall, it is a reliable and affordable car. This is my first Subaru and I would buy it again.

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  Fun, Frisky Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Martin Roberts - May 18 - 10:00 am

  After considerable research among VWs Passat, Volvo wagons, Saabs even Audi we settled on the 04 Forester XT with the Premium Package. The performance reviews and the numbers were so compelling that we didnt even test ride the car prior to purchase. When we drove it off the lot we were all smiles. The turbo is awesome, the moonroof expansive, the ride feels Teutonic in its quality damping and feedback, and its just a blast to drive. Be sure to familiarize yourself with "Fighting Chance" before you fork over your hard-earned cash. We saved hundreds by doing the deale