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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  First year down, many more to go - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By moon43man - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I researched the mini suvs and bought a 2003 Forester. I was worried about the lack of space, but after a year of use, I no longer have that concern. It really proved itself after hauling my son and all of his stuff 800 miles away to college. With a roof cargo carrier from Sears and the Foresters rear compartment loaded up, I got 28 mpg @ 75 mph. It was a comfortable ride and actually has more leg room than the Safari mini van. The Forester is not as large as my previous vehicles, but then I didnt get 28 mpg with them. I guess there are trade offs with everything, but for a all round, do just about anything vehicle, I am very satisfied with my choice.

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  Fun Crossover SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By BTR - September 17 - 1:33 pm

  The Forester is an awesome crossover SUV. While slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, considering what is included makes it a superior value. This is a truly FUN car / SUV to drive; its peppy engine (largest standard engine in its class) and excellent handling (aided by AWD technology) make it a winner! Lots of room inside, and plenty of storage nooks. A great all-around vehicle - enjoy!

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By John - September 16 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 6 months and it is great, I am very impressed. Ive owned foreign and domestic cars and this is the best by far. I averaged 25.8 MPG mixed city and highway over 7000 miles. The controls are well thought out and the car is very comfortable. Test drive it and you will not be disappointed.

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  subaru + awd + turbo = fun - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By monk - September 15 - 11:30 pm

  the engine is outstanding and the handling is like a dream. it grips the road like a car. the turbo really compliments the tranny . pls. test drive the car and you will love this preppy little thing. subarus are known for AWD and a very reliable engines. so test drive and compare to other small ute suvs out there.

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  Forester, the most sensible and SAFE SUV - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Gwyneira - September 15 - 3:13 pm

  I have driven my Forester back and forth across the U.S. numerous times and moved house in it four times. It has deceptively enormous cargo capacity and can carry heavy loads with no problem. It also gets great mileage (28hwy/22city) considering its class. Although it is classified as an SUV, it drives, handles, and performs like a small station wagon, though it is a larger car than that. It can muscle through snow and mud, but the center of gravity is low, so it is much safer than other vehicles in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. I cannot say enough good things about this car. It is one of the safest cars on the road and is fun to drive. I love my Forester.

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  One year later - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Texasube - September 15 - 9:13 am

  Been a good little car and lots of fun to drive when driven hard. Fuel economy has been about 16/27 so far. Fine on long trips and it loves the corners. Car is a bit of work in the city, though. Always working to keep the revs in the power band and the constant rowing through the gearbox while going from one red light to another is tiring. But, thats more my problem than the cars so no penalty there.

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  Dumbest design - headlights - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 14 - 5:41 pm

  I like my outback, except that the design for headlight replacement is probably the poorest engineering design I have ever witnessed in my life. You need to remove multiple fasteners to push back the fenders in order to access the headlight assembly, then fit your arm in the tightest area to remove the assembly cover, access the bulb, and do the whole thing in reverse. Absolutely the dumbest design ever. Subaru touts itself as an outdoor, adventure type vehicle, appealing to the "outback" kinda explorer...yet, headlights are not for show but for safety, and thus should be easily accessible if ever the Indiana Jones in you is out and about after dark and needs to repair a blown bulb....just like changing tires, adding fuel or changing a belt...all these things should be doable by the driver ( alone in the wild) not by the dealer.....bad juju all around!

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  Officially an Outback addict - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By J. Margeson - September 13 - 7:49 am

  I have been through a number of cars in my life...from little Mercedes convertible roadster to big Jeep Wrangler and everything in between. The Outback without a doubt is proving to be my favorite all-rounder. It handles much better than one might think so you get a real drivers experience. Its true that with the 4 cylinder you are not going to win any drag races BUT it has more than enough power to get me moving along at a good clip. The trade off is great mileage for my long commute! This is the first car that Ive been able to sit in comfortably for hours on end due to the seating, and during Snowmaggedon this vehicle was simply worth its weight in gold. I dare say the Outback performed better on the snow covered roads than my Jeep, and definitely better on wet roads. It has a TON of room in it, both for passengers and cargo. Im 6 3" with room to spare in the front and back seats. Interior is quiet and comfortable. And from what my research shows, this car is going to have a great resale value when I decide to get my next Outback!

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  No problems here - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By nor327 - September 13 - 2:26 am

  I was motivated to write this review after reading reviews citing multitudinous problems. No rattles or breakdowns to report. Incredibly roomy inside given the small package outside. I dont think it is fair to cite as negatives the use of plastics or the sound system since those are attributes that can be evaluated in a test drive. I think this is a super automobile for the price point.

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  Shear Power - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By zac123 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my first real sports car. I love the shear power of the engine. Very fun to drive and handles turns well.