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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  SANTA MARIA! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By VT AWD - July 1 - 10:00 am

  How does Subaru do it? This much power and control cannot be had anything on the market south of a Porsche 911 Carrera. But at just over 32Gs it could be the greatest sports car value of all time. The car easy cruises at speeds of 100 mph plus and has jawing dropping acceleration in all 6 gears. Subarus AWD set makes the car corner like its on rails. It loves to eat up asphalt and can tear up dirt roads as well. Yet it can be driven in all weather conditions and is comfortable to be driven everyday. A truly AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWESOME machine!

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  Subie Newbie - Part 1 (At 2,500 miles) - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Pat from New Jersey - July 1 - 12:40 am

  Before buying the 2010 Subaru Forester I considered the V6 RAV4 (also own CRV). The boxer engine and AWD won. The turbo engine was impressive, but lost out to non-turbo (requires premium fuel and loses 1-2 mpg in fuel economy). This vehicle is very spartan even in top Limited trim so dont expect a luxurious interior (the CRV has a much better interior). Be aware of the following: the PZEV engine is very rough during morning starts (but this is normal) and lots of interior plastic that rattles/buzzes. Otherwise its been a good car. If you expect a good reliable car that can drive in any weather you shouldnt be disappointed. If you expect luxury you will be disappointed. Part 2 soon...

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  I love my Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By dm Rochester, MN - June 30 - 10:33 pm

  This is my first car and I am very impressed by the shape that is in after 120k miles. I bought it for the safety ratings and great winter handling. I am planning to drive it another 10 years. Thanks Subaru!

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  STi - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By byron - June 30 - 9:43 pm

  I really love this car. The styling of the car is awesome. Though it may not be the fastest car out there it will really impress you.

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  My first Subie !!! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Dave Ostrowski - June 29 - 11:53 pm

  After owning 2 Fords (a 1996 Ranger and a 2002 Explorer, both having tranny issues), I finally bought the car I have longed for- a Subaru Forester. While its taking a little time to get used to driving a lower profile vehicle, I cannot say enough about how impressed I am with the power, room, gas mileage and handling of this X- over. Its gonna be a great vehicle for our Buffalo, NY winters and should get its first real test later today, since we have a winter storm warning for the area. I have several friends with Subies and they all seem to have gotten long term mileage out of their vehicles. Reliability and safety were two of the things that attracted me to the Subaru brand.

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  Never thought Id buy a Subaru - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By katethegreat84 - June 29 - 10:58 pm

  When I first started looking at cars I never even thought to look at the Crosstrek or Subaru. As a real estate agent I wanted something nice but didnt want to go the standard issue luxury car everyone seems to drive. When a family member recommended the forester, I wasnt thrilled but went to test drive it anyway. While at the dealership I saw this little beauty and fell in love. I can cart around my clients and all my signs/lockboxes/excess Realtor stuff. But its also very comfortable and safe feeling. Being able to sit up high is a plus when you drive 20k miles a year. I highly recommend the GPS option, with it you get an upgraded sound system and a back up camera. I love my Crosstrek!

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  Stay Away - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By james249 - June 29 - 2:13 am

  Basically 2 big problems: 1. Hwy mileage is no where near advertised, even when using cruise control. 2. Radio only works when not moving BY DESIGN

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  Great Ride - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jack - June 28 - 12:43 am

  The car handles like a dream. Like ALL other automatics they will shift at a point that is right on the cusp of the power between gears, particularly when not broken in yet. Fortunately this car comes with a manual/auto option on ALL models so shifting is a breeze and you have full control always. The gears immediately shift when commanded to do so. Also to other reviewers that think this car has "turbo lag" guess what its not a turbo. Its a naturally aspirated horizontally opposed 6 with fuel injection. Again wait for a few oil changes, Subes performance improves immensely as you pass the 30 K mark -- with power and smoothness. A very tight car new.

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  Super WRX wagon - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By stocksj - June 27 - 11:45 am

  I bought my Blue WRX wagon because I liked the way it performed in the WRC rallys. The car was my favorite and was a stout performer. Id still have it if it wasnt for the super stiff clutch wearing my left knee out. Replaced it with a 2005 RS wagon

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  Wifes new toy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kman - June 27 - 9:03 am

  Just brought home a Sage Green Forester last week, wanted something very safe, reliable and user friendly. So far it has been a fantastic vehicle. Could not get the LL Bean or ex package in the color we wanted so have added the heavy duty mats, cargo mat and cover and will probabily add the fog lights. 600 miles on it and right at 28 mpg. Getting lots of looks as people try to figure out what it is from the side. I think its the best value out there