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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  off-road wonder - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Compass Crissy - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Auto club knows me well from my early years of off-road exploring in inappropriate vehicles. Ive had all the SUVs and this one does it all without the huge fuel costs. Walks over snow covered roads, jeep trails and hiking trails. Yes, I did that, looking for a lost child. A forest rd in AZ went from good to gone and we made it without a problem. A rate this car Outback-Outstanding.

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  Fun to drive! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By yotuki - June 17 - 8:46 am

  This car is a kick in the pants to drive. Ive had it for 3 months, and its been nothing but pleasurable. Performance wise, the car has a lot of power, and is very nimble; cornering is fun, as is taking it on a windy road. The build quality is good, but Ive noticed a few rattles. The clear plastics that cover the gauges and stereo scratch a little too easily, so be careful. Minor annoyances aside, its a great car at a great price point. I wouldnt hesitate recommending this car to anyone.

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  No more Subarus for us - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By j8509 - June 16 - 11:31 pm

  I am writing this just in case someone is thinking of buying a new Subaru. This 2007 is my wifes second car and we have had major engine problems with both. Not only are they expensive to maintain but they do not have the long life they had in the past.

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  160k miles and still going strong - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 160kmiles - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this specifically for long distance commuting on the highway and its been a great car, 110k miles before I had anything break on it. Great highway mpg 25-26.

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  At least the 3rd recall since redsign - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bergerb2 - June 15 - 12:00 pm

  Another recall - each one successively more potentially dangerous and harmful. Original upholstery build quality was poor and I wrote sub of America and sub of Indiana - alerting that if I can see the poor upholstery - what couldnt I see. In the intervening 6 months 3 recalls. A piece of crap. And oh - no one of responsibility ever even wrote with a comforting statement. Avoid Subaru outback.

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  Great Car if you can find one! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By dashriprocket - June 14 - 4:13 am

  Bought this car over a week ago. Three months of constant research after selling my Honda Element which I loved. I was looking for something sold, unique looks, reliability, comfort and just a plain kick but car. My Subaru XV Crosstrek limited in blue with beige interior...not a pocket rocket, but I genuinely love this car. Extremely practical, unique, good looks, great gas mileage, great performance!

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  clutchsqueak - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By bond007 - June 13 - 3:23 am

  Love the car and fun to drive. So does everyone else that encounters it. Have had impromtu offers for same. Only thing is a tiny tiny clutch squeak, does not affect performance, Subaru has checked, indicate it is inherent in the car.

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  Wanted one for 20 years - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Mark Piggott - June 12 - 2:10 am

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  JUMP START a Subaru and destroy the VDC - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By city - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The battery went down on our top of the line Subaru with VDC. It was jump started by Subaru Road Service. The warning lights remained on after it was jumped. Waited for our 1/22/04 appointment with dealer. At first service said we were warranty "lucky" because the VDC computer part cost $1,200. It was replaced. Car not returned as promised. More parts needed. Its now 1/29/04. Again car not returned as promised. Negotiated 4 days Hyundai rental for previously plan trip. Service now says repair not covered under warranty because of "outside influence". Western regional manager concurred. Filed with the State. Car sent to other dealer. Returned 2/14/04.

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  Love it so far - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By DtotheR - June 12 - 1:16 am

  Had the car for about two months already and love driving it. Turning radius is awesome and it handles very well. I have two large dogs and love how Subaru has a gate to keep them in the back. The overall appearance inside and out are great. Power for a 4 banger is good. Overall am very pleased with this purchase.