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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  Forester Fun - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Derry - November 3 - 10:00 am

  No problems; drives like a dream in snow which we get a lot of.

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  Subaru WRX 2002 - DYNOMITE - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Will - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! The speed quotient is one thing, but the handling is outstanding. Only an old Porsche 356b that I had in the seventies handled better. The comfort to drive is based on your size, age and ability to handle a very firm ride. Go for it!

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  Very happy - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kristian Coyne - November 1 - 7:03 pm

  I have had my OBXT for about 4 weeks and have put about 1300 miles on it. I am completely happy with it! The engine pulls like crazy and it loves the snow. The ride is very comfortable. The handling is very good, although I find the rear a little under damped when pushing through bumpy corners. Gas mileage has been about 23mpg (manually calculated--not from the display) so far in mixed driving and I expect it to climb once the engine is fully broken in. The power is fantastic even when over 10,000 feet above sea level because of the turbo. I am looking forward to some light duty off-roading this summer. This is the perfect "Colorado sports car"!

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  My Spaceship - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bond007 - October 31 - 2:03 pm

  135000 miles in 5 yr, ave 27 mpg for mostly freeway driving with utmost reliability, my spaceship still flies the same like the very first day. Problem so far are replacement of the small rubber hose/ one axle supporting the transmission/ 2 O2 sensors...Oh! Forgot to mention the performance is devastating. Could have bought a maserati or p911 or m3, but unable to find a good reason to.

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  My Sixth Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By subaru fan - October 30 - 10:06 pm

  Just picked up a 2010 Legacy. It is the sixth Subaru for my wife and I since 2001. By far the quietest and the most comfortable. The increased room is greatly appreciated. Compared to the O8 Legacy 2.5 I that we still have, the ride is greatly improved but the handling has taken a slight hit. It feels more expensive than the 08 Legacy. There is no front end vibration and the dealer has indicated that no 2010 Legacy that they have sold has had the problem. The CVT appears to be well behaved. The car, the steering, and the controls are very tight- no rattles buzzes or wind noise. We had considered an Outback, but too much of the handling has been trashed to the point of unacceptability. Why?

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  Tow Beast - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Kavoom - October 30 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had it a year now and gone 24K miles with about 7k of those on camping trips with a small pop up camper running around 1800 lbs loaded. I have a manual transmission. I have been in mountains plains and it drives like a dream, 22 mpg pulling as fast as 75 mph across Nebraska (29 to 31 mpg w/o trailer). I am on my third Subaru and the Forester is the best so far and thats saying something. Best small tow vehicle in U.S.

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  Made the right choice - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Barry W - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I did the research and study on several SUV models and test drove several, including the Forester. My wife had her heart set on a Forester but I was not yet convinced this was the best choice. Knowing this was her car we negotiated a deal and purchaced a 2003 Forester. The longer I drive it the more Im convinced we made the right choice. Our fuel milage has been averaging 26-29mpg and its a pleasure to drive. The Forester seems a little small for me but not bad, and its a perfect fit for my wife.

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  Love ourLegacy - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Robert Markham - October 26 - 8:33 pm

  This is a quality vehicle. It looks good and has all the bells and whistles you could ask for in a car at this price (MSRP $32K). Weve only had the car a short while, but have noticed a couple of minor annoyances . When shifting from reverse to drive, it takes too long to drop into gear - a potential issue when executing a three point turn in traffic. Also, the drivers seat memory function responds to the first individual who unlocks the car, not necessarily the driver. This can be annoying. Generally though we love the car and expect a great experience.

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  2016 STI Ready to go - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Liz Sheppard - October 26 - 6:09 pm

  I purchased a new 2016 STI in August, and so far I love it. I drive it in Alaska so the road conditions can be ruff. It gets through the snow no problems, a set of blizzak tires on it and I have had no issues. Short throw shifter is a nice plus, smooth, and sport mode is fun! The interior is nice. The only negative I have with the vehicle is the sound system is crap, for what the rest of the car is. You wont regret buying this vehicle. Spring for the STI if you can afford it, its worth it! Liz

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  Awesome midsize luxury option - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By nzody - October 26 - 4:40 pm

  Ive been driving the 2013 Limited PZEV model for almost a week now, after my 2000 Impreza was totaled in a hit & run. One word - awesome! I test drove a 2.5 2012 Limited before trying the 2013 2.5 Limited - and they are worlds apart. The DOHC CVT changes in the 2013 model make a huge difference to the pick up and make the 2.5i engine feel much more capable. The interior space is great, the hands free works well and voice activation is very handy. Bluetooth audio streaming works well. Commuting on the peninsula <-> San Francisco I am currently seeing about 24MPG with fairly hard driving. I think EPA numbers are fair. AWD with the options on the Limited model make for value hard to beat!