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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  My cartruck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By leslie - April 11 - 5:20 am

  Love the versatility. Love the low entry. Miss storage compartments. Back seat compartment too small. Great handling in rain and snow.

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  Subaru is my brand now - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By bermo61 - April 11 - 5:13 am

  I have had lots of cars, Jeeps, GMs, Fords, Chryslers, but I had pretty much settled on Toyota being my brand of choice for their reliability. Unfortunately they are kind of boring. I own a Yaris and although I love the mileage it is kind of dull. I want to have fun driving without spending a mortgage payment on my car... enter Subaru. I have the reliability of a Toyota with cutting edge technology and feature laden products. I love my new WRX. I have almost 5000 miles on it and it is so fun to drive it should be illegal (and frequently is based on my tickets hee hee).

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  Plain girls dance last - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By RW - April 10 - 12:26 pm

  Youre always hoping for the knockout looking girl to have on your arm or, in this case, the best looking/performing/reliable car to own. The Legacy is not the worst or ugliest but far from thrilling. Maybe thats what the manufacturer had in mind? The car lacks panache. My 2.5 engine is underpowered. Its okay for most daily driving chores but not thrilling to drive. The CVT is fine, handling is better than average, seats are okay. Everything about the car is okay but uninspiring. Then again when one ponies up less than $25K for a new car, what can one expect except what the Legacy provides? Im okay with the purchase but far from a raving fan who cant wait to re-buy.

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  very good car for the money - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By awduser - April 10 - 12:13 pm

  My son bought it used with 170,000 km in 2007 and I got it from him with about 210,000 km. This month it turned 300,000 km. Engine and transmission all original but have small oil leak, probably from valve cover gasket. Had trouble with A/C compressor - replaced this summer (after 11 years of service). Had to overhaul front end - ball joints, tie rod ends, again after 11 years. Shock absorbers started leaking last year - I think 10 years is as good as it gets for driving through Canadian winters. And so apart from some rust (se reference to Canadian winters above), the vehicle looks and driving qualities are the same when we got it, and I even suspect it drives like new.

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  good things and frustrating things - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By Bill Kowalewski-Barrera - April 10 - 9:00 am

  This is our fourth Subaru. We do like the CVT transmission, quiet enough, and the car is peppy. The gas mileage is just what is published. What bothers me? I dont like the leather seats, too cold in the winter, too stiff. With cloth, you dont need seat warmers. In the 25k miles weve owned it, the fog, tail, and headlight bulbs have burned out, and both front half-shafts and the brakes were replaced. The dash has developed an annoying rattle. And twice a year, we need to take it back to the dealer to get the tpms switched between the summer and snow tires. The dealer has to reprogram it. Still a reasonable car, but not quite up to our Subaru expectations.

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  Fearsome icy grades? No problem! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By liv4mntns - April 10 - 3:23 am

  Trucks were sliding all over the road the night I first took a major drive (to pick up relatives at the airport) in my new Impreza. When we stopped for coffee, it was so icy that I could barely keep from falling onto the sidewalk! After my addition of excellent winter tires, the Impreza cruised up that steep, snowy mountain road as if we were out for a summer picnic. Note to anyone else driving on poorly lit two-lane roads: the optional fog lights are worth every cent in a snowstorm with oncoming traffic! Even though its not why I bought it, I cant help loving the Imprezas amazing cornering abilities; it turns any twisting road into a fun driving experience.

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  Very fun and Reliable! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Huffman.ben - April 9 - 5:06 pm

  This was my very first brand new car and Im glad I bought a Subaru. I have had no problems to date. I went through one winter so far and it was easy with the WRX.

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  Gets the job done - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By bloul11 - April 9 - 4:24 pm

  I bought my outback with 73K on it, It now has 140K. It is our grocery getter child transporter. Does great in the snow. I can get about 26-28 mpg city/Hwy. It does leak oil, i fear may be the dreaded Subaru head gasket. Thought it went out about 5K ago but it was the water pump. Shop said heads were fine. Interior is nice I do have leather package but not the limited. good comfort for long trips. I would buy another with out question. Only other issues are some electrical in steering column that makes turn signal sound for no reason, cruise control stopped working and horn no longer works. Also have to replace 4 tires at a time due to AWD.

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  Love my outback! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Michael - April 9 - 12:55 pm

  I love my outback! Its such a comfortable car, and incredibly quiet driving down the freeway. Gets good gas mileage (about 27 mpg) on an 18 gal tank. I fill up around every 480 to 500 miles. Handles very well and has plenty of storage space, especially with the rear seats down. Great head and leg room. I am 65" and fit very comfortably in both front and back seats. Cant say enough about how much I love it! Variable transmission takes some getting used to because it is so quiet, you dn hear it revving, so you dont realize how fast youre going.

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  Believe the hype! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 2011subiefan - April 9 - 9:21 am

  If you are reading this, you are probably doing research. I have already put 1,000+ miles on my 2011 Outback and I can honestly say that it has been nothing but a pleasure. I used to own a 2000 Accord, but needed to upgrade for my growing family. We recently took it for a road trip from NYC to Lake George Village and the ride was firm and comfortable and the cargo space was sufficient. The only downside is the mp3 connection, which does not allow you to change songs. One other thing, I notice that the drivers side of the car rides lower than the passenger side. After analyzing the problem, I discovered it was all the cash in my pocket that I saved. Ha! Unbelieveable bargain!