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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  This One Does it All! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Peter - January 19 - 10:30 pm

  After 8,000 miles with this car, I still get excited to take this car out every time I start the engine. The performance is great and acceleration is addicting, especially knowing that its a wagon. The standard features are adequate, but the 2006 version has much more, but at the cost of a questionable (borderline ugly) front design. Turbo lag is a real issue; the car is just a notch faster than sluggish below ~3,000 rpms. Unless youre launching at 5,000 rpms, expect a slow start until turbo spools up. You cant get a better car for the price. I would not hesitate to buy this one again.

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  I Miss My Forester - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By alycatz77 - January 19 - 8:53 am

  This was a great investment. Had only a few repairs in two and a half years (replaced alternator, brakes and wheel bearings) and the car had 82,000 miles when I lost it. It was fun to drive for a four cylinder, a smooth ride, and great on frozen Indiana roads! This car saved my life in a head on collision with a tractor trailer at 105 mph total impact speed. I will miss my car and recommend it highly to anyone who wants a safe and reliable vehicle!

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  Couldnt be more pleased - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By TJ - January 16 - 1:00 pm

  I used the Guaranteed Trade Program and swapped my 04 Forester 2.5X for a 07 2.5i Legacy Special Edition wagon. I loved the Forester dearly, but the Legacy is on another level -- crisper, tighter handling with a much smoother and more refined ride. And its also considerably peppier than the Forester, which I wasnt expecting. I buy Subarus for their safety features, for the AWD, and for the reliability. Anything beyond that is gravy, and this Legacy pours it on. Its a very striking, very comfortable, very functional vehicle. An enormous moonroof, comfortable seats with nice upholstery; simple, uncluttered instrumentation -- all in all, it feels a lot more expensive than it actually was.

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  Nice in the beginning - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By J Peters - January 16 - 9:06 am

  I spent 8 months trying to find the right car. I thought it was the Forester so I bought a new one. In the beginning it was great but after the 3 year warranty ended, problems began. I have replaced all the tires, all the rotors, both oxygen sensors. The car gets poor gas mileage (about 18 mpg) and I literally watch 1/8 of my gas gauge disappear after I start the car in the morning. I cant get the check engine light to turn off and I feel like every month there is something new to replace. I have 55k miles and I dont abuse the car. I am disappointed with Subarus reliability and am looking for a different manufacturer to buy from. I think they use cheap parts.

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  No regrets - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By NiceBet - January 16 - 7:36 am

  I bought this vehicle 8 months ago with a healthy dose of skepticism about the Subaru brand. But after extensive review online and test driving it and my other top choices (CR-V and RAV4) I came to a decision that the Forester was the optimal choice to suit my needs. It provided everything I wanted in a SUV- reliability, fuel efficiency, AWD, reasonable cost and reasonable comfort level (leather seats and heating, 6 disc changer stereo system to mention a few). My vehicle has handled well in the sub- artic condition in which I drive it. I have slipped a few times this winter but my vehicle handled well (those experiences have reminded me that technology is no substitute for sensible driving)

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  Love It - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By LuvIt - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car for a year, and I love it. This is my first stick in 10 years and I now remember why I like them. Nice shifting, great handling car. Very comfortable for 9 hour drives. My first (and ongoing) impression is how smooth the car is. My biggest complaints are the peformance of the standard tires in the snow (goes straight great, sporting in the turns) and the lack of get up and go when the a/c is on. The flat four is a great engine; sounds funky and is the only truly smooth 4 out there.

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  Fun to drive and good sporty design.... - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By smith168 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I had never thought about getting a WRX, but after test driving my friends I couldnt resist. I didnt know I would love this car so much until I own it. This car has got a decent amount of horsepowers, great performance, sporty interior and exterior design, 6 CD changer and it comes with so many other standard manufacture options that so many new cars out there call optional.

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  Not your moms wagon. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Navy Tech - January 16 - 2:00 am

  From the first look at this car you know its not the typical grocery getter. The Unique styling and loud but tasteful blue makes this car very attactive. And after sitting the High bolster sport style seats you know for sure this aint you mommas wagon. Loads of fun to drive, yet still useful for loading you friends and snowboards in. Little pricy butr well worth the extra money. You get more than what you paid for.

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  Great car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By chadGO5 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Subaru Forester for use as my wifes vehicle...however, it is our primary car for family excursions...so I am "allowed" to drive it sometimes....and I love it. For the life of me, I cant figure out why they decided to put the cupholder where they did on the dashboard. While drinks are in the cupholder, you cant see, or access some of the dash controls. The drink sits right in front of the air vents, so if you have a cold drink and the heat on, the drink is lukewarm in minutes and vice versa...anf finally, if your drink is full and you hit a bump, it spills all down the dashboard over all of your stereo controls.

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  Waited too Long - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Outback Wagon LTD - January 15 - 7:23 pm

  My Outback is the first ever Japanese car Ive ever owned. Unbelievable quality and style. I always said that if you buy a minivan that your life is over. My son was the one who researched the car and he wound up buying a mini van. I bought the Outback. I cant wait till next year to get the Turbo.