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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  Hope phase II engine is better - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru guy - December 23 - 7:13 am

  I bought the car as a project car with one of the cylinders literally smashed. Ive used and worked on Subarus for 4 years. 2.5 liter DOHC Phase I engine is awful. 2.2 engines were much more reliable. After installing an engine with 120000 miles on it it works great. Its a small SUV, really fun to drive. Handles great on snow and rain.

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  Intrusive Seat belt chime - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By moi12 - December 23 - 12:40 am

  This is my partners car and they are enjoying it VERY much. However, Im glad Im not the one driving it, because of the stupid seat belt chime - see below.....

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  Pleasantly Impressed - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Rick Drewyour - December 22 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first Subaru. For a utilitarian vehicle, it rides better than my Honda Accord. It handles great and I really like all the safety features. Easy exit/entry with the higer ground clearance. Sunroof is noisy when only wing is opened. Mileage is 25 mixed and 30 on the highway. Good looks and sporty feel.

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  Very good wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Andrew - December 22 - 12:50 am

  Fuel mileage varies depending on whether Im driving (31 mpg) or my wife (24 mpg). No problems after 10 months of ownership. RPM at highway speeds seems high (approx. 3000 rpm at 65). This results in noticeable noise at higher speeds and lower fuel economy. Protenza RE92 tires receive poor ratings by consumers on tirerack.com. Especially for winter conditions. People who live where it snows should consider buying better tires for winter. Save the Protenzas for the summer. Stability control should be offered as an option. Although I feel the 168hp motor is adequate, Subaru should offer a 180-200hp motor in addition to the 168 and 250. Shifter is stiff in cold weather. Great car in general.

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  Loving It! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By blogan - December 21 - 7:00 am

  Just over 400 miles driven but love this car. SE with manual tranny. Fantastic acceleration in all gears. Taconic Parkway is very hilly and twisty. Accelerating up hill in 5th! Traded in a 3800 Buick six and have given up no power. Best handling Ive ever had, including BMW 5, Mazda 626, and Celica GT. Great back support. Short throw shifter gets lots of bad press but this base tranny is wonderful. Very little downshifting needed, and upshifting is smooth and very rewarding. Loves to rev!

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  Update - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ajluptak - December 21 - 2:16 am

  This is an update to an earlier posting. After 32k miles, the Subie feels much older. Mileage, at 17 mpg city, is still awful for a 4 cylinder, 165hp car. Once again, my wife is primary driver and she is not hard on the car. Car responds very sluggishly to throttle input, almost dangerously so. This car has had all required service done to date. I have taken the car to three Subaru dealers, all of them say the car runs normally. Maybe we got a bad car or one with some issues, but it has soured me toward Subarus. Once again, if you can find a 5 speed manual car, buy it over the automatic.

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  Traded in a Forester for an Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By danwatson - December 20 - 7:45 am

  I purchased a 2010 Forester in June, 2010 when a job changed forced a move to the Eastern Sierras and an elevation of 8000 feet. The Forester was a great car that handled the snow without any problems. But, it was underpowered at this elevation and too small for someone whos 63" and 260 pounds. So, we traded it in on a 2011 Outback 3.6 Limited. No regrets at all. The 6 cylinder is both smooth and powerful, and the 5 speed transmission is much better than the 4 speed in the Forester. Its got plenty of room, front and back. The only car Ive owned thats as comfortable was an Infiniti M35. This is a great road car. If its as reliable as the Forester was in 18,000 miles, Im happy.

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  First Time Subie Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - December 20 - 6:16 am

  After owning Hondas for 23 years I decided to to purchase something else. What a difference in quietness. I feel like Im driving a Lexus. Paddle shifters are great for mountain driving and the boxer engine has good power while providing good MPG. CVT Trans is smooth but takes a while to get use to if you have never driven one. Overall one of the best if not the best values in its class for your hard earned money.

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  Great fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By devo - December 20 - 5:10 am

  Great fun to drive but I have been used to fuel injection so its a bit disappointing to have to wait for the auto gear box to kick down before anything happens. I dont feel confident about being able to accelerate out of trouble or to get between gaps in cars. Otherwise I love the AWD and suspension and will definitely buy another Subaru.

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  GREAT all-around car to own - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By spiro morogiannis - December 19 - 10:20 pm

  I have had my 2010 legacy now for 6 months, put just shy of 13k miles on it and I would have to say its been a great and very comfortable car to own. I do have a couple complaints however, i have had both front struts replaced under warranty due to leaking, and i feel that the cabin could be just a little quieter. If i could change one thing about the 2.5i, i would add another 15-20 hp, because it feels just slower than i would like. However, i average around 30 mpg mixed with my legacy, and i am completely thrilled with the mileage considering the size of the car, and it is one of the most comfortable and fun to drive vehicles Ive ever owned. I highly rec this car, especially for the price