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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  Best Car Ive had - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By bluefoot14 - October 23 - 10:18 pm

  This car has been a fun car to drive. I count on it everyday to get my daughter to school and me to work. Its safe, tough, high quality, and reliable.

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  Saved my life - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Pace - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I had a 96 Subaru. I had an accident with a tree and the car was completely totalled. All I got out of the accident was a small mark on my neck from the seatbelt. I hit the tree (2ft diameter jackpine) going speeds exceding 65 mph. The build of these cars are incredible.

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  2.5TSsedan-somewhat disappointing - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By wallyv - October 21 - 2:13 pm

  We have about 10,000 miles on the 2.5TS and are pleased with the appearance, handling and the AWD. The performance is only average as the HP is not adequate for the weight of the car and the AWD. We also purchased a new Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and it has much better performance with the same power. We have some problems with the Subaru that the dealer says are normal,after short trips the car gives off a strong rotten egg odor from the exhaust (catalytic converter), we are also getting very poor gas milage with the car, about 14 miles to the gallon.we would not consider buying another subaru as the dealer is not willing to help us with our problem.

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  Drove it and I was sold - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By junochoe - October 21 - 1:43 am

  I have owned the Tribeca for about three weeks and I am continuously amazed. When we first test drove it, I noticed how smooth this SUVs boxer engine revs and how much willingness it has on acceleration. I also did some crazy turns in a parking lot and I noticed minimum body roll and solid grip during acceleration from the Tribecas AWD. Recently, I took my Tribeca on slick and wet winding roads at about 45 mph, and the Tribeca kept its composure. At no time did I feel excessive body roll or loss of traction. This is one fun car to drive! The exterior is a bit funky, but Ive learned to love it. Also, the interior is pretty space-age but very comfortable.

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  Limited production car with great features - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By BP - October 20 - 1:03 pm

  Ultimate sedan sleeper! People underestimate this cars performance and its wonderful to destroy that expectation. Smooth engine, transmission, and handling. Power is phenomenal for a 2.5L. Think STi but much more refined. This car rides very smooth and one would think that the suspension is too soft until you throw it in a corner. This car will amaze you how nimble and aggressive it can be when pushed. The interior cabin is very quiet and you never hear the engine strain. Fit and finish is top notch. For the price you will not find a more refined and powerful car on the market. Ive only owned Hondas and Im proud to say this car exceeded my expectations of Subaru; sorry Honda will miss you!

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  Wanna love it, but - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Not quite love - October 20 - 3:10 am

  Have put 8,500 miles since Jan and am happy with overall quality. Mileage averages 24 mpg mixed city/hwy. Have gotten 32 mpg at 65 mph and 27 at 75 mph. Loved the AWD in winter, handles great on ice. Back seat passengers always comment on comfort and room. But the drivers seat is not good for me. Sore back since I bought it. I want to love this car, but the backache doesnt let me.

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  Great for the money - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Alberto - October 19 - 4:23 pm

  Great AWD for the money. I feel in control when the road becomes unpredictable. Im beginning to like the exteriors styling. Its so much fun to drive, next best thing after BMW 325. Stop reading and go buy one.

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  Very pleased first time buyer! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Faltsan - October 19 - 11:40 am

  I traded in my 05 Corolla on 12/29/09 to get the 10 Forester as we had moved to Madison WI and I could no longer stand getting stuck in the snow with the Corolla and needing to be pushed out. I chose the Forester over the RAV4 (even before the recall issues) and the CR-V because of Subarus outstanding safety ratings and superior AWD system. It has been absolutely terrific in the snow and foul weather which is the main reason why I bought it. I am a bit disappointed in the gas mileage which has been ranging from 16-18 for city driving. We got 21 when we drove on the hwy. I am hopeful the mileage will improve when the weather gets warmer. The poor quality stereo is my biggest pet peeve!

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  Vehicle stops with no warning - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Misty - October 19 - 4:26 am

  I love the handling and ease of the vehicle. Approximately 6 months ago the vehicle completely stopped on me on an interstate. This has happened quite frequently and the service department cannot figure why. I was told to drive the vehicle until it dies so that they can determine the cause. I feel this is a safety issue and Subaru does not want to help. Dont expect help from Subaru headquarters or the Farrish Subaru dealership in Fairfax, VA. I love the vehicle but will never buy another one.

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  Love our 06 Forester! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By RI-Jim - October 18 - 12:50 pm

  OK, weve had it just 2 1/2 months and 4,000 miles, but its an excellent vehicle. Peppy engine (for a non-turbo), nice ride, handles well, has AWD (great for NE winters). The Premium upgrade has heated seats, sun/moonroof, alloy wheels, heated mirrors & windshield, nice sound system. Quiet on the highway, with some engine noise at lower speeds. Getting 26 MPG in mixed driving, 29 highway. Very comfortable seats. Top-rated by Consumer Reports, with really good crash-test results too. Its just a great value!