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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  Love My Subaru! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Robin - October 18 - 12:00 am

  After test driving the CR-V, Saturn Vue, VW, Rav-4... the Subaru stands alone. Its quiet. A smooth ride and spacious interior. Its interior has a more harmonious feel than the rest. I have all the high end features without paying a high end price.

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  Subaru Crosstrek XV - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Erin Wallace - October 17 - 10:44 am

  I love this car. Its more handleable than the 2005 Subaru Outback Legacy it replaced for us. Its solid and quick. Acceleration is a little hesitant, surprisingly, but it has been really cold here since we purchased it. The only truly disappointing thing has been that the heater is noisy enough that we have to raise our voices to hear each other and/or the radio when it is on high. That seems like a ridiculous problem that could have been engineered differently. Otherwise, we are in love.

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  fun to drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By grebnesor - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have just turned 1000 miles on my forester and am enjoying the car more than I did with my Volkswagen beatles,which were fun cars to drive. It has every standard feature that you would have to buy as options in other cars.The turning radius is a blessing,and so far our mileage has been about 23 mpg both city and hyw.When the gas prices get back to normal we will enjoy it even more.love it-love it -love it.

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  2003 Forester XS premium w/leather - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By merliech - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! A huge number of features for a great price. I actually feel like Ive purchased a luxury car. Drives great in the snow; and I love the huge sunroof. The upgraded stereo sounds great too. Handles great and I get an excellent view of the road. When I was looking at cars I also looked at the Ford Escape and the Honda CRX. I believe I made the right choice with the Forester.

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  Good Car except for a few details. - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By mossman11 - October 17 - 8:47 am

  Have a 13 Limited Sedan, and agree with others here that the Stereo and Tires are two weak spots. Replaced both on mine, along with the speakers, and the car rides quieter and I enjoy my aftermarket Eclipse unit with NAV after using it in my last car and transferring it over to the Subaru. Otherwise, mine is well made and has no rattles after 8,000 miles. The paint is holding up, no stone chips. A/C good, plenty of heat and the heated seats are a nice feature. The leather, while not luxurious, appears very durable.

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  Needs refinement- but I love mine! - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By John B - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new, and have put 47,000 miles on it in 2 1/2 years. The clutch was replaced under warranty at 30,000 miles for chattering, particularly when cold (~30-40 degrees). Im about to replace it again, but at my own cost. The gearing is very low, making the car very responsive to gas pedal movement, but very jerky in traffic. One more gripe: the rear seat doesnt fold down. That being said, its a blast to drive, and all wheel drive gives excellent traction, regardless of weather conditions. Despite my complaints, my next car will be another Subaru. You cant beat the value.

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  Like the All-Wheel Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dave D. - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned an all-wheel drive vehicle before. The first trip we took after purchasing the car it snowed 7 inches. The all-wheel drive feature was great. Other vehicles we passed had traction problems. The vehicle also has surprising acceleration when passing on a two lane road.

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  My first Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By hairdog - October 16 - 11:40 pm

  I just purchased a used Subaru forester on Monday, just three days ago. I am completely surprised at the quality and power that this 4cyl has. I was driving a V6 and this is much more responsive and quicker. This is my first Subaru. I have owned nothing but American cars before. In just three days I would say that Im a convert for life, not just only based on my mere three days but on other Subaru owners that have told me their experiences. I love my Forester and cant wait to actually feel safe while driving in bad winter conditions. FOR ONCE! I highly recommend it to all. Buy a Subaru and you will not be disappointed.

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  From a Critic - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Matt - October 16 - 5:16 pm

  I tend to be critical, so I expect this is a fair review. The car is great. It has flaws, but I would buy it again. I test drove over 20 models before my purchase. I drove this car three separate times. The engine is superb for a four cylinder. A four cylinder will never feel like six, but the Legacy responds with excellence for the category. 2.5 liter, and it feels like it. Pickup is responsive and full enough to keep my ego satisfied. Handling is good - but not perfect. The steering is slightly sensitive at higher speed. The suspension is tight, it may seem rough over the potholes. It is details that make it. Great value. This is not a cookie cutter car.

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  Great Impressions - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By SkyHigh - October 14 - 9:53 pm

  For the money the car cant be beat! Even with the lower fuel enconomy, Honda and Toyota dont compare. Upgrading to the Premium package is worth the extra $. Ive only put 400 miles since buying it and have yet to run above 4000 rpm (break-in period) but the engine is itching to perform! The standard AWD is perfect for Colorado weather. Seats are much more comfortable in 08 than earlier models! Great car and very happy so far!