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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  So far, so good - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Matt - November 18 - 1:10 pm

  First Subaru and so far, I love it. Very comfortable ride and I love the handling the AWD brings.

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  GREAT SUV? CAR? WHO CARES!!! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By magman - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I replaced an 02 GMC Envoy with this little jewel. I have driven it 4000 miles so far. Great blend of SUV and Car qualities. I think my 02 V8 Explorer (Which is getting 14 mpg) will be Subarus next trade in victim. The only thing I find lacking is acceleration but Im getting 28mpg on the highway with regular gas so I can live with it. My first Japanese vehicle wont be my last.

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  Id buy another one - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By tedsalzman - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Tital says it all, I wish it had a larger gass tank and got a little better milage. But yhat;s the price you pay for all wheel Drive

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  Its a performance bargain... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Magicjnkie - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to love about an all-wheel drive 227 hp turbocharged wagon? With its boxer flat 4 engine mounted down low...you can actually feel where the center of gravity is...down low where, combined with the AWD system, promotes the amazing grip that this car displays. No matter what the road conditions, the driver stays in control. Yeah, this wagon hauls...

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  CANT BEAT THE VALUE - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By J CHAMBERS - November 17 - 2:43 am

  I traded in a 2004 VW Touareg with v6 engine which gave me more problems than I car to report. Electrical, transmission and no power. I purchased a B9 Tribeca a few days ago and comparing the two vehicles, the Subaru in my opinion the Subaru is a better value dollar to dollar on both base models.

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  wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jpr6 - November 17 - 1:11 am

  we purchased this new 2012 outback with the consumer reports recommendation. i wander if any one checked this car instability at highway speeds. this car drifts over the roadway and is tiring to drive especially for an older person. it requires both hands on the wheel and constant attention ,especially if there is a windy condition, then it is really off the charts. to compound this problem is the confusing operation of the various controls to perform various operations while driving this drifter at highway speeds 50-65

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Bostonian - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price tag. Yes, it lacks some horsepower, yes it could have a little nicer interior, but for the money, this is a great car. Very nice handling, has plenty of pep for everday driving, passing, etc... Beautiful looking exterior, and the leather interior is definately top notch. I take frequent trips to northern vermont for skiing, and have not problems. Tears through snow, comfortable for lengthy drives, good sounds system, and just an overall safe car with airbags, etc...

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  Fun Machine - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Ranes - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to use in bad weather because my rear wheel drive Mercedes is not exactly a snowmobile. I find myself gravitating to the Subaru even in good weather! Its great to drive and very comfortable even compared to my E320. I have the flat 6 engine with 212 HP and its very responsive. The handling and suspension are first class. This was my first choice of an all wheel drive vehicle at any price (except of course the all wheel drive Porsche Turbo, which by the way is not as comfortable as this Subaru, but it flies!)

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  Theres something about a subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Just bought - November 14 - 12:23 pm

  I just bought a new azurite blue 2.5 cvt legacy and have been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the ride is. So much that I find it easier to feel sleepy in lol! Ive owned a 2002 wrx and didnt expect the acceleration to be as it was on that vehicle because the focus was on fuel economy this time. The roomy interior is almost cuv like. Coming from a coupe (civic ex) it seems cavernous, but it seems so much larger than most sedans too. This was a strong selling point while I was also considering a forester at the time as well. Turning radius makes u turns easy and quick! Im glad i cam back to a subie! Plus the drivers side seat is ideal for tall and short people, wonderful driver seats

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Stiltd - November 14 - 12:20 pm

  This is almost the perfect performance car. Its handling, acceleration and braking are 80% of a supercar, but for 30% of the price. It gets all the right kind of attention (people complimenting its good looks) & none of the wrong kind. Engine has good power, transmission ratios are perfect, & AWD is awesome. Seats feel great, interior is very mature, all controls are easy to reach & the climate control system works perfectly. This is my first non-US made car, and while there are few things I miss, I can see why Detroit is in big trouble. I think its one of the best looking cars of all time. BTW, gas mileage is BETTER than rated! (Insurance is higher than expected).