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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  Has fit the bill - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By kmeyer - October 20 - 12:56 pm

  I own a 2005 Legacy GT Limited and was looking for a utilitarian vehicle to tow my vintage motocross bike. Didnt want to test the 4 cyl. but the saleperson convinced me. The rate of acceleration was surprising. Great engine, MPG, power for a 4 banger that gets 26 MPG urban, 30 combined with 900 miles. People say its big-inside yes but shorter than the Accord I parked next to. Seats are very comfortable, HK stereo sounds great, dash uncluttered, great storage space, Bluetooth works flawlessly. Paddle shifters are actually helpful. Handling is fine-it is a vehicle with a high center of gravity after all. Quiet, smooth riding and comfortable cruiser. CVT is strange at first but works well.

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  Japanese engineering -feels like a European - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By chi - October 20 - 7:00 am

  All the cars I owned were Toyotas such as Corolla, Camry, Celica. I may have switched to Subaru from now on. It has the reliability of Toyota. in addition, the interior of Europe like VW and Audi. The ride is pretty firm like a sport car, very good handling and traction for a family wagon. The sunroof is huge. Although it will be nice if it come with a basic 200 HP engine will make it more fun and within the bargaining price range. Thinking about the Tribeca or Forester as our next car. Love the deep pitch sound of the flat 4 engine.

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  Solid Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Vito - October 18 - 6:03 am

  Just bought this 04 Outback Limited as a leftover in 3/05. Got a super deal on it - apparently no one drives 5-speeds anymore. Subarus are a super reliable and practical. I needed a car that was excellent in the snow but yet great on gas and roomy. I originally had a 2002 Nissan Sentra which was a great car but it was so light that it was all over the place in inclimate weather. I didnt feel like buying a 2nd car, like a little Nissan pickup. Ive been a loyal Nissan customer since 1995, but the Subarus make more sense to me. If you are considering one car that can really do it all check out any of the Subaru wagons, just not the Outbacks. The Standard Legacy wagons are probobly the best value.

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  2004 Impreza 2.5 RS - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Suby04 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome looks and style. Subaru growl Sporty, fast, reliable. A little annoyed with the slight vibration on the highway which is said to be "normal" for "v" rated tires and the sport suspension. The AWD system has since dissapointed me a little after our 1st snowstorm this weekend. The rear wheels spin even under low acceleration, and so the rear fishtails - worse on cornering. Traction was there but not as i have known in the past. The ABS system is awesome in the snow though Other than that i just love it!

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  Pleased - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Sonny - October 17 - 3:13 am

  This vehicle has just been fantastic. I love the handling, and since the 30,000 mile service I love it even better. Subaru has taken exceptional care of this vehicle and at 34,000, I will be extending the warranty, until they make a 6-speed tranny, then Ill move up to that model.

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  Good Idea! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By joe - October 16 - 6:56 am

  Im so glad I bought my Subaru. The car is easy to maintain. It has great handling and it saves gas. The power is there when I need it. It is the best car I have ever owned!

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  Wonderful car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Ownedlotsofcars - October 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon used in 2006. It has been sensational, reliable, fun to drive, easy to handle, just a fine automobile. Things Ive had to repair: cooling system has a minute leak somewhere that was stopped with additive; moon roof stopped popping up but the sun roof (yes its a double moon/sun roof!) works just fine, so the moon roof pop up hardware just needs to be re- engaged. Im going to have to replace the head gasket soon, but Im putting it off and putting up with the small leak stain I have in my garage. For a used car, though, its hard to imagine a better buy. Im a pretty assertive drive. I drive the crap out of this thing and it has never let me down.

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  Great little car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By higgledy - October 15 - 12:43 am

  This is my first Subaru. So far I have been pleased, 1000 miles and averaging 25 mpg. I looked Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota. I think the Forester is the best compromise between American comfortable cars and Japanese quality.

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  Amazing! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By J Franceschi - October 13 - 5:10 pm

  Just got rid of a Mercedes, and what a difference! The Subaru is sooo much faster. The build quality is excellent - almost Lexus-like and the Subie is very comfortable too. This car holds the road like it was glued there and the clutch is really smooth. The turbo is really fun and Consumer Reports has given the Legacy great reliability ratings. I test drove the MazdaSpeed6 and there was no comparison. Edmunds compared them also and preferred the Mazda, but if youre looking for fun AND great reliability and build quality go for the Legacy. It beats the Mazda hands down in the quality department.

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  Canadian Opinion - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Nigel Collins - October 13 - 12:36 am

  I previously owned a 98 Forester and a 2001 Outback so I chose to come back to Subaru mainly for the AWD system. I know gas mileage will improve over the first 5000 kilometers, and with warmer temperatures in the spring. Since buying the Outback Ive added a tape/film chip guard from Ziebart to help reduce gravel rash on the hood, the arm rest extension, winter mats, and had a dark tint film added to the front part of the sunroof to reduce glare when driving. The build quality appears far better than my earlier purchases, and the fold down feature for the back seat is much more user friendly.The interior materials seem to be of a higher quality with no issues around fit or finish.