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:

• 

  Horrible Mistake - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By mulligan8 - April 27 - 12:19 am

  Bought 3.6R limited with 25,000 miles and have had constant problems with suspension. I have had in dealer 3 times and 2 other shops and no one has a clue. I replaced front shocks as dealer suggested-- of course NOT under warranty. Car still makes clunking noises over small road imperfections and VERY noisy as well . Seats comfortable but made with cheap leather and all interior bits seem slapped together. Got the 6 cylinder because of power and the 4 cylinder with CVT rubber band transmission pathetic-- yet Subaru still somehow succeeds in make the six sound like a 4 cylinder. Cant wait to get rid of it...Never again

• 

  A great car for the money - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By legacychick - April 24 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my LGT brand new almost 3 years ago, and I still think this car is one of the best kept secrets. Ive had so many complements on its looks, and everyone is surprised when they hear its a Subaru. The AWD gives you more confidence on the road, even though the stock allseason tires arent the best. The black interior is nice, and the cloth seats have held up well for 40000 miles. It has great acceleration, even when it was stock, but there was noticeable turbo lag. The manual shifting on the auto is nice, but there is hesitation. Gas mileage could be better but you pay to play. Warranty repairs: driver seat heating elements coming through foam twice, O2 sensor, dash rattle (not fixed

• 

  Sporty, Modern & Attractive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Wally43 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have a lot of fun driving mountain curves and sandy roads in the desert. The tight suspension and AWD provide precise control and plenty of traction. Freeway driving for several days is also very comfortable for my 62" frame, even though Im 60 and have an arthritic hip. This car has the highest (best) crash rating of any small SUV. There is sufficient cargo room in back, seating for four and the leather is comfortable, and my wife likes the heated seats.

• 

  2002 Subaru WRX Sedan - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By tubbytreats - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used 2002 Subaru WRX Sedan with 4,850 miles on it in March of 2003. The vehicle was sold by a private party to me, and was in excellent condition. Since then, I have put on about 22,000 miles (10 months) and have LOVED every single minute of ownership. Nothing has broken, nothing has caused me any worry or concern. This vehicle runs like a champ! Im most impressed with the plethora of online forums and communities based around this vehicle. You can learn ANYTHING you want about these cars, from changing oil, to adding new turbos and exhaust!

• 

  Mixed feelings - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By brucee2 - April 23 - 8:18 pm

  Have had my Forester for 13 months, 42,000 km. (26,000 miles). Quite happy with the ride, handling, steering, brakes & overall design. Of course, the AWD is great. What is totally unacceptable for me is the drivers seat comfort. (unfortunately, a 20 or 30 minute test drive when buying a car does not expose this problem). I realize we are all built differently, but for my 5 7" body, it just doesnt work. Headed for Florida a couple of weeks ago & had to turn back in South Carolina because of severe back pain. Will never attempt a long trlip in this vehicle again. No matter how good a vehicle is, if you cant be comfortable in the drivers seat, it is a lost cause.

• 

  09 Tribeca - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Hi - April 23 - 10:53 am

  Just traded in my 06 B9 Tribeca and bought an 09. The handling on these SUVs are great and the ride comfort is best in class. The engine has plenty of power and gets 25mpg on the highway. The second row has limo like leg room and can easily handle adults over 6ft tall. And best of all it has Symmetrical AWD which gets me through over a foot of snow with no problem.

• 

  Best SUV on the Market Today! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By DMorris - April 23 - 1:06 am

  I owned a 2004 Subaru Forester and then a 2007 Subaru Legacy Sedan Limited. This new Forester has everything and more! Great comfort, handling, performance and pickup!

• 

  Mileage update - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By cosailor - April 22 - 8:36 am

  I wrote a review earlier and wanted to share some mileage numbers. In town driving normal which is like everyone else being somewhat aggressive our XT will get 19 MPG, baby it at the lights and corners and 22 MPG is possible. Needless to say we get 19 MPG most of the time. Highway at 75 MPH steady, it gets 23 MPG. Side roads at 55 MPH to 65 MPH we can get 25 MPG reliably. Recently we took a 160 mile trip up into the mountains. For anyone from N. Colorado, we drove from Greeley to Lyons, up highway 7 to Allens Park, then to Estes and then to Fort Collins. Nearly a 4000 ft gain but we drove conservatively near the speed limits and got 26.1 MPG. Never lacked power.

• 

  Beware of 2012 Impreza 2.0i (Base) CVT - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By tpyne377 - April 21 - 3:54 pm

  PLEASE BE AWARE -- The CVT Automatic transmission in the Impreza 2.0i base model is NOT the same as that available in the rest of the line. It does NOT have the up/down shift function on the steering wheel. Even though it lists this version of the transmission as "CVT Auto Transmission with Manual Shift" on the order form and on the window sticker -- there is nothing "manual" about it. DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO ORDERING THIS LIKE I DID. (No 2012 Imprezas were available for test driving at the time.) There is still nothing that notes this in ANY of Subarus online website nor in any independent review that I can find.

• 

  This is an Outback? - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Liz - April 21 - 2:20 pm

  This vehicle is fantastic! With 250 HP and 250 ft. lbs. of torque, its got guts galore. And I was amazed that an Outback could handle this well. With its higher center of gravity, I simply wasnt expecting handling this taut. Its a sports car--with room to haul all your stuff safely on snow-covered highways or backwoods roads. The 5 speed manual, especially with the optional short-throw shifter, just adds to the sports car feel. Its the perfect combination of sportiness and utility. Its just plain fun to drive!