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:

• 

  The Best WRX Yet! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By tomeeX899 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one of the first 2005 WRXs in my local area, and boy am I satisfied. I am very young but even before I could drive I had my eyes on the WRX. The car is very sleek, and very sneaky. Upon launch it feels like any other four-cylinder until the turbo kicks in right before 3000rpm, then youre flying. The AWD provides perfect handling in any weather condition. The 227hp Boxer engine sounds quite muscular. This car catches the eye and fools the ignorant. GO TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY!

• 

  New Subaru Tribeca owner - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Brenda - January 17 - 5:16 am

  I recently purchased the Tribeca. I previously owned a Mercedes SUV and a Toyota Highlander. I love the interior and features but I dont care for the ride. It is very bumpy and I am sensitive to motion. The Toyota gave a much much better ride and I am sorry I didnt buy it out of the lease. I was swayed by the features I didnt have in the Highlander like heated seats, memory seats, outside temp reading, etc. The insurance is a fortune-my bad for not checking. They say it is because it costs so much to fix and the excise tax is very high which I didnt factor in. Factor in all your costs before making this purchase!

• 

  Disappointed - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By heathertc - January 16 - 9:26 am

  Weve had our Outback now for 2 years. There are good and bad things to say. The good: love the cargo space, the car zips and weaves through traffic easily, very good in snow. The bad: the seat fabric is terrible. It stains so easily; even a water bottle that sweats will leave a ring that cannot be cleaned/wiped/removed. The back seat is very cramped and it is impossible to have a rear-facing car seat behind either the driver or front-passenger seats unless you like sitting against the dash. The latch connectors are hidden behind flimsy plastic pieces that you have to remove (and end up losing). The window molding around the doors has come off several times.

• 

  Teens first car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By kidchauffeur - January 14 - 4:10 am

  We bought this for our high school student to drive. We feel happy that shes in a relatively safe (but maneuverable) car, and she enjoys driving it. (We were looking for underpowered with ABS brakes -- AWD was a bonus -- much appreciated those nights when she drives on rain-slick roads.) Its nearly 10 years old, but does not look it. It probably isnt easy to make a teen smile with a 10- year-old car, but this one does. One note: SUPER IMPORTANT to get the engine treatments. This one had up-to- date engine treatments and Subaru USA was able to tell us when next is due.

• 

  Beware Audio Issues - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By dardanel - January 14 - 12:02 am

  I have purchased the vehicle based on excellent reviews and positive feedback from the owners that I have talked to who had the previous versions of this model. I have driven it only for 120 miles. I went for 2.5 engine for better gas mileage. I think 170hp is plenty. Breaking performance is good. Acceleration on hwy from 60 to 80 was good enough for this size engine. Acceleration from 0-60 could be better IMHO. Takes corners and curves very well. It sticks to the road. My only problem is the Audio Set. If you think audio in a car is important this model is not for you. Read more on suggested improvements.

• 

  Great country vehilce - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Thor Thorleifson - January 13 - 8:22 am

  Driven 100,000 km (60,000# miles) in 2 years 4 months, half highway/half gravel & dirt roads & rocky cattle pastures, hasnt missed a beat. Seats are comfortable, controls are great, Sat radio / stereo are great though the knobs and display screen are cheap.

• 

  Over 100K Miles - No Real Problems - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By GLS127 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfied with my 99 Forester L. I have only had to do regular oil changes, new tires, a tune-up, and front brakes in 5+ years. Factory tires only lasted about 45K miles, but current Goodrich Long Trails have 60K with plenty of tread left. Subaru dealer added coolant conditioner earlier this year as part of a factory recall. Very fun to drive, I would definitely buy one again.

• 

  3 months - I try to ignore the rattles - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By energizerbunny - January 11 - 5:30 pm

  Okay, I bought this vehicle since I loved my husbands Subaru outback, but wanted a small SUV for my company car. My previous car was a VW Passat. First, the cloth seats have very poor support for long drives (shouldve opted for leather). Will be adding a lumbar support unit from a local detail shop. Tried to get the door rattles fixed from the dealership. They were not able to help and made them worse by trying. Am trying to love the car but kind of wished I had opted for the Subaru Outback or another VW Passat. If you do purchase this vehicle, go for one of the higher end packages (> 2.5XP) since you may get better interior quality. Gas mpg isnt bag... averaging about 25 mpg.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Eric - January 11 - 9:33 am

  I go up into the mountains a lot and this car is perfect! It has a very comfortable ride to it and has enough power to get around in the mountains. It sticks to the roads and handles extremely well in the snow. The manual is a must and makes it really fun to drive. I am very happy with my purchase.

• 

  work horse - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mike Despa - January 10 - 11:16 am

  Everything you need, nothing that you dont need (sounds like a Nissan ad!). Good in snow, roomy enough for 2+2, and a pleasant dealership experience.