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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  made of cheap plastic - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By neveragain70 - December 30 - 5:32 am

  Driven 46k. Mtor and drive OK, But burns oil, doesnt delver promise mpg and airbag and track warning lights continual go off and on due to poor engineering and sensor designs. Particularly digusting is fact that the outer body is made of thin cheap plastic with parts held on without screws. As such fog light covers are continually failing off and the body parts break with even gentle contact. I have been driving for 40 plus years and I have never seen such poor quality.

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  SOLID PERFORMANCE - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By RSP - December 29 - 12:33 pm

  After two years, no problems. Runs great through the snow and bad weather.

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  Great fun for a family car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MasterZeus - December 29 - 11:00 am

  This car is great fun if you have a family. The back seat is a little tight, but everything else about this car is awesome. It accelerates like crazy. It has great build quality and well designed layout.

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  Out to Lunch on New Forrester Purchase - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By J.J. - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 Subaru Forrester XS, prem/lthr. Biggest complaint is a horrible blind spot on the left side. The right side is great. I use the rearview and side mirrors when switching to the left lanes on the highway. As an extra precaution I turn my head to the left and my view is seriously hindered by the panel that is between the side and rear windows. Its really a dreadful feeling as I feel as if it is "merge or die" and I hate to solely rely on mirrors only. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, then how do you overcome? Really interested in your comments. Am seriously considering a trade on a one-month old car. Many thanks.

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  Legacy -- all the way ! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By legacy driver - December 28 - 7:33 pm

  Once I drove the Legacy, I completely fell in love with it. It takes away from all other cars, including Hondas, Mazdas, and Toyotas. This car is in its own class, you really cant compare it to any others (many people think the car looks way more expensive then it actually is). I get great gas mileage, better then they say! I average 28-29 MPG with 75% highway and 25% city. I cant go anywhere with out people asking me what kind of car I drive. The Legacy is so comfortable, and the handling is great! I would recommend this car to anyone. Before buying any other car, you must test drive the Subaru Legacy. I swear, you wont regret it!

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  This car is unsafe and has quality issues - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By millieone - December 28 - 12:00 pm

  I purchased a year old outback with 17,000 miles in excellent condition. Shortly after while driving with my wife in the passengers seat the air bag off indicator light was on. Its sometimes on and some times off. My wife weights about 120lbs well above 102lbs limit. The car also has rust forming under the lip of the rear hatch door. Subaru refuses to cover the rust repair and says the air works as designed. This is a serious safety issue. They said they fixed it in the 2012 model. There solution was to sell me a new car. Wow this company sucks! We bought this car for its reported safety, what a joke. My wife and daughter are nervous when sitting in the front seat

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  Fun & Economical - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By pete141 - December 28 - 5:05 am

  Am new to the Subaru line - was intrigued by the looks of the Crosstrek. Didnt look like a station wagon or any of the other suv-ish crossovers out on the market today. Lots of pick-up when accelerating onto the highway & changing lanes-enough for my needs anyways. Highway ride is smooth. Have not had to fill the tank yet so cant comment on the gas mileage - although am hoping that it comes in around the advertised 25-28 range for mostly city driving. The AWD did well in the recent wintry mix of a few inches. Never lost traction and went up hills with no problems at all.

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  Love the XV Crosstrek, Limited nav/moonroof - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cooknation - December 28 - 2:06 am

  When looking for a car I needed a CUV with decent gas mileage. Main reason was for carrying my dog and for future family family vehicle. I tested the equinox, mazda cx-5, and nissan rogue. When i went to drive the cx-5 i saw the crosstrek (Mixed dealer). So i took a shot at the crosstrek, right away the looks of the car can make you fall in love. And i know plenty of my friends with wrxs and stis and they praise subaru. I have to say the car has been living up to the hype sofar. I got the limited CVT with nav and moonroof. The car is great and i average 31 MPG! Do not gun the car and you will find the mileage is great. Ease into acceleration, and keep an eye on the mpg needle.

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  Great - Except...... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rabbitman - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  This base model is a great auto but for those of us who do go off the highway and travel through the mud, over unpaved roads and such there is one item that the factory left off - the under the engine cover is not included on the base model. That means dirt, water, gunk, etc splashes up into the engine compartment. The 2.5i Outback wagon does offer an engine undercover insulator, however it is a side-type and offers no rear protection. The full width large type is standard on the XT, XT Limited, LL BEAN , and VDC models. The specs in print and on the web site no not point out this omission. A dear friend of mine also purchased a 2.5i last month and the dealer installed the protector at no charge.

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  Car Love - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By JungleLover in Utah - December 26 - 9:10 pm

  A perfect car for me! Living in Park City, the AWD is amazing - remember, not all AWD cars are created equal. The seats are comfortable, and having the 60/40 seat folding is great for loading mountain bikes, skis, or anything you might need to get out and play. The shifting is really easy in the manual and is fun and speedy to drive around. Its a beautiful car and inexpensive in relation to comparable cars and what you get. Averaging 31mpg (I drive conservatively and coast wherever possible).