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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  Rally Car DuJour! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By BR549 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 Honda Civic EX in for this car and have NEVER regret it! I spent a year in England and remembered watching Rally races on TV. This car is without a doubt the best Ive owned so far. Its got sexy styling and after installing the short throw shifter, the changing of gears is a dream. My wife who does not care for manual transmissions even longs to drive my car! If you have one and have not tried it on a dirt road, DO SO! Other than that, it is a Mustand and Camaro killer. And I do not care what any EVO fan has to say, the rally races are still won by the Subie 90% of the time!

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  Poor Mans (11 Turbo - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Guyver - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Test one you will see what I mean.

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  I love my Outback - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By spotakus - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After almost 4 years of driving this vehicle, I would still not replace this with any other car. The ride is fantastic, the handling great, and the quality of assembly cannot be passed. I have had to perform only regular maintainance, and have not had any repair problems. I would, and have, recomend this car to anyone.

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  Have snow, will travel - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By slavik2014 - February 2 - 1:59 am

  The winter has arrived along with half a foot of snow, ice, and -20 wind chills - a perfect time to see what my new (just a month old) Subaru is made of. Happy to report that its more than up to the challenge. Drove it this AM through ice covered hills and it held its own nicely. Even at the intersections, where I used to sometimes slide around in my previous vehicle (Honda CRV), the Outback holds steady. And, its fun to drive!

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  Awesome Buy - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Gaz - February 1 - 1:16 pm

  The company I work for has a few Subarus, before I worked there I would have never thought about owning one. Now, I would not have it any other way. One of the office Subarus has over 220,000+ miles on it (99 Impreza,MT) & another has 130,000+ miles on it (05 Impreza,MT)Ive driven the 05 "like I stole it" too. We change the oil and rotate the tires. I chose the Legacy, a little roomier than the Impreza. I also opted for the 5 speed MT, less overall ownership cost and I control the MPG a little more than the AT, not a computer. I dont understand the mileage rating from Subaru, I read other posts and several people have pointed out that these cars can get 32-36 mpg on the hwy. I do too!

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  good car not good time - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By subsub - January 31 - 12:46 pm

  Car is good in upstate NY snow. the steering is corrective, accelerator cuts out when wheels spin, but...car is kind of heavy and doesnt compare to lightweight Forester on snowy roads straight line braking

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  Subraru XT 2.5 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sock1eye - January 31 - 8:00 am

  Very fun car to drive.

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  After three Lexus Rxs This is a real gem - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Jim D - January 30 - 11:20 am

  Having leased Lexus RX vehicles for seven years, and enjoying all of them. I took advantage of the opportunity to buy a low mileage Tribeca. While it doesnt have all the features (integrated bluetooth/Nav, express up/down windows, power rear hatch release/keyless entry etc.) it is an extraordinary vehicle that I have come to enjoy very much. Multiple trips to the North woods of Wisconsin have become my second hobby because of the Tribeca. Fit & Finish, features, quality of workmanship, power/safety/great 4x4, Ipod connectivity, great seats, and best of all; it has Japanese quality control, but is assembled in Indiana. I love the car, and it may be my last new car purchase.

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  Traded in my Explorer - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Robert - January 30 - 5:13 am

  I traded in my Explorer for this Forester. Having now driven more than 14000 miles in 6 months, I have saved quite a bit on fuel costs, as well as having the comfort of a smoother ride. It has all the room I need, even when taking extended trips, and it looks good. I caught the dealer at a good time, and they took $4000 off the sticker before my trade.

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  My First Subaru, My Last Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Paul - January 29 - 9:12 pm

  As my title might indicate, I didnt have a very good Subaru experience. The WRX has good power and roadholding ability, however it doesnt have the Japanese car reliability that I was expecting. Ive owned Hondas, Mazdas, Fords, and even Chryslers all with manual transmissions. And this Subaru was the first car that Ive owned that needed a new transmission, at only 83k miles. Before needing a new transmission it was very hard to get into reverse, sometimes 1st, and even 2nd gear at times. After replacing the transmission, costing $4k, I have been able to get it into 1st and 2nd but reverse is still an experience. Other than that its had 5 safety recalls and has had a class-action lawsuit due to failure of the firewall spot welds. Im not a driver thats hard on vehicles, but I dont like vehicles that are hard on the drivers.