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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  4th sub - upholstery quality ba humbug - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bgbFL - December 17 - 2:56 am

  Upholstery - fabric fit and finish leaves something to be desired. 2002 legacy outback wagon was better at trade in than this is new. Loose fitting in one area "bunch" up in several areas. Mileage is good. Seats firm and comfortable. Rides well. CVT takes some getting used to - at times its seems like its not "c". Paddle shifting a fun to try. Visibility very good.

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  New to Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By mmf3279 - December 13 - 12:56 am

  First, let me say that this is a company car that I did not pay for. I had a Chevy Impala for 3 years prior to this vehicle as my company car. I could choose a Malibu, Fusion, and Legacy. The Legacy beat the others out based on interior room, features, and styling. I love the interior design. I had the wood trim in the old car and I love the clean lines of the Legacys black, silver, and tan trim. The curved backs on the front seats increase leg room in the back seat. I sit in the back with my daughter in her car seat in the middle and I have plenty of room I am 58. I love the cupholders in the door. Avg 27mpg combined. Subaru Legacy is a great value! CVT takes some getting used to.

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  WRX falls short of both 2.5RS and STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Patick2730 - December 12 - 9:26 pm

  The WRX is a very poor day-to-day performer. If you simply want a smooth- driving AWD car, get the 2.5RS. If you want the AWD and the POWER, get the WRX STi. In poor weather any Impreza model is a blast to drive with the AWD system. However you will get extremely frustrated by the lack of responsiveness in the WRX 2L turbo engine. Crusing in normal traffic, you literally have to wait a second and a half after going WOT before the ECU allows the turbo to make full boost and the car gets moving like expected. At any rpm below 3K the car cannot get out of its own way. Also, first gear boost is limited to a measly 7psi, so off-the- line starts are not as quick as you are led to believe.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By jkwcivil - December 11 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car used in September 09 with approximately 41,000 miles. Since then Ive driven 10,000 miles in different conditions, including ice and mud, and Ive found this to be a solid and reliable vehicle. It has the four cylinder engine. I get 23 to 24 mpg with 50% highway and 50% in town. I admit that Im not an aggressive driver. Most others would probably get a lower gas mileage reading. The suspension is very much like an SUV when traveling off-road or over rough pavement. The all wheel drive gives a secure feeling when the roads are slick. I can see why Subarus are popular in northern states.

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  Satisfied to a degree - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Peter Z - December 10 - 6:03 am

  The power windows are too slow. The AC system modulates too frequently and never seems to get cold. Gas mileage is not that good. However, the fun to drive, especially for a 4 banger, is pretty decent.

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  Best buy for money - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By cd-in-pa - December 8 - 10:00 am

  While Ive only had the Legacy for a short time (will review in another year after another 20k miles) it is one of the best cars for the money. I bought mine used for a very fair price. I compared the Legacy with the Accord, Camry and Altima and found that price alone was one of the best features. Performance in the Legacy surpased all the above cars. Interior and exterior design are simple but very appealing. Solid value.

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  Dont see the quality - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By stevenm5 - December 7 - 11:00 pm

  I am writing this for my sister, because I end up dealing with her problems and doing all the maintenance. She bought it new, the windshield leaked, and leaked and leaked, five trips to the dealer before it stopped. The wiper motor, two on the front, one rear, under warranty, but still. Leaked oil out of the sending unit, the valve cover gaskets, the drain plug, separate incidents. Chews through tires, 25-30K Bridgestones, not expensive tires, but not cheap either. Wheel bearings: at 100,000 miles she has had to do all four, the first ones at 50,000 miles. Now the head gaskets are leaking. This car is history, If she buys another one, shes on her own.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ted - December 6 - 7:36 am

  Ive had my Outback for 6 months and have put over 8000 miles on it. Initial impression of quality is good. I bought the car due to its safety features, additional room for my family, and reputation for quality. I havent been let down. My only real gripe about the car is the lack of horsepower. This car could really use an extra 20 hp. Not a big deal since Im not out to win any races. However, the car is slightly under-powered in my opinion.

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  Best sports car for the money - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By 05 WRX Wagon - December 5 - 5:10 am

  This is the second WRX that I have owned. It has been driven in heavy snow and rain w/ original tires and has never let me down.

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  scooby - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Stathy - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The car itself is great but after owning it for two years, with everything coming out now, it is sometimes stagnent. Around windy roads it is a dream but for highway use lacks a punch. Also a major factor in the score not being higher than it would of been is the crumby service of the Subaru dealerships.