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 Affordable Supercar - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By RallyX - October 20 - 1:43 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years now, and I can honestly say there is no other car in the 30k-45k price range I would rather have. Being in the drivers seat is pure bliss, and the road will bow to your every whim. The turbo engine keeps driving exhilarating, and requires some skill to unleash fully. Interior is spartan but sufficient. Exterior screams "fear me". Fuel economy has been around 22 mpg mixed, which is excellent for such a ferocious car. Have not had a single mechanical issue yet. Take warning: 1. The ride is brutal 2. Car thieves will try to jack your car (3 attempts on my car already!)

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By BuffFan - October 20 - 9:56 am

  Purchased a 2007 LL Bean H6 Outback earlier this month, couldnt be happier. Build quality is excellent. More than enough power with H6 and auto transmission. Have used both heater and A/C in temp extremes, it works especially well. Large 2-stage sunroof lets in lots of light. Handling is very snug and car is controllable at its limits. Very pleased with the car overall.

• 

  Head Gasket Leaking Problem - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Scott R. - October 20 - 6:46 am

  Bought the car for my wife. Was happy with the car until my dealer confirmed an external coolant leak from both heads at 53,000 miles. I knew of the problem in earlier years, but was told that the problem was fixed in the 2003 model year. I maintained the car over and above Subaru recommendations/requirement. I changed the anti-freeze and used their special conditioner at 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Subaru offered me a 50/50 split for replacing the gaskets. I was considering buying a new Outback next year, but when they have no confidence in their own vehicle (i.e. stand behind such a known design flaw), they dont deserve my loyalty. Recommend only for short term ownership.

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Jalina J - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Turbo Forester XT and I am in love with it! I looked at an XS, but as fate would have it, the dealer had a XT. I gave it a shot and was in love from the moment I put my foot on the accelerator. I love the extra ooomph it has and it comes in handy driving on the DC Beltway. It is just the right size for me and has everything I was looking for in a small SUV. The multitude of standard features was another plus and it felt good not having to load up the vehicle with extras that should come with a car/SUV. I look forward to snow!

• 

  Forester - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Barbara McAleer - October 19 - 7:23 am

  Great car dependable, excellent in the snow. Low maintenance cost.

• 

  Incredibly reliable - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By msn - October 18 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my Outback Wagon new and after 90,000 miles I can say it is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. I replaced the clutch at 80,000 miles and apart from routine maintenance (oil changes, wiper blades, headlight bulb, tire rotation, new battery at around 60,000 miles) that has been it. Even the original Wilderness tires did not need replacing until 75,000 miles.

• 

  2nd Subaru - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By 2nd Subaru - October 18 - 3:43 pm

  This is my 2nd Subaru after owning a 2007 Outback for 13 years. Ive been in some really cool places like the hot springs in Strawberry Park near Steamboat, CO in January. I’ve driven to the top of mountains in snow so deep you could hardly walk in it. If you want a reliable car that sticks to the ground, Subaru is a good choice. Their all wheel drive system seems to be a cut above the competition and they are reasonably priced considering the reliability. I hated to see my old Outback go but no car last forever.

• 

  GTI, Mazdaspeed3 - no comparison - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Car Aficionado - October 16 - 4:13 pm

  The WRX is a phenomenal car. Not only because of its price tag but also because of its performance, reliability, and its rally breed uniqueness. This is the car that forged the way for the likes of the other AWD performance cars - i.e., the Mazdaspeed6, Audi A3, R32 etc... however its quite a bit cheaper. It still baffles me why the R32 is compared performance wise to the STI - its acceleration is not better than the stock WRX. The GTI is not in the same league. The Mazda3speed is a great car. If youre not interested in AWD its a great choice. I do like the front 2004 & 2005 front fascia better than the 2006 & 2007. The stock 17" rims should have been offered from the very beginning.

• 

  Love It - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Bnaim - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has plenty of room,runs beautifully,and id fun to drive.

• 

  Practical and Fun!!! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Ron Beach - October 14 - 12:30 am

  Whats amazing about this 2.5 all wheeler is the fact that on a trip from Colorado to South Dakota in my first month of ownership, I averaged 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. For all wheel drive, this is spectacular mileage in a quality vehicle. No rattles, very little wind noise, all the bells whistles I need and then some.