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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  A Keeper! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Patrick - September 15 - 2:33 pm

  Wife and I live on the Navajo Indian Reservation where most traveling is considered long distance. Thirty percent of driving on the Reservation is off road. Sand, mud, and snow is not a problem for my basic 2010 Forester and road driving is a pleasure. I use my Silverado truck for *fair weather* driving. Forester does it all for my Wife and I. We intend to be conservative with it and keep it for years. Thank you Subaru.

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  happy overall... - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By connie1016 - September 15 - 9:32 am

  I happy with the purchase of my new Crosstrek so far but at just over 5,000 miles Im starting to notice things Im not thrilled about. Im only getting 27MPG avg. I thought Id do better. Sometimes when I put it in drive it takes 15 seconds or more to actually Go. When I first start it (even when its not cold) its rather loud and rattles. The stereo is not user friendly at all. I wish I had up graded but I didnt want to spend another $1000 for a navigation system I didnt want. The standard speakers just dont sound good. Ive got a list for the dealer when I go back for my oil change. Ill come back w an update later.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By great car!! - September 14 - 7:00 pm

  I have had this car for many years and it has been a great car. Sure it is underpowered compared to new cars out there but the Fuel eco is pretty good. Handles great in the snow. Now has 112K and had to replace a leaking header but thats expected with this many miles. Comfort is good and I have taken this thing on some pretty hairy dirt roads and it really does well. The look of the car really seems like its timeless.

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  Fun car to drive, - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Tom K - September 14 - 10:50 am

  I researched heavily against more expensive models: BMW X5, MDX and RX330. The Tribeca beat them all for less and my first 1000 miles have been fun. The car is more comfortable than my 1999 Mercedes ML430 and handles better. The Tribeca also has more horsepower than the X5 and top safety ratings from safercar.gov. In its first weather test for me it flew up an ice covered hill that other cars were stuck on.

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  Cant Beat It - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Jander - September 14 - 10:00 am

  One word FAST!!!!! Thats all that explains it. Smoothest car, try going 110mph, turn the radio off and listen. What do u hear? In this car pretty much nothing but the sound of the turbo, like an airplane. Watch out Cobras ur in danger........

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  Researched midsize sedans for a couple months... - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By dbpdx - September 14 - 5:31 am

  ...and the Legacy came out on top for my family and me. I drive about 40 miles round-trip for work each day and have a two month old son. My wife and I traded in an older SUV and wanted a midsize sedan that would comfortably hold a rear-facing car seat while also achieving high MPG on the highway. High safety scores were also very important to us, and the Legacy delivered on all fronts. I drove several competing sedans but settled on the Legacy because of its spacious cabin and AWD. Ive had the car for a couple weeks and love driving it. I was very close to buying a 2012 Fusion but didnt quite feel right. The Camry didnt feel right, either. Both cars pale in comparison to the Legacy.

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  Great Value - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By reddog19 - September 13 - 11:41 pm

  This is our first Subaru. We sold our 2000 Honda CRV, which we loved, and thought the Forester provided the best value among the competition. Initially our best gas mileage was about 22 during a half hour commute, but after our first oil change it rose to 24.5 on the commuting run which is more acceptable. There are no blind spots with this vehicle and it drives great. The AWD is as good, if not better, than my Silverado truck. It scales my steep driveway covered with 4" of snow and ice with ease, something the CRV had trouble doing. It is a nice looking car that we hope will serve us as well as the CRV. The base vehicle with alloy wheel package is a great value compared to the others

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  Awesome Crossover SUV - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Dev Dawg 4 Life - September 13 - 5:56 am

  Have been driving SUV for almost 10 years and hit the jack-pot when I bought my Tribeca. Drives like a car with a SUV feel. Took weekend trip to Lake George, NY with 3 adults and 2 kids without a problem. Third row turned into a play area for kids and a extended bed for my 4 year old. I am 64 and and have plenty of leg/head room. Bought car for my wife. Like Subaru so much the following week a bought a Legacy GT Turbo wagon. Love both cars.

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  Solid, Reliable and Fun - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Wig - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Legacy after comparing it to Audi Quatros and VWs. It equals the Audi and handles equally well for 2/3 the cost. Leather interior is the tops. Very comfortable for road trips and handles excellently in all weathers. I would take this car anywhere.

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  New to Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Mermac55 - September 12 - 7:53 am

  Ive had two Accords and wanted something different. Amazed to find it at the Subaru store. The Forester was like at first sight, love at first drive. It is roomy, comfortable, smooth driving and has the best of all features- clean looks, hidden spare, panoramic viewing. The moon roof is heaven- crack the back windows to exit turbulence and you get lots of air without wind buffeting or road noise! I would never order an auto dimming rearview mirror, however when all the headlights behind me muted to a soft green I simply went Aaaah! True, the interior is basic rather than elegant, however the content is more than enough to make a lover of simple pleasures happy. Cant wait to heat up my seat!