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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  Just picked up my 2008 spec B - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By alwaysjeff - August 7 - 11:53 pm

  Went to dealer with wife to have the 05 ob xt ltd serviced and walked out with a new 08 spec B. First one the dealer had. Probably the first one in the area too. We both fell in love with it. It can be compared to a BMW 328xi but $10,000 cheaper. Ride is firm and tight yet smooth even with the 18 inch summer performance tires. Clutch and shifter silky smooth. Handles great. Sticks like glue on turns. Power in stong. Can get out of the way in 6th gear. Everything is where it should be right at your finger tips. Radio and navi are wonderful. This is my 6th subie and definitely the best one.

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  2nd Subaru, might be last - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - August 6 - 1:23 pm

  My car was babied from day one. I upgraded to the Outback from a 2002 Impreza 2.5. I really enjoyed the car, until I started to notice a few sounds as I accelerated from toll booths, etc with my window still down. The dealers could never hear it. I noticed the transmission was always searching between 3rd and 4th gear. The wind noise has me going nuts. The paint has faded in different spots, and I am afraid to use the windshield wiper heater because when I replaced the cracked one, the replacements seem to have a defect with the heating element and it cracks the glass when used. I love Subarus, but my wife makes a good point when she says I need to stop buying someones bad design.

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  Better than the Rest - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By lbf404 - August 4 - 10:37 pm

  Waited until I had my car a couple of months to post a review. Looked around at every midsize crossover, from BMW X1, X3, Infiniti, Acura, Honda, Toyota and Volvo for months to find something that met the needs of city driving and parking while also comfortable enough for a road trip. After 4 BMWs this was quite a change, Ive been so impressed with my Outback! It does everything well, and the 3.6R has plenty of get up and go when needed. The Limited has all the creature comforts, excellent visibility and the car has that safe, solid feel to it in all kinds of driving conditions, including the rare snowstorm in Atlanta!

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  Functional and Fun - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Tom - August 4 - 7:33 pm

  I have had my Forester for a month. So far, so good. The four speed automatic is dated but Subaru has retained it for a reason - it is a work horse that fits my day to day needs. With proper maintenance, I am confident it will serve me well for miles to come. The car looks great from the outside and the interior design is fun and functional. The car is raised off the road yet handles with agility. The ride is secure and firm but drivers seat could use lumbar support. Great visibility and standard safetly features. The Forester is a terrific family hauler at an affordable price. Nice job, Subaru!

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  Manual Sedan - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By mjc440 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This Legacy has a great ride, almost perfect steering, and is practically unstoppable in the snow. The negatives are inferior interior materials (compared to Honda and Toyata) and an engine with not a lot of power (although it performs well for a four cylinder). My biggest complaint is that the 5 speed manual is geared too low for normal highway driving. The engine screams at 3,000 RPMS at 70 MPH (and everyone blows past you). It really needs another gear. Also the manual transmission is sometimes hard to put into first gear. Shifting feels like youre shifting through gravel. Cloth seats are also uncomfortable.

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  Dont believe the hype - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By nemo nullus - August 4 - 2:00 am

  After relying on ratings such as Consumer Reports, I stretched my budget to buy my Forester S. What a mistake! Between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, Ive had to replace the brakes, a head gasket leak, and now the manual transmission--all out of warranty. Gas mileage has been quite poor--less than 20 highway. This is undoubtedly the one of the most overrated cars on the market. The design concept is great, but with such poor reliability, what difference does that make? Dont waste your money and time.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Drover - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The WRX is the best all-around performance bargain America. In the right hands, it will outperform a new Mustang GT in a 0-60 or 1/4-mile yet it has the utility to haul a family of 4 and 2 weeks worth of groceries. Those used to Taurus- or Camry-like handling will find the suspension tuning of this car somewhat rough. Yet compared to other cars in its price and performance class, the WRX has a positively smooth ride. Overall, an exceptional convergence of spirited performance, daily/family adaptability, reliability and affordability.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By jasonk - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The most fun I have had driving a car. High performance, reliability, all- season driving at an affordable price. Nothing compares to it at this price range.

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  I love Subarus - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By subarulover - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The 99 Forester L is my 5th Subaru, but first new one. I love the room for taking my 3 girlfriends x-country skiing. The car has no problem getting up the mountains with a full load. It also gets around town with comfort and manueverability. My husband and I have taken it on many 300 to 600 mile trips through the mountains of the northwest and love the performance and comfort.

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  Mileage Improving - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By blogan - August 2 - 7:03 pm

  The Park Avenue I traded for this car reliably gave me 30+ mpg on the highway. Hated to give that up. Recently did my first long trip, NYC to Michigan and back. Kept up with traffic so above speed limit much of the trip and had fun doing it. Over 29 mpg round trip. Latest run to City and back, a 160 round trip on the expressway, got over 30 and was not taking it easy. Fuel economy is understated!