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 very satisfying car - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By ralphyboy1 - August 1 - 3:31 am

  After what seemed like years looking for the right car, I bought the new 2014 Forester for my wife. The Consumer Reports review tipped it for me. Weve had it about a month and a half now, with about 3500 miles. All the things said about it are true - good gas mileage, comfortable seats, easy access, nice handling and great visability. As reported, the ride is a little jittery, but its nothing bothersome. We took it around the Mountain Loop Highway out of Granite Falls, WA. The highway has 25 miles of unpaved, often washer board road, and here the Forester shined. It handled incredibly well and smoothed out the washer boards with a smooth controlled ride. Cant wait for winter.

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  excellent car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By andy hines - July 31 - 10:00 am

  ive been a ford man all my life. this is my first car other than one of the big 3... simply the best car ive ever owned

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  you gotta drive one of these - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Vash - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Most amazing vehicle Ive ever driven

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  Baja Turbo - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Baja Turbo 2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I like them so much that i bought another after the first one.They could have left off some of the standard items so they could sell them cheaper.Still could use more power.Im planning on buying a 06 if it is built on the new legacy/outback platform and with the flat 6.Its fun to drive especially in the rain.All in all its a great car/truck.

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  DON"T BY A SUBARU - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By SUBARU HATER - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car handles amazingly in all types of weather. The AWD is amazing and the styling is unbelievable. Nobody can believe this car is a Subaru. BUT!! The reliability is horrible. I have gone through 2 head gaskets, numerous repairs, and now at 107,000 miles i need a new transmission. After paying $10,000 for maintnence since day one, we have kept the car running but something always goes wrong. DON"T BUY A LEGACY!

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  SCARY - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Arthur Lawson - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2BMW m-3 sedans,2 twin turbo z cars, a supra twin turbo, 2 corvettes, a taurus SHO,a VW gti 1.8t,and an audi quqttro,this WRX has been so reliable it is scary !!!!!!.No problems.Only slightly warped rotors due to frequent downhill driving.This is the most reliable car I have ever owned.

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  So Much Fun - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By erikald - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car if you like to be an active driver, which I do. It has power to spare and is very responsive. The challenge is to avoid speeding tickets. No regrets.

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  Excellent - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By gregcase - July 31 - 10:00 am

  It has been an excellent vehicle. The car is very good in the dry and snow, and phenomenal in the wet. It feels very solid, and I have had no problems during the 57000 miles I have put on it. It is very fun to drive, gets decent fuel mileage, has plenty of interior space, and is a very parctical car. When you wear out the OE tires, I strongly recommend some high performance tires like Bridgestone Potenza 750s or S-03s. They make a great dry and wet car even better.

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  Raw, fun, sometimes exhausting - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By abam - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for its speed, grip, and handling, but I find it somewhat trenous to drive in traffic. That has nothing to do with the manual transmission, by the way, which shifts like a dream. My civic/integra hybrid is a manual and is more relaxing, despite its high performance clutch. I think its the heavily caffeinated motor. Now on a wide open road, its a different story. Its reasonably quiet but still louder than a normal WRX.

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  Caveat Subaru - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By ideafarmer - July 30 - 7:19 pm

  First tank: 17mpg, second tank: 22mpg. Third tank ave 24.3 so far. Mileage 600 ish with 65% city and 35% highway. Hoping for higher. Tire noise quite loud. Doors very thin and light. Long shift delay from reverse to drive when cold, puts passengers at risk. Subaru says it’s “normal” essentially placing blame with owner. Tilts in crosswinds at 65mph. Leans too much in corners, but still feels predictable. Overall handling is good. Ride is supple. Brakes feel mushy but work fine. Steering is too heavy at all speeds. Paddle shifting with CVT works well.