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:

• 

  Lots of car for the money - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Scott - June 25 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased the Forester for my daily commute of 100 miles a day round trip. I gave up a perfectly good running Honda with 260K miles for the Forester and with the exception of gas mileage, I am very happy. The Honda was a consistent 32-36 mpg and this is around 24-26 on the highway, but with premium gas. Doing the math, that is comparable to 22-24 mpg running regular fuel. The car is FAST, fun to drive, practical, reliable (the Forester is built in Japan) and an excellent value for the money when compared to other vehicles. My ONLY complaint is the gas mileage. I would expect a little better with a 4 cylinder engine, but then again its a turbo and AWD. Passing on the highway is done with ease.

• 

  Decent Second Car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By jtentromon@aol.com - June 25 - 8:21 pm

  The 2002 forester we have was bought used with 6000 miles on it. It was always our second run around car and served that purpose very well. It was always serviced on time but the engine developed an oil leak at 60,000 miles. Very expensive to repair ($5000). Really not worth getting repaired at this point we are going to trade it in. Gas mileage was about 18 miles per gallon.

• 

  Great Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Mt&SnowDriver - June 25 - 6:46 pm

  This is the third Subaru I have owned and it is the best yet. Really enjoy the added room inside. I can find no quarrel with appearance inside or out. Drives very quite and assertive. Appears to be built as well as all previous Subarus. Good maintenance and they just keep on running.

• 

  Last of the cool body styles - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By chris - June 23 - 9:13 pm

  I have had an 02, 05, and an 05 STI, and the 07 is the best. STI ride is punishing, this provides a good balance. good daily driver, with the new 2.5L engine, VVT, and lower RPM torque and HP, feels faster than previous years, and dont have to wind up the motor for the power at low ends. mpg- with a stick, you can coast, i average 24-25 mpg combined.

• 

  So far so good - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Phil - June 23 - 12:36 pm

  Bought my Impreza in May after putting over 190,000 miles on my 2000 Volkswagen Golf. I feel that the Impreza offered the best for the money compared to the other cars in its class. It may not get the best fuel mileage but makes up for it, in my opinion, by offering AWD. I drive pretty conservatively and have averaged 28 mpg in 11,100 miles. While the tactile quality of the interior may not match that of my VW, the overall design and ergonomics are very good. The Subaru dealership experience that Ive had so far, for oil changes, has been very good. Wonderful car.

• 

  The Enthusiasts Family Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By kameojoon - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Amazing power. Subaru must under rate the power/torque on these cars. Ive seen dyno results of stock XTs that would support this. The responsiveness is nothing short of amazing for a sub $30k vehicle with ample seating for 4 adults. Great handling and all wheel drive versatility. This is a great performer that will give lots of higher end performance cars a run for their money. Exceptional sleeper.

• 

  MAD-MANS FACTS - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By chad medeiros - June 23 - 2:00 am

  A bit SLOW & Sluggest at 1st. but opened up FINALLY after 14000. So drive it like you stole it so it can open up for you!!!!!

• 

  A great value - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By peterofski - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Outback. I owned one in the 90s and didnt like it. The fuel tank was too small and the car seemed excessively noisy. Needless to say, I was impressed by the improvements in the 04 models. I have the L.L.Bean edition. The ride is impressive for a car in this price range. The fit and finish are high quality. It perfoms well in the snow and slush of New England. The sound system is first rate. I enjoy driving this car. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Disappointing - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ramjet3 - June 22 - 10:46 am

  First time Subaru owner, 2013 Crosstrek purchased Feb 2013. Less than 5000 mi, 5 dashboard warning lights started flashing, transmission wont shift. Had it towed to dealer. Not offered loan vehicle, so need to rent car at my own expense until repairs are made. I expected better of a vehicle costing nearly $25K. Also, very poor mileage, my best highway mileage is 26 mpg, best all-around mileage is 22 mpg. Definitely does not live up to advertising. I will not buy another Subaru.

• 

  22500 miles in year 1 and just like new - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By kluet - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride and can take anything including 4-wd only roads. I drive everywhere in this car b/c you can travel in comfort and still get all your gear in there. Roof rack is great and use it all the time for bikes. Great all around car for any environment.