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 really nice SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jake - May 8 - 11:30 am

  I am not new to the Subaru family; I traded in a 2000 Forester with well over 150K on the clock for a new 06. This vehicle is better then ever. Worth a look for sure..

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  Great car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By C-Dog - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Just got it and love it. I ahve drove awd turbos in the past, but this car is so smooth compared to those(the other car was a eagle talon). Great ride!

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  Awesome Tank - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By JMD94 - May 5 - 8:26 pm

  Ive had my Outback for a month now, 1000 miles. We have the 2.5i auto with Navigation. Vehicle feels very solid and confident on the road, feels as safe as a tank, but has a surprisingly smooth ride. You wont win any drag races with this car, but it has plenty of power for normal highway/city driving. Im averaging 26 mpg in mixed driving, not bad for 1000 miles. I never thought that I could be happy with this type of vehicle, but I am. Has a unique feel behind the wheel, you sort of feel like youre in a SUV, without being as high up. Before you shell out big bucks for a 4Runner or Explorer, drive an Outback, I think youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Costly to maintain - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By First and last - May 5 - 12:03 am

  Apparently all of those who told me to buy a Subaru because "youll never have any problems" never owned a 2001 Outback. Granted, I did buy it when it was 4years old and had 100K miles on the clock, but it was fun to drive and looked great. The check engine light has been on more that its been off: O2 sensors, catalytic converter, knock sensor have all been replaced and yet the light is still on. Brakes seem to wear out quickly and then there were the head gaskets to be replaced. This one has needed more expensive maintenance than any of the other cars Ive owned. But its still fun to drive and the drivers seat is even more comfortable now that my wallet isnt as fat.

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  Best of many worlds - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - May 4 - 1:00 pm

  My 2007 Subaru Outback is not a power vehicle, but it has enough power to take off if need be. The all wheel drive is great off-road and in the snow with the ride in both areas as calm as can be expected. I love having the wagon space when I need it, though I have run into times when I cant fit what I would like because the car is too short or not wide enough with the wheel wells. Gas mileage is right at 26 mph no matter how I drive. Freeway trip mileage is around 28.

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  Honda - Next Time - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Ex-Coloradian - May 4 - 11:00 am

  OK, I am not a car person. Had an Accord for about 10 years then wanted a larger (similarly reliable) car that could handle snow, etc. Bought an 02 Subaru Outback in 03. Last year at roughly 70,000 miles, I had to put $2,700 in it - head gasket (engine overheating) and miscellaneous maintenance. This winter was cold, and then I got the overpowering gasoline smell in the car on cold days - apparently another known problem. I basically love the car (style, size, driving) but will drive this until it costs me too much not too. Shame on Subaru for not fixing known problems - (head gasket and fuel stink in cold weather), I would not recommend it nor will I buy one again.

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  Beware the bearings - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Subieowner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Drives well, great visibility, very safe. But the wheel bearings have had to be replaced three times!!

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  Bluetooth sucks - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By colin12 - May 4 - 9:00 am

  Just bought this car and absolutely love it for the exception of the Bluetooth. Had a Hyundai before and the Bluetooth worked great. On the Outback it is totally annoying. Will not dial by name or number. Had other people in my family try it and and it is a joke. Shame on you Subaru!

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  Impreza Outback Sport 2009 manual - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By MAM - May 3 - 10:50 pm

  Ive owned a Toyota Camry, Avalon, VW Passat, BMW 328xi, and Honda Civic Si. I enjoy the Impreza better than any for several reasons. Manual transmission is fun. Just under optimal power at 170 hp (basic model) but more than enough for 95% of needs. Can drive it anywhere, anytime, any weather virtually without worry (like a mountain goat). Better than rated milage (avg 27 mpg). Very practical for dragging around stuff for kids at college. Highly rated safety pick. The BMW is twice the price and not as much fun to drive. Will probably buy another in the future when needed. Luv it.

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  Good company, fun car, but maybe not for 75-80 MPH driving or long commutes - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By cbtx01 - May 3 - 2:56 pm

  Bought my Impreza in Sept of 2012. has been a good car, great on rain slick texas roads. CVT gave out at 80k miles, Subaru assisted with most of cost to replace. I recommend the company, but maybe not impreza CVT, which is not the same CVT as Legacy and Forrester according to what I have read.