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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  On Subaru 10...and FINAL - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Disgruntled - March 30 - 12:40 pm

  Ive owned 9 other Subarus. Each Subaru had over 200000 miles on them and ran incredibly well. I now own a 2001 Legacy GT Limited and have had nothing but problems since day one. The first month I had the vehicle, I had lost my brakes. The pedal wouldnt even move at all. This happened twice. Dealer "fixed" the problem each time. Since then Ive blown my engine because the head gaskets. There are SO MANY other issues Ive had since purchasing this vehicle. I hope this helps anyone looking at one. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER SUBARU AS LONG AS I LIVE!!!

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  The balance I need for my family - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jszilvagyi - March 30 - 6:23 am

  This car has offered the perfect balance of performance, comfort, fuel economy and reliability for my family. I have experienced cars that are better in one or two categories but this has been perfect for loading up my family for week long road trips as well as my daily commute.

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  The car I wanted - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By tuckerdog1 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Used02 OBS.Car is solid.Hit a bump & no rattles.Smooth ride, agile steering.Gas milage low for car this size, but has large engine for car this size. Like that it takes regular gas.Removed rarley used roofrack cross bars & milage went from just under 26/gal to just over 27/gal.Had 5 weeks ( 2000 mi )and am very very happy with this car.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By links_courses - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Superb performance and reliability. Looks unique to all the other wedge- shaped sports cars. A true all-season all-road road eating monster. :-)

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  Always Wanted This Car - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By John Greene - March 29 - 7:52 pm

  I have wanted a Subaru Forester since they first came out. But every time we went looking for a new car, a different dealer was willing to give us a better price, or different make of car came with more bells and whistles or better fuel economy. But this time we got the Forester and are very pleased that we did. We have an excellent view or the road, we feel safe, the car corners and handles quite well -- albeit not like a roadster -- the trim level has the features we wanted but not features we didnt want, and at least so far, fuel economy is better than advertised. Be warned, however, that you will find what you are looking for in the owners manual only by accident.

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  Think twice - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Impalabob - March 29 - 9:50 am

  Think twice before buying this vehicle. We had a 98 & 2000 Forester. For the price, you couldnt ask for more. Purchased 2007 Forester in Jan. 07. Major complaint is the design area between the hood and windshield, the hidden vents, wiper motor, defroster, etc. Living in upstate New York, we have had three occasions where the snow & ice will accumulate on the wiper blades, arms, and in the space between hood & windshield, freezing, & preventing the wiper motor from working properly. Never happened with the 98 or 2000. Vents were on top & visible, not hidden. Subarus answer, "get winter blades" or should have ordered premium pkg., $1000.+, includes deicer strip.

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  The perfect car for all-around competence - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Shiroh niichan - March 28 - 11:55 pm

  Although this car spends over 90% of the time on well-maintained roads, I got it for its ability to handle dirt roads, so-so trails, and times I need decent ground clearance (like our annual trips to the snow). What brought me to the Subaru Forester from the Nissan XTerra and other vehicles with better off-road competence were its 1) lower price, 2) better fuel economy, 3) better seating comfort, and 4) better handing on regular streets and highways. Outward visibility is excellent. I can drive through traffic without having to lean from side to side to check my blind spots. On highway trips I get around 34 mpg with a full load, and on my daily drive of 80% highway and 20% regular streets by myself I get about 30 mpg. I used at have a 2009 Subaru Outback but did not keep it because my then 11-year old daughter found the rear seat legroom insufficient, but on our recent road trip she and her now 10-year old sister had plenty of leg room in the Forester. Both are about 54" tall, and Im 62". Cargo room is decent for the vehicle size. The biggest compromise I had to make to enjoy all these benefits is the slow acceleration. When passing slower vehicles on our recent road trip, the vehicle was less than inspiring (especially when going uphill). The engine revved loudly but the CVT didnt give me much confidence I was going to get enough oomph to pass quickly enough to avoid oncoming traffic. Needless to say, we survived. Subaru gave $250 to the National Parks Foundation when we leased our car, and that was a nice touch (as was the microfiber Subaru pullover shirt they sent us a couple months later).

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  The beauty of AWD - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Hogan Jr. - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Outback for over a year and love it. 30000 miles without a hitch. Good power, decent room, and AWD for security. A black and silver Outback sport looks so much better than any WRX Ive seen. If youre considering the protege5, Matrix, or Jetta wagons, you better check out this car. It beats all those AND has the AWD as a bonus.

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  Best Sports Car for 25K - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By MikeMax - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports car for under 25K! You really have to drive it for a while to appreciate how good and fast it can be. It is a great tool for the performance-oriented drivers. If you do not like interior/exterior, spend 15K more on S4.

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  subaru outback wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By bbou - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I just love this vehicle! It is a perfect size and handles wonderfully. It is fun to drive and very comfortable.