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:

• 

  Safe, reliable, and excellent value - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By loanthony - January 16 - 10:36 pm

  Only a couple hundred miles on the ODO but so far this Impreza 2.5i has lived up to my expectations. Chassis feels solid and ride quality is great. Handling is top notch and safety of AWD and solid structure gives you peace-of-mind (top safety ratings BTW). The look of the interior and exterior, while subjective I know, are clean and simple. No clutter or weird angles to speak of. I like the added std VDC, full disc brakes, and body- colored mirrors/door handles for 2009. Reliability has not been tested but CR record looks pretty strong. Also like that its made in Japan. Negs: Interior is too plasticky, fuel economy is sub-par, seat fabric is too retro-fuzzy, and std stereo is not great.

• 

  Solid Subaru - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By falsesmall1 - January 16 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about a month, scoring on excellent president day sales. My first Subaru. Very solid feel to this car. Engine/CVT still breaking in but performing nicely. Excellent gas mileage-up to 33MPG highway. Combined around 27mpg. Handles well on dry and wet pavements even with the crappy Bridgestone tires it came with. Havent driven in the snow yet, but I expect it will really shine then. The ride is firm but a bit choppy. Road noise is present but well within acceptable limits. The drivers seat and position is stellar, as is the visability. The "upgraded" six speaker stereo is fair at best. Overall, a reliable car that does most everything well with AWD standard!

• 

  Rust its what makes a subaru - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By coffeelude - January 15 - 4:40 am

  Got a brand new 2014 Subaru 15 months ago, mostly satisfied initially with the ride. Have about 12000 miles on it so far. Some minor issues include uneven acceleration in the morning and weird jerking when changing from reverse to drive. A few months after I bought the car I noticed that the bottom exterior of the car was rusting. A few searches online and seems like we were not alone. Neither the dealer or Subaru customer service were interested in acknowledging the problem. They claim that it is normal for a 5 month old car to start rusting. I live in the Washington dc metro area where the winters are not extreme.

• 

  Very Happy - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By mc555 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Just got mine 2 weeks ago, 1000 miles on it. Yes, I rack up the miles. I love the fact that it is a bit different and attracts attention. But most of all, I like the way it can handle the roads and conditions here in the NE. An inch higher ground clearance than my grand cherokee (150K miles in 6 yrs), good pick-up and all wheel drive. This isnt a light little thing either, not many lbs less than the jeep, but significantly better mileage and rides well over the rotten roads here. And the light grey bottom amd darker gray top is an awesome looking vehicle. Will carry bikes or hold all my camping gear.

• 

  my 02 ob sport - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By fbf523 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  love the car but dissapointed that i needed a new rear wheel bearing after 66,000 miles

• 

  Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By TIm - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Good in the snow

• 

  winter heat - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rumely - January 14 - 4:19 pm

  for the most part I was happy with the XV till winter came. it dives fine but there is very low heat out put at the floor. it feels like the AC is on. the dealer pulled it in a heated shop to check it. ? and did not drive it out the back roads like i do to and from work. The heater stays set on high and i never get warm. they said it was working fine. My old VW Bugs had way better heat.

• 

  Best car under 30000 - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By feelgood - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Im vey pleased with the WRX. The handling is excellent as is the acceleration (0-60 6.0 secs at 3500ft- stock). The brakes could be better, however. The seats are the best Ive ever sat in. Rear seat comfort is also first rate. The shift action is fairly poor stock, but for $100 and 1hr you can install a shifter kit which improves the feel greatly. The only things I dislike: if you dont rev it up when starting off it will bog down, the previously mentioned shifter and brakes, and I wish it had a six speed. Over all this car is just awsome. It is almost a perfect car at any price, and for under $30000 it cant be beat!

• 

  Ok but wont buy another Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kewe - January 14 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car a year ago b/c always wanted a Forester. I like the past models better. I usually get Honda or Toyota. Overall car is dependable, will try to drive until over 150k but will never get another one again. Gives decent gas mileage 25 avg for mainly city driving. Car has little power for accelerating on highway, which feels unsafe. Interior looks cheap, fabric on doors is a no no (who thought of that?). The power button on driver side for seat adjustment is too clunky and any slight touch moves the seat. Very annoying. Front passenger seat is too low. Good aspects is that it does well in the snow, great for hauling large items when seats are folded down.

• 

  2012 Subaru Impressa - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By david watts - January 14 - 12:01 am

  This is a very reliable and likable car. One owner, regular maintenance, mostly freeway driving. Looks fine. Never been in the shop for unscheduled maintenance.