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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  they dont make them like they used to - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By subienut - September 9 - 7:38 am

  Just bought my 5th subaru wagon. My 2003 is getting a bit rattly, and my 17 yr old needed a car, so for the first time, I didnt have a valuable subaru trade in, but she has a great car. In fact, every time I see that car, or others of that vintage, I feel a twinge of sadness. Those were the good ones! The 2012 doesnt have the same zippy pick up, the six speed has very short ratios in lower speeds, they dont offer a manual in the best edition, so had to add after market leather seats and interior wood trim, but these dont really look so hot. Handles like an SUV, interior is not well designed at all, and the dog barrier is a dangerous, clunky contraption that could injure a dog!

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  First Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Powmaster - September 8 - 11:53 am

  The Outback was my first Subaru purchase; had Hondas and Toyotas previously. With the manual tranny, I achieve 26 mpg - not bad for a 4wd station wagon. Two recalls, both for the ECU and both were fast fixes and covered by Subaru. No major issues with anything. Headlights do burn out fast (once a year or so). Some minor rattles from the dash, depending on the temperature. Bad wheel alignment from the factory and wore out the tires in less than 28,000 miles. Dealer refused to do anything about it - told me it was my fault which is totally untrue.

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  This is a great car! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By bigdanhall - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I am totally pleased with this car, its great. I am 64 and my wife is 56 so we were looking for a car that would fit us both. It had to be roomy to travel in and I have this thing about simplicity and sturdiness. This has been an excellent choice. I love the zippiness of the Forester, it really has a bunch of pick up. Definetly get the 5 speed Manual. We have about 10,000 miles on it and it has proven to be reliable and fun to drive. You can get this car for less than $18,000 if you wheel and deal right.Subaru should offer leather and sunroof on 5 speed manual.

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  Love it !! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By CJ&LF - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Test drove several diff. vehicles, settled on Subi. Very glad. Good perf, low repairs, tows well. At 88k been great with reg. maint. Wish we still had the second. (Loss of second Subi was due to a poor repair job, been crying ever since ! Still negotiating for full rep / replace for settlement) Was a 89 with 83K.

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  Dress for work, minus the heels! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By HellOnWheels - September 8 - 4:30 am

  Love the car! Cannot drive with heels, even a one inch heel-almost got stuck when shifting. Too bad, its a drag for that reason. The moon-roof deflector (optional) is a catch-all for water, and acorns. If you havent had your "wake-up" coffee, you may end up getting an unexpected shower or lap full of acorns! Shoddy option. Also water stained the interior ceiling because of this. Leather interior had a pungent smell for the longest time. Had to get air neutralizer! Cowhide, not plush. Great comfort on long trips, fast and quiet and rugged! I love the car, although may trade it in if changes are made down the road--2008? Well see.

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  Fun to drive go anywhere vehicle - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I agree with everyone about rattles. There is some issue with interior finishing that causes minor rattles. For me its far from annoying and dealer will fix it. Will post the output after fix. For now I just pump up the music and enjoy the ride. Trust me, get a manual if you want to enjoy driving forester without sacrificing money with the XT. Cornering the vehicle and driving over rough roads is pure pleasure. Went on a 400 mile trip and I was least tired. You wont even feel the fatigue of long trips. It handles winding roads exceptionally well. Down shift to 4th and it will take up any hill incline on freeways. Hill incline assist is nice. Looking forward to winters driving on ice.

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  Seats hurt - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Wexler - September 5 - 12:23 pm

  I am 511 and the steering wheel is too far away (doesnt telescope) when I have the seat back almost all the way. The seats are too hard and there is lousy foot/leg room. It handles very well and is quiet. Average 20.4 mpg over 8,000 miles. Not enough passenger compartment storage. Transmission does what it wants to do, not always what you want. Brakes sometimes feel soft, but still do the job. Ride is good except over uneven surfaces, when it becomes too bouncy, like a Jeep. Overall, a solid car, but not a very comfortable car.

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  Great car. - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By cranky consumer - September 3 - 1:23 pm

  700 miles in. Seats are comfortable on 2hr+ drives. Cargo space is great. MPG is reasonable. Sunroof noise is fine at 65 and only gets annoying at ~80. The visibility is fantastic.

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  Fun Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By pmac - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a wise choice for a small SUV. It handles surprisly well on the road and has very good visability. I didnt expect as much quickness from a four cylinder. Decline the winter package and buy a remote starter.

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  A solid performer! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By gplind007 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Dependable & efficent, it has never failed. New tires and tune-up, also one of the highest passing grades in crash tests by Consumers Report. We bought it for the childrens safety, now we are looking for something larger for a growing family.