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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  2005 Outback LL Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sailaway3662 - January 13 - 1:33 am

  We love this car. I has excellent build quality and the boxer engine is very powerful. The AWD is great in the snow; we take it skiing and it is very sure footed. The wagon is great and we can load just about anything on it with some planning. My only complaint is that it averages 18 MPG town/freeway. If you keep it to 70 MPH or below you can average 24 MPG on the freeway. We live in Southern Cal. and often exceed that. Would definitely recommend it.

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  Great Car for Tall Commuter in the Snow - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By vtcommuter - January 12 - 7:23 am

  This car is perfect for a taller person who commutes in a snowy environment. This car gets good gas mileage (28mph at 75mpg on highway) considering its AWD - which I like to have in Vermont. If you dont need the AWD you can do much better (toyota camry hybrid). Also, the handling is average. But for someone with my specific needs, this car is just perfect.

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  Subaru For Life - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By GavinJLang - January 12 - 12:10 am

  This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Thats saying a lot considering Ive owned over 60 cars. No, its no race car... the pick-up is moderate... BUT the capabilities, reliability, and overall maintenance cost have been lower than anything Ive owned in the past. Perfect for running around town or getting to that hard to reach off road destination. The only thing lacking in my model is 4 high and low for better off-road capabilities, but it definitely works well. Tires make a BIG difference in its handling and capabilities, and since there are so many aftermarket pieces available thats hardly an issue.

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  Plush, but cool. - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Luv2drive - January 10 - 10:56 pm

  We bought this car for my wife to drive, but I like it a lot, too. Its interior and exterior styling are cool and futuristic. (I even like the weird LED tail lights!) The upgraded stereo rocks, but I would rather listen to the unique sounding boxer engine. That engine is a little different than an inline 4. It produces punchy low end torque, but levels off the higher you rev. Theres really no point in revving it over 3500 rpm! The slick shifter, loose clutch, and peppy engine make it ridiculously easy to drive. Its obvious that Subaru focused on utility and comfort for this model, at the sacrifice of agility and handling, but the full time all wheel drive rules!

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  2.5 Outback Basic / Auto - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By JP - January 10 - 5:10 pm

  Im always hesitant when a model says "basic", however the basic outback is far from that, with so many standard features. For the price this may be may best vehicle purchase ever. The only addition to ours is Auto transmission, floor mats, and cargo tray. The gas mileage is better than advertised, so far Im getting better than 24 mpg city. The Outback rides nice and sits firmly on the road, the interior is plenty spacious and very comfortable. We live in the Rockies and spend significant time driving in snow/wet roads, so an AWD vehicle was a must...Subaru has the best! I would buy another in a minute.

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  Solid AWD Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Raffaele - January 10 - 2:30 pm

  Bought used 9 months ago with 15k mis put on about 5k so far. Was looking for good record of safety and reliability. Love the exterior looks, the 17s fit the car great. Interior looks great but rattles and the loose center arm rest isnt useful. Always using Sport mode but power/shifts feel delayed even when the engine roars. Gas mileage was a main concern, seen as low as 18mpg if driven in city/aggressively or as high as 31mpg with mostly highway/conservative driving. Overall averaging above EPA. Solid car but room for improvement.

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  Good - should be better - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By David - January 10 - 1:33 pm

  Came to this vehicle from 2003 base forester. 2009 forester felt too minivan and flimsy. Outback is a solid feeling vehicle, handles very well, is quiet and relaxing on the road. Exterior of 2009 model has a sharp mature look. HK stereo is a plus. Gas mileage OK... poor in city, good on freeway. Package of good high end options. At the price I paid other cars feel like plastic in comparison. If this vehicle were one foot shorter it would be fun to drive and also be a much better urban vehicle.

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  You must have - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By steve rim - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I am a pastor and I believe this car to be Pure Fun! I still cant believe I own such a great, fast, fun, dependable car. You need to get it. It beats all other cars on the road. My congregation members cant believe their pastor drives this car. They love it.

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  The Best!!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By acesubaru - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have read tons of material about this car but after I got my hands on this vehicle my love is growing with every day that goes by. I am lucky and happy man! The best car ever! Fun to drive with a bit of a challenge.

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  New 2007 outback - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By traci - January 10 - 7:06 am

  Ive had this car for all of 24hrs and LOVE IT! Its a basic 2007 Outback wagon with manual trans. Its only got 80 miles on it for the drive home. Drive home is a curvy road with lots of hilly areas. Handles awesome and climbs the hills like theyre not there. Bought it to replace my 2000 Legacy wagon with nearly 100,000 miles on it. I highly recommend this car!