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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  Good by M3 Hello STI - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By MPOWERD - January 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome machine. I drive my sports cars like they are meant to be driven, hard and fast, and the STI will take anything you throw at it. I have never had one problem from this vehicle and I use it on a weekly basis for autocross and drag racing.

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  Turbo lag is bad! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Maverick777 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Subaru and second WRX. I bought it last October and loved it all through the winter. But driving it in the summer with the air on is like pulling teeth. I feel like Im working it far too hard to get it to move. It drives me NUTS! We recently purchased a 04 Acura TL and its torque is addicting! I never have to worry about what gear Im in like I do with my WRX. Also, I wanted heated seats, mirrors and a sunroof but couldnt get them. I also wanted to get rid of the roof rack. Who knew Saab would be selling the Subaru I really wanted?! This car will be leaving our fleet very soon to be replaced by an Infiniti G35 Coupe.

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  great car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By ambrose - January 5 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive. It goes almost anywhere a large suv goes. We have plenty of space for our family of four.

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  Nice Car - Seats are extremely uncomfortable - Cause Back Pain! - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By jhobes - January 3 - 11:31 pm

  I recently purchased a Subaru Forester Limited 2013 and it has been really tough on my back since I bought it. Of course, it felt great on the test drive, but now that I am driving it 84 miles per day, it is really causing aches. I try to stretch as much as possible, but this only seems to provide temporary relief. Getting back in to the car starts the cycle all over again. I splurged (out of budget btw) for the 2013 limited because Consumer reports said it was more comfortable to have power leather seats. So far, I have been disappointed. I previously owned a 2000 Lexus ES 300 and the seats were extremely comfortable.

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  Engine Noise and Hard Xmission shifting - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Eric Tanner - January 3 - 3:20 am

  1. Excessively LOUD Engine Noise, especially when first starting; 2. SHIFTING Gears – HARD, JOLTING, CLUNKING, CLUCKING and CLICKING: A. When shifting from Park to Reverse, most of the time (90%) there will be QUITE a big JOLT accompanied by a loud CLUNKING sound from under the car, and sometimes also a CLUCKING sound from under the rear; B. When shifting to Neutral and Drive, there’s not much of a Jolt; C. In general, Shifting from P to R to N to D and vice versa is always NOT smooth and there will always (100%) be a CLICKING sound coming from right under the car (like a cable snapping noise.) Suggestion and comment are welcome.

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  Goodie - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By subbies - January 2 - 11:30 am

  Good car in and out. At 55000 mile, it has a little wind noise+the plug in the back of the mirror falls off sometimes causing the compass to turn off. Other than that, the drive is great.

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  Repeat Forester Owner - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By MaryM - January 2 - 4:46 am

  I love the Forester. Living in New England it has been the perfect car for my family -- it performs well in all weather types, especially the snow. Its compact size is a plus when it comes to parking or city driving. Rear passenger seats could use with a bit more leg room but overall, not a complaint. Recently purchased the 06 LL Bean edition to replace our 06 2.5X that was totaled in an accident. Walked away with only scratches from a seat belt despite the wreckage. If we hadnt been sold on its safety rating the first time around, we are now and we went straight back to the dealer to replace it! Held up its value well & when it comes time to replace our other car, to Subaru we go!

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  Bang for your buck - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By carlo - January 1 - 12:43 am

  2000 miles under my belt in my new WRX wagon and no major complaints. It doesnt excel in any one area, but does a lot of different things really well. Its not perfect, but nothing else in this price range performs like this. Its a true drivers car, so its not always that comfortable, but so what? The all-wheel drive and turbo provide lots of fun on the way to work and the grocery store.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By retrogrouch - December 31 - 5:46 pm

  I bought a white 2006 2.5X with a 5-speed manual transmission, including a rear differential cover, a Class II hitch, and mudflaps. The miles per gallon isnt quite what Id like to have, but otherwise its a great little car. For trips with my small family (spouse and small child), I put a Yakima RocketBox on the factory rack, and then we have plenty of room. The power is sufficient, and its surprisingly quiet on the road. The handling is very good, and the 5-speed is fun. I first thought that the hill-holder feature was only clever, but its actually useful. I like the clearance a whole bunch, and its cool to sit up in traffic too. Economical, roomy, dependable, comfortable, and quick. What more do most people need?

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  2005 Impreza - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Joe H - December 30 - 5:03 am

  I have researched this car for a long time and finally bought the 2006. It is awesome, a great driving car and so far no problems. Quick acceleration for an automatic which is very impressive. Superior ride and comfort for a small car. Its great and everything I thought it would be.