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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  legacy gt rocket - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By rosekendeb - October 26 - 5:10 am

  car is quick with alot of low end torque. the ride is comparable to a lincoln Ls.. believe it or not. very impressed with the ride for the size of the car.a bit too much lean in the corners but still acceptable because ofe the ride, i guess they had to compromise for the ride. I feel the car is as good as any far more expensive models

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  STAY AWAY!! BUYER BEWARE!! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Kristina - October 25 - 11:13 pm

  My husband and I bought a gorgeous 2007 Subaru Forester that was red with a beige interior and had awesome reviews. The right price and a good looking car to boot! Well, shortly after buying it, everything that could go wrong did. It had the transmission go out, the catalytic converter, you name it it happened. It fell apart so badly that we couldnt even sell it for a good price. We had to sell it to a mechanic as a "shell", as in car body but not working, for a whopping $1,400. And we maintained the heck out of it with a reputable mechanic! You would think if you stayed on top of the maintenance it would be okay; well, not with this car! We spent about $8,000 buying it and then we spent about $5,000 repairing it. And then, a ton of other things went out and the cost to fix it is over 9,000! Ridiculous! I was still attached to the car because of its looks and thought I had myself a lemon the first time. I found one in mint condition, that looked just like the first one I had and thought about buying it. Then I read that they had fixed everything that I had! Plus some! The engine had been replaced! Red flag! I had to replace mine, too, and it only had 130,000 miles! Stay away! Find yourself another car! Dont be suckered in by its looks, it will make you sorry and broke!

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  Timing Chains break - No support from Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By ob108 - October 25 - 3:51 pm

  This comment is dated, but I was looking for a recall notice. While your story is not a good one, here is one better. Less than 84000 miles on it when the timing chain fails. That cause the cam gear to fail and the dealer says they dont replace timing chains they replace motrs if they fail Scary I thought. I fix it and $2400 lighter it was running again only to find out that the main bearing was damaged and cannot be fixed. Thats why the replace motors. You would think that Subaru would stand behind one of their most expensive models. Nope I am on my own. To them I thank them for eduacating me that I will never trust them again.

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  WRX R us - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By EKP - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car!!!

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  Best of Both Worlds! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By alittlebitofbs - October 25 - 2:00 am

  After 4,500 miles I am truly impressed. Unlike my 2002 CR-V our Limited is a full-sized, luxury car which is smooth and quiet on the road. While the CVT took some getting used to, the great mpg (25.5 city & 33 highway) is a wonderful surprise! It feels more like a wagon than an SUV. So far none of the problems reported by 2010 owners. Cant wait to go to Mammoth soon and try out the awd!

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  Pricing mistake by Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Securone - October 25 - 12:36 am

  When you look at Subarus I feel it immediately becomes apparent they have the Outback underpriced especially compared to the Forester. Outback is a much more substantial vehicle from every perspective compared to the Forester, especially when comparing the MPG being higher for the Outback. Forester appears to be priced right in comparison to its peers CR-V and RAV4. The Outback a great value compared to its peers highlander, Pilot etc. Grab an Outlander before Subuaru wakes up.

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  awesome - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By j - October 24 - 1:33 am

  incredible vehicle, love it to death and will buy a new one.

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  Forester in the mountains - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By brunte - October 23 - 11:33 pm

  200 miles daily commute in a Chevy Suburban is not practical, so I got a Subie. Best MPG at 29,9, worst at 26. Without exceeding speed limits (by much) the Forester "saves" more than 50 hours per year due to superior cornering on the mountain roads I travel. After driving it for 12,000 miles, I just regret not spending a few thousands more for a turbo.

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  Cheap & Fun AWD Car! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt - October 23 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car in September of last year to use as a winter car instead of my Mustang GT. I bought it with 93,000km on it and I now have 104,000km. Obviously, the car is GREAT in the snow. With 4 snow tires, you can pretty much plow your street with your front bumper and still not get stuck. The car is comfortable, but I find the seats somewhat stiff (base RS seats) for longer trips. Fuel mileage is great for this engine and AWD. Ive gotten a best of 32 MPG on the highway in the Winter, driving 120 km/hr. I imagine 35 MPG highway is attainable in the Summer. Features are alright. The radio is poor - changing the faceplate helps. Parts are expensive (import). Id buy another one!

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  Great Fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By MWiener2 - October 23 - 5:13 am

  I love my XT. Handles itself well off-road as well. Highway driving at 60mph will get you almost 28 mpg. The stock RE92A tires are ok in the summer, but really poor in snow and wet.