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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  Nice Reliable Vehicle - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By John - October 14 - 5:50 pm

  Great car for snow conditions. Take it skiing and never have had a problem with handling or starting in below zero weather. Air conditioning and heating are fast and efficient. My only major complaint is the poor comfort of the seats. My bottom hurts during a long trip. The vehicle is reliable.

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  A reliable rattle trap - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By JTA5 - October 14 - 1:16 pm

  The Subaru has rattled and squeaked from the beginning, the fit of the glove box and center console is a joke, the paint started to fade after 6 months, the drive shaft has had to be replaced, it took Subaru 4 times to get that right, brakes are anemic and the pads now are in need of replacement. The engine has stalled, stuttered, and bumbled along at 2500 rpm, from the beginning, so much for performance. A mistake to buy, never again.

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  AXLE LEAKING WHAT IS THAT? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By apstoreca - October 14 - 10:00 am

  service is good if you can get it in the bay. the cloth on the headrest keeps popping and subarau unwilling to fix it in a timely fashion or well.

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  My first Subaru - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Silversoobiegirl - October 13 - 5:36 pm

  I bought my Impy just over a year ago, and it has been the best car Ive ever owned. The steering can only be described as "silky." I have a few wishes for Subaru: Add some maplights in the front, and a compass/outside thermometer. I agree with one of the other people, Id like to have heated seats and a moonroof. I got the foglights, which are great, but would have paid extra for the moonroof and heated seats (Soobies first winter was very snowy and cold, and the AWD was awesome!). Im so glad I didnt buy a Corolla, theyre great cars too, but my Subaru is the best!

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  Well researched decision - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By derekisaac - October 13 - 12:42 pm

  I rated the performance a 3 simply because their are better performing choices out there in a sedan. I wanted an AWD vehicle, but I also was looking to upgrade in mpg from my previous f150 4x4. My research had lead to me to the Subaru Legacy. I had never driven one or even sat inside one. This car gives the best bang for your buck if you purchase slightly used. I got a limited model 29k miles for 16995. Everyone that gets inside the car cant believe the features I got for the price tag. Ive done a lot of research and nothing else compares. I wish the mpg was a bit better but I can live with all the features I get instead. The fun-to-drive factor is great despite the small engine.

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  let down - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By phil - October 11 - 12:20 pm

  Its on its 4th motor. Over 20 k in warranty claims. Paid 5k for 1st motor the 2 others Subaru paid for. I have had nothing but problems with this car.

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  Class Leader - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By drjeff - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one well designed, carefully engineered vehicle. For those who dont need a truck or a sports car, the Forester does everything well. In bad weather, there is nothing safer or more stable under 3 tons! It tracks smoothly in slush, when big SUVs are fishtailing. Reliability is outstanding. Storage compartments are abundant. The seats are comfortable because they are shaped right. The only credible competitors are in the Outback line.

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  Long on Performance, short on looks - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Gwennie - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Amazing performance car. I have had a few problems with it listed below. Very difficult to shift into first gear-almost always, but especially in the cold. Almost impossible to shift into reverse. Eats oil like crazy (though not leaking) and the dealer does not want to admit that it is a problem. (1 quart every 1,000 miles)

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  Just Test Drive It....Enough Said!!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By slevy - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is by far the most fun car Ive driven. Its so fast. Ive burned a much faster Porche by suprising them in third gear with my turbo just kickin...then bamm. Youd be surprised how much juice comes out of 4banger. This car eats snow like its nothing too. All around you cant touch this car if you want to mod.

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  Wont buy another! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Snubby - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new Subaru Outback Model 2004, While a very pretty car to look at, I am disapointed with many features. It is impossible to not have the car jerk when stopping or starting from a dead stop. The seats (and I put in Leather...paid extra) Are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. They are causing problems with my back and hips....big time....my wife is also experiencing the same. You have to be an acrobat just to step in and out of the car...you just can step in like any other normal car..I have to twist and turn and do the hokey pokey just to enter the darn thing. Its only a couple of months old but I plan to trade it in ASAP.