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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  subarus rock - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By christyanna - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Subaru, my second Legacy. I bought it used (2000 in 2002). It took me awhile to find a used Legacy as people usually keep them for several years. It looks great, handles great, and is great getting up the hills to my home in the winter, as it snows alot where I live.

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  cool wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By madcow - December 14 - 2:00 am

  great car.practical and the sunroofs give it a little "edge" in the fun to drive factor considering that it is a family station wagon..

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  Nice but some erg issues - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By jeep8 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall we like the Outback, but there are a few odd ergonomic issues. The switch for the sunroof needs to be held down to open or close. Since the sunroof has build in stops, to close you hold down until it stops moving, release the button, hold down again (repeat) Due to the short winshield (the roof slopes up in front) tall drivers (62") may have an issue with the rearview mirror creating a nasty blindspot. Also on rough roads your head may bump on the side handle (roof is narrow). A shorter person will not have these problems. As for quality I rank the Subaru below Toyota/Honda but above the Big Three. This is our second Subaru.

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  So close to great but ride spoils it. - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By edgecomber - December 8 - 3:56 pm

  Just purchased a 2015 Forester Touring 2.5 without NAV or Eyesight. Im not totally convinced I made the right decision. The car feels solid, accelerates more than adequately for my driving style, love the CVT (always has torque on tap when you want it), fuel economy so far is amazing (going by trip computer), Harmon Kardon stereo is excellent, HID headlights light up the road. So why the doubts? First the ride is hobby horse rocky on poor roads. There was a section of I-5 where I thought the vehicle had a mechanical problem it was rocking so much. Second, the Bluetooth phone implementation is unacceptable in a 2015 car. I hope I get used to the ride but Im not optimistic.

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  STI Special Edition - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By solly - December 8 - 2:50 am

  I just traded in my 2002 WRX (which I loved and which took me over 108,000 miles without a hiccup, but was getting a bit shabby)for this "Special Edition" STI. The acceleration, grip levels and cornering are mind-boggling for a 4 door car. I thought my old WRX was quick but this thing is a rocket ship. Easy to drive and stable at high speeds. Driver-controllable differentials and driver- controlled "sport", "sport plus" and "intelligent" settings for either raw power in the twisties or relaxed economical highway driving. The body style is aggressive with wide wheel arches and the JDM wheels with summer tires. Interior could be more luxurious but I bought the car to drive, not live in. Love it

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  04 Forester XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Scott - December 7 - 3:46 am

  Excellent car. The build feels solid, I have owned this car for about 2 years now with no problems at all. The all wheel drive combined with the 210 hp turbo engine is great in the hills. This car is awesome in the snow, never any problems at all navigating in snow. It also grips well in dry and wet weather, I feel very safe in this car. Excellent ground clearance, never any issues on mtn roads. The interior seems solid, no creaks or rattles or anything falling apart. I think for the money you cant get a better car.

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  my second Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By ij39mf - December 3 - 3:06 pm

  We love our Forester. Good visibility, heated mirrors, stays on the road no matter what you try to do.

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  satisfied with versatile fun vehicle - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By mikeyboy - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicles as almost an impulse purchase on New Years eve-- replacing 12 years of minivan loyalty. Its easy to park, fun in traffic and on curvy roads--even just expressway ramps. My only reservation is about acceleration into traffic--but, meanwhile, responsiveness at highway speeds is terrific--witness 2 expressway speeding citations within 15 months--for 84 in a 65 mph zone--with no traffic around.

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  It Imprezzed Me - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By alexander323 - December 3 - 3:03 am

  I just bought a used version of the vehicle with only 12,000 miles on it. I really like its fuel efficiency and AWD capability. This car has better gas mileage than my old Jeep Grand Cherokee and has a reputation of being more reliable. The Impreza can do most everything my Jeep can do just in a more compact lighter size.

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  Ticking When Turning the Engine Off - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Dolly - December 2 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 2008 used Subaru Legacy with 20,000 miles on it in March 2009. The only complaint I have is that after I drive it and then turn the engine off, it makes a ticking sound for approx 20 secs as though the engine is cooling down. I never heard this sound in other cars Ive owned, so its new to me. Im wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if its common. The dealer said its the engine cooling, but Im leery of it. The engine sounds more like a cheap car and is not as quiet when started or when driving. Ive owned a Honda and Dodge, Intrepid and they seemed more sturdier than the Subaru Legacy.