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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  Seat Comfort - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By 3rd Subaru - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This Outback is my 3rd Subaru -- I still own a 93 Legacy LSI wagon. Fantastic exterior design, quality, etc. But... WARNING: Im 5 10 tall and am still having difficulty adjusting to the extra firm seats and a steering wheel that is too far away when my legs are in a comfortable position. Several others have commented about this in Subaru forums - It is not a minor inconvience when you find yourself in pain after a long trip. A beautiful car with a serious design flaw -- it needs a telescopic steering wheel.

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  Glad we did - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Rich - August 22 - 2:36 pm

  We were coming up on the lease of our Sienna. We looked at several crossovers: Acadia, Edge, Murano, Pilot, CX9, Highlander. My wife had a Subie when we first met, and she asked to look at the new one. We drove all the others, and we drove this and said, "Yes." This a fun car to drive, room for kids and cargo, AWD, and we like the design. We got the gold color with tan leather. Even in the sun all day, it doesnt get that hot inside. Got it on a 42 mo lease, and we are very happy. Getting 17mpg mixed driving, but the engine only has 600 miles. Better mileage to come when fully broken in.

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  Bought a Premium and its PREMIUM - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By worldbfree - August 22 - 7:08 am

  We love it. I checked out Santa Fe and Tuscon but chose this. Comfortable, smooth, plenty of pep. What do you need? First Subaru. I drove it two days on my over 100 mile commute round trip and got 27 mpg while it is new not broke in yet. I just bought it for my wife. $24,800 premium, added remote start, fog lights, all-weather mats, cargo tray, dog divider and bumper cover.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By methuselah38 - August 21 - 5:55 am

  As the title says, considering the cost of the vehicle, Im very pleased. My mileage is always above 31MPG (rural driving & warm weather). Im surprised by this - but happy of course. Despite what the EPA says, Im convinced that a gentle driver gets much better mileage with a manual transmission. The car handles like a sports car which is amazing considering its high ground clearance. The ride is quite firm but not uncomfortable. The high sitting position gives the driver wonderful 360 degree visibility. Negligible blind areas. Some road and wind noise which I dont find bothersome.

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  Best SUV Value for the Dollar - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Matthew - August 20 - 11:23 pm

  I just leased a new 06 Tribeca Limited w/ Navigation. I am in love with this car so far. This car is so much fun to drive, and the interior is one of the coolest I have ever seen in an SUV. A great bonus is there arent that many on the road yet, so it wont be like driving a Honda Pilot along with everyone else on the road. For the money (Subaru is offering great deals on the Tribecas), you cant beat this SUV. It has everything: Nav, leather, heated seats, sunroof, 6 CD changer, tons of airbags, etc. Plus the car has plenty of power, and doesnt feel too "big" behind the wheel. Add to all of this Subaru legendary build quality, and you MUST look at this SUV if in the market!

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  Great basiic transportation - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By George - August 20 - 3:50 am

  I got the basic base model, I dont fall for a lot of gadgets, so this is perfect. If this type of vehicle (its niche) is what your are looking for , pull the trigger. In a review I always look for something negative to say and its the drivers seat could be more supportive. I have sciatica and the drivers seat bothers me. That little engine has enough power for me. I love having an easy access full size spare tire. I love having no blind spots.

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  Bulletproof - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By kaye132 - August 20 - 2:06 am

  My first Subaru, I am pleased with this little used car used mostly for commuting in the city. The quality and reliability on a car with over 100,000 miles is impressive for what I paid. My wife and kids use this car constantly and although we have 5 vehicles, this is the one constantly in use. It feels safe and solid especially in mean city driving.

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  Good, good, good - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Horsepower is more than enough to carry this car, which is barely bigger than my old civic. This thing moves better than most "real" sports cars. Front seats are comfy, they hug and provide support. Handling is great, I can take corners without breaking, not suggested though.

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  You have to drive it! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By John I - August 19 - 12:06 pm

  I bought a 2006 XT. I love it. It is fast, comfortable and cruses on the highway with ease. The agility is unbelievable and when you drive it, it feels like a bigger car. The automatic transmission downshifts quickly and smoothly. I have one problem; my wife drove it and now I have two XTs.

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  Works for Me - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Johnny Kay - August 17 - 12:00 pm

  I owned a Baja for the last two years but the innovative design just didnt meet my needs for family/pets. The B9 allowed me to stay with Subaru and get the cargo space that I needed. I find the B9 much more fun to drive than my Jeep Grand Cherokee -- better handling, better road grip, and feels more like a car than a truck. Easy access all the way around including in/out of the drivers seat (bad back). The gold is gorgeous, and I dont mind the front styling though I can see that it wont please everybody. As with the Baja, the B9 gets a lot of eye interest from others on the road. Could use a little more oomph at times, and Id like a slightly larger fuel tank. Good mpg. Drive one.