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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  Unbeatable value for the money - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Ralf A. - April 30 - 6:33 am

  The Forester is a well rounded small SUV, performing well in all disciplines. This small SUV is more fun to drive than many cars or wagons. It literally sticks to the road like glue. This is my first permanent AWD vehicle and after getting used to the different feel of driving - I really came to like it. It could use some more hp but I guess youd have to buy the XT for that. The reliability is outstanding. Some of the interior materials and finishing seem a little cheap. The backseat is cramped even with two small children and very small compared e.g. to the Honda CRV. Dealership and service are very good.

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  Great utility vehicle - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Josh - April 28 - 9:43 pm

  Im not gross speeder, but I typically go with the flow of traffic. In CA, its about 80 mph. The Forester has no problem cruising at such speeds; the annoyance is the acceleration up to that speed. The 0-60 times are on par with a Prius, no joke. The vehicle is a good height to get into and out of. The doors open a full 90 degrees. The sheet metal on the car, combined with the very light plastics give the overall first impression of cheap, but no problems to report. Driving dynamics on the road are decent for an SUV, but suffers from understeer in emergency handling. Transmission is easily confused in certain situations.

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  1999 Forester S - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By FrankS - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been very satisfied. It has done what I expected it to do. Goes in snow. Minor(to me) repairs: LR wheel bearing, front struts. 60,000-mile belt replacement is a blow.

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  Ol Reliable - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By snowmobile - April 27 - 9:53 pm

  This is my second Subaru wagon. I love the versatility of the vehicle, and the knowledge that it will get you where you want to go no matter what. If you can live with the lack of style, mediocre gas mileage, and lack of get up and go, this is a great vehicle. It is much more spirited with a manual transmission. Gas mileage is great compared to any SUV, however is not up to par with any front or rear wheel drive vehicle. That being stated, the AWD is impressive in rain, snow, and mud. This is an excellent alternative to a small or mid-size SUV. Reliability is uncompromised, Subaru owners generally purchase Subarus again and again.

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  problem child - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By gurumichael - April 25 - 1:13 pm

  I was thrilled after waiting 7 years for this puppy. Shortly after purchase I had to get both front struts replaced as they were bad, driver side window worked on three times for squeeking, dash rattles inside (third time) and the computer on it had to be sent away for a week after two months of driving! This is all with normal driving and no modifications. Its a blast to drive, but way too many problems for the price tag and the lack of quality. I recommend looking at alternatives.

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  nice surprise - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By echo1234 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my vehicle for 3 1/2 months now, and I have enjoyed every moment. I was looking for a vehicle with adequate cargo space, but did not want a monstrosity of a typical SUV. I did not even consider the Forester until I was disappointed with the CR-V. The Subaru is definitely worth more for the money! And I drove my Subaru from Texas to Connecticut and am constantly on the road (8000 miles so far!). I highly recommend the Forester.

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  This is Definitely the Low End Product - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By historybuff13 - April 23 - 8:13 pm

  Before I begin I just want to say I have owned 2 Foresters and they are both great cars. I bought this Imprezza used from a dealer in 2014 with under 36000 miles. I thought it was a great deal because of the milage. I have owned it for less than 3 months and I am now scheduled for my 3rd service appointment to fix the turn signal. I have read that Subaru cut corners on this model to save money and actually made the wire harness too short so that it pulls loose. I really like my dealership and in general I like Subarus, but I cannot recommend this model. I will actually be purchasing a new car this year, but I am no longer considering the Crosstrek, as it is just another Imprezza.

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  good essential features. - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By K. Yang - April 21 - 10:23 pm

  interior finish is not as nice as many others. great sound system--- much nicer sound than infinitis flag ship car. high resolution thus high clarity and wide light dynamic range back up camera.

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  Love my subaru - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cgoodall - April 21 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my Crosstrek in January, 2013. Thus far, I have 16,000 miles of mostly highway driving (probably a 75/25 split) and am averaging 32-33 MPG with the automatic transmission. Though it doesnt have exceptional power or acceleration. what do you expect from a 4 cylinder motor? While the synthetic oil is certainly more expensive, you dont need to change oil except every 7,500 miles (some say 10,000 miles). This makes it roughly comparable to annual oil costs with regular oil. I have gone many places that a regular 2 WD sedan would never have taken me.

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  1yr later and Id buy it again - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Rocko - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Thought Id throw in my 2cents after owning this car for a full year. Bought new in Feb 02 and is honestly some of the best money Ive ever spent. Great acceleration, nice compromise of handling and comfort, and ohh, the Momo steering wheel. Seriously, this has to be one of the most meatiest factory steering wheels in any vehicle. I own a 5 speed and could live without the clutch shudder, which is my biggest gripe. But at the end of the day, if it were ever stolen or totalled, I would be rushing out to buy another.