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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  Love this car - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Robert Jackson - July 13 - 9:41 pm

  If youre not into street racing and you want a solid, comfortable driving experience you will love the 2016 Legacy 3.6R Limited. I have had mine for three weeks now and have put about 1000 miles on it on interstate highways and mountain roads. I can say that in my 70 years I have never driven a finer vehicle. The boxer six provides plenty of power for my needs. The steering is firm and positive. The interior is very comfortable. The sound system is outstanding. And the electronics are intuitive and easy to use. You can pay more for a midsize sedan but you will not find a better value.

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  Dont Buy a Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By leodog1 - July 13 - 2:31 am

  Car has more blind spots than Hellen Keller! A death trap on wheels. Minor dent in rear finder costs $2K to repair! Gimmic rear view camera -- doesnt help backing at all. Grossly overpriced. Stay away from Subaru at all costs!!!!! Rattles like my Grandmother! Expect it to come apart at any minute. 5 months old and 2 recalls already. Replaced the new sunroof already! No free oil changes! God, what a mistake I made buying this thing! Never again!

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  Great in snow & ice - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dockhawg2 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in Dec 02- live in snow country , so this car works great. Feels very secure on curvy, snowy roads. I would buy another Suby.

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  MY WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By STNKYHAUHAU04 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  UPON PURCHASING MY WRX I DID AN EXTENSIVE REVEIW AND COMPARISON WITH THE MITSUBISHI EVO...FOR ONE WHOLE YEAR.BASED ON MY EXP WITH BOTH VEHICLES I FOUND THE SUBARU LESS MAINTAINANCE PRONE,ONLY B/C MITSUBISHI HAS AN EXTENSIVE MAINT.REQUIREMENTS LIST.ALSO THE SUBARUS ACTIVE VALVE TIMING PROVES ITS BETTER SUITED FOR DAILY USES WITH IS WHAT ITS INTENDED FOR.

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  2005 Baja Turbo, Manual Transmission - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Grant Kenion - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is fast, corners well, and for paddlers and/or cyclists, it is very practical. 4-wheel drive and the braking system are nice safety features. Everyone who has driven mine thinks it is a blast. Subaru has done a crappy job promoting a great product, but hey, thats Subaru. Dealer was very professional during sale, hope that continues for service.

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  I love my Forester, but - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Tirzah - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Love driving the Forester...the AWD is a life-saver in winter. But mine is plagued by reliability problems. Four times we had to replace wheel bearings, starting at 15K miles, last at 104K miles. Had bad spark plug wires at 40K. Catalytic converter went at 96K. Now my radio-6-CD player started to burn up at 106K, and I needed new engine gaskets and valve seals. This isnt what I expected of Subaru. This is my 3rd Subaru...previously kept a Loyale wagon until 239K miles...I dont think this Forester will last that long. I just bought a Toyota Highlander to make sure I had a more reliable car. Well hold on to the Forester as a second car, until we can afford a replacement.

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  Just breaking it in - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By stuprince - July 12 - 3:15 am

  After having driven a Trailblazer for 7 years, it was time to change to a car with better mileage because I was going to be driving 150 miles a day for work. The Forester was my choice after also driving an Escape, RAV4, CX-5, CR-V, and Equinox. Forester mileage was equal or better than all of them and I am getting about 34 mpg highway right now which should get better as it breaks it. Inside is spacious, came with the winter driving package, heated front seats, and back up camera. Good price at just 26 grand. Easy ride and it cruises at 70 on the freeway without even a push. Handles nice, but could be better. Subaru reliability is legendary so that also sold me on it

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  Get out of the van! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Justin Wolfe - July 10 - 11:50 pm

  If gas, safety, and all wheel drive are concerns for you then Subaru has vehicles to consider. The 2017 Forester is great on gas, has an awesome safety rating and is all-wheel drive so when it came time to get out of that old mini van, the choice was easy!

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  Love my Subie! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Mrs. K - July 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isnt really a problem for me since I am only 53" but my 6 tall husbands knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!

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  03 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Mr Kibs - July 9 - 2:00 am

  very surprised by the performance this mini suv has. Lots of value and a huge bargain for what you pay for. I bought mine for its reliability and AWD. Takes corners like a sports car, and has the feeling like its glued to the road! Where can you get heated seats, automatic climate control, AWD and more for under $24K. Love the panorama view of the road, almost no blind spots.