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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  My Second Subaru Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Jess - June 13 - 4:40 pm

  This is my second Subaru Forester. My first one was a 2005 fully equipped 2.5xt. I LOVED the way my car handled in all weather conditions and the pick-up of the turbo engine was a big selling factor for me. When it came time to trade in my 2005 I test drove a Honda CRV, Toyota Rav, Nissan Rouge, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Subaru Forester touring and premium, Subaru Crosstrex and a Subaru Outback. After spending hours looking at reviews and test driving vehicles I ended up right back at the Subaru Forester, but I wanted the turbo charged engine. I found the Forester 2.5i did not have enough kick for me, so I special ordered a 2.0 XT premium. I’ve had my car for a couple of weeks now and LOVE IT. I have found the cabin noise I hated in my 2005 has been resolved with a new body style. It’s great to hit the highway and be able to talk to someone without shouting. I love where the new intakes are in the front of the car. We had an ice storm last week and it handled beautifully on the ice. There were people sliding all over the road and mine stuck to the road like glue. It has far more room with the new body style then my 2005. The performance has greatly improved along with my gas mileage. I used to average 18 miles/gallon in town and now I’m getting 21 miles/gallon. (Would get even better if I didn’t have a lead foot.) My only complaint is I have found the seats to be a bit uncomfortable, but I will get used to that. It’s more like sitting on a log now then a nice soft bed. I had a 148,000 miles on my 2005 before trading it in and hopefully I will be able to get this in my new Forester.

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  Subaru will get you there and back... - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By LISA CARNAHAN - June 13 - 10:46 am

  Subaru Forester is an excellent car over all. However, in the 2nd month of ownership a fuse blew controlling the rear brake lights. This was unknown to the driver until pulled over by police, creating a very embarrassing & dangerous situation. Car would be better if it had a warranty like an Isuzu.

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  I love my subie. - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Paul88 - June 12 - 11:33 pm

  I love my subie. This car handles smoothly as well as aggressively whenever you need. I test drove an BMW 328, Mercedes C300, Honda accord V6 and Mazda speed 3. Besides this car, maybe only BMW is in my consideration. I nail myself on this car according to the performance and never regret. The fuel economy is better than I expect. I am still in the run in period and mixed city/hwy mileage is around 25-27 mpg. I highly recommend this vehicle without hesitation.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By bodpa - June 12 - 10:16 pm

  I have had it for about a week and already have about 1100 miles. The handling is amazing and interior is wonderful. We use the full seven passengers (kids in the back) and is very comfortable.

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  Lov my 2009 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By edwardo II - June 12 - 1:50 pm

  Just an outstanding Crossover and I had an 1999 Forester and what a difference 10 years makes. Getting much better mileage over the 99 and only thing I miss is the cup holder in the dash as no place to grab an 8 oz. coffee cup. Guess I need to look for something. Large moon roof super and enjoy driving the 2009. No issues.

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  We love our Legacy - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Harold Vick - June 9 - 1:21 pm

  We think the car exceeds our expectations

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  Everyday, glad I bought it - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By e_dawgin - June 9 - 3:53 am

  Couldnt be any happier. Fun to drive, sporty, good looking. It can also very easily be turned into a 300hp monster. For the sporty driver with too much stuff and family for the WRX. Around town, high rating, highway even higher.

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  i like my baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Baja duck - June 8 - 10:00 am

  It was really out of our price range at the time. But after having test drove the manual we were hooked. It has a unique styling all its own, handles great, is fun to drive, and comes standard w/ leather, sunroof etc. very nice car. Very nice dealership.

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  OMG OMG Giddy I am - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By BURU CUBBY - June 7 - 9:56 pm

  Got this 02/09. I can only say OMG! Never had a Subaru before... I got 2 independent mechanics I keep, they said GET IT. Its a steal!! Had 79986 on it, 1 owner, is fave color green, its got things I didnt think a car would dare have. I need it for the Chicago winters!! Im in luuuvv!! I can NEVER drive an American made car again. Love passing by storefronts with windows & seeing it. Im still in awe. The dual sunroofs are the bomb!! From what I hear these things just dont break down. I need that security driving alone a lot. The salesman thought I was gonna pass out from jumping around when he showed it to me (0: My Buru is all I could ever ask for. Everything is a perfect 10!!

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  best car for price - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By eraser1303 - June 7 - 6:10 pm

  somewhat loud, but gives the sound that you are moving, amazingly smooth at high speeds, great four wheel drive for great turns, clutch a little hard to get used too, great stock turbo for maximum performance, not very much noticible turbolag