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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  Stylish 7-seater - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By zoomer - December 19 - 6:56 pm

  Purchased new in 05. Reliability has been good, none of the issues reported by others. Performance is fine for an SUV. Third row comes in handy now and then for our small children and others. Werent many 7 seat options back then (not MDX, Highlander, etc.) and we didnt want the mega SUV or minivan. Overall, happy with the experience.

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  Honest/ Informed Review - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By I Stewart - December 17 - 5:06 am

  While the 3.0R boasts a larger engine and more hp, it actually has less lb/foot of torque than its 2.5GT counterpart; translating to 7 tenths of a second from 0-60. The acclaimed S/I drive is amusing, if not practical. In sport mode acceleration is noticeably boosted from intelligent mode. Paddle-shifting is also available in sport sharp, though its more burdensome than liberating. Paddle-shift levers, S/I drive console, and Navigation system all contribute to the impressive interior. Even after the romance fades, the controls are insightful and convenient. This car may be your best choice if: a. you drive in all-weather conditions b. you purchase used at a discount

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  two year anniversary - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Thomas Polich - December 17 - 2:49 am

  The interface with the electronics is not very good. The car handles well,, but the CVT transmission in conjunction with the hybrid makes the car baulk from start.

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  WRX STI overview - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Danopalis - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I thought this was a great little sportscar so i bought it. As it turs out it was aalot more than just that, it was more

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  Honest rating - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dave - December 11 - 6:23 am

  This car is a great performer, but you pay the price with a harsh ride. Fuel economy is poor, even when driven tame (15-17mpg). Build quality could be better, especially with paint. The paint seems to chip and scratch easily. Make no mistake, this car is about the engine and little else. Subaru should offer performance upgrades packages with reduced warranty coverage for those looking for more performance. If your looking for a quick car with a nice ride for the same price...look at the Infinity G35.

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  Reliable Pseudo-Luxury Vehicle - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mainer - December 9 - 8:50 pm

  For the price, I hoped for more up to date features. The GPS is outdated, with less up to date info than my Garmin purchased a year prior. Car accelerates with hesitation at first, and then kicks in. Rear brake light was dislodged when first purchased, and needed to be put back in place. Stereo features are well integrated with iPod adapter, but no Bluetooth on this vehicle.

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  I miss the German engineering - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By bluechipBMW - December 9 - 3:06 pm

  Yes, for the money this is a great buy. But if you are coming from a German engineered car you will be doing a lot of cross comparing. The power this car has is totally amazing which makes the fun factor so high. But the suspension needs to be improved in my opinion. I feel my previous A4 would out handle this car in turns but if you modify the Legacy with sway bars and springs then...no. But you will sacrifice your comfort. Also there is too much wind noise in the cabin. But if you are looking for something fun to drive at around $30k or less with great reliability then this is what you need.

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  This model is ok - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Don - December 9 - 3:06 am

  But I should have bought the Legacy.... Disappointed on a few levels that a test drive may not reveal. Seat comfort, over an hour, they are not great. The vehicle leans, alot, in hard cornering that other vehicles I have owned did not, including Honda CR-V. Vibration of something in the rear of the vehicle is annoying. Windows are large, which has a downside. The sun is unbearable at times. I am over 6 feet tall and have to use sun visors WAY more than ever before, and with the eyesight feature, they dont block all the sun. Heater makes a lot of noise relative to the volume of heat being put out.. Cargo space is plentiful, braking is great, eyesight and safety technology is great. I have buyers remorse over the other the other things listed. The vehicle steering and lean in the corners is a big dissatisfied. The mileage is NOT as advertised. Driving the highway I am happy to get 30 mpg...... No wear near the 33 advertised.. Very sad to supply this info.

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  Ugly, Yet Tough, Reliable & Fun to Drive - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By MMoretti - December 3 - 6:10 pm

  Bought my Forester used in 2004. While it is not the most beautiful vehicle (it sort of looks like the car seen in "National Lampoons Vacation)...it has proven to be dependable, fun to drive, and an unstoppable monster in the worst Winter weather New England has to offer. The AWD is great! While the car has gone through a few wheel bearings, and does leak small amounts of oil, it still looks new and runs strong at 194,000 miles. Looking for a new car, but I may hang onto my Subaru as a beater/dog hauler.

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  European sport sedan killer - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian Sok - December 2 - 4:06 pm

  I drive 60 miles/day near DC and looked for a car that was safe, reliable, fuel efficient, winter friendly, and unique. I looked at Audi A4, Audi A3, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40 and the Subaru Legacy. They were all comparable cars, but I bought the Subaru 2.5i Limited with spoiler, moonroof visor, mudguards, subwoofer. The Subaru is by far the best deal... no comparison!