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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  I Love This Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By KenL74 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The best performing car Ive ever driven. Great fun around town, or on the expressway. Its a little cramped inside (Im 63"), and seriously needs a 6 speed trans, but other than that, I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  Good, but not excellent. Nav isnt........ - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By coddar - October 7 - 1:53 am

  Picked up a 2014 FXT Touring in November 2013. Comfort is average but could be improved with power passenger seat. Gas mileage is a little better than my 2011 BMW 335xi 6MT, but only by 1-2 mpg- so around 22 city, 27 hwy. Big problem is 1990s navigation system that was delivered with Q3 2012 maps while Q1 2013 maps were already availble from the Subaru website - for $149!!!. Maps cant be downloaded to Macs, only PCs and require SD card reader. Subaru said theyd reimburse me for the maps, but really? Why should a vehicle produced in 10/2013 have Q3 2012 maps? Why cant the dealer keep current SD cards and why on earth would anyone pay Subaru and the wait? Cant wait to dump this hog.

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  Possibly the most functional car....not the best looking - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By dukedokken - October 6 - 3:19 pm

  Ive been the sole wonder of my 06 Forester XT. Theres been a few times when Ive wanted to trade it for something different to switch it up, but its almost impossible because you feel like youre getting less of a car. Pros. Panoramic Sunroof, heated leather seats, handles all real world weather conditions, reliable, XT is VERY fast, quiet, good sound system. reliable Cons maintenance can be pricey

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  Incremental Improvements => Good Value - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By redeft321 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We have driven a 1996 Legacy Brighton 5 speed 120K miles, and just purchased a 2002 Legacy L wagon wi 5 speed. Subarus strategy has been to make many improvements on a good base car instead of running wi short cycle of major reengineering and redesign. Like VWs strategy of the 60s and 70s, this has allowed Fuji Heavy Industries to spread major design and tooling costs over longer multiyear production runs. The benefits of this strategy, wi modest yen depreciation, reflected in value. Our 1996 Brighton cost us $15300 with self financing. 2002 L Wagon with the improvements and added standard equipment noted below cost us $18500 with 1.9 percent 24 month financing.

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  Good car for the money - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Cheryl - October 4 - 6:36 am

  I love the outside styling of this car, and you sit up very high. Handles well on country roads, good pick up on the highway,you have to watch your speed. Have to warn you, the carpet is poor quality,almost looks like it is wearing out already, and it is brand new. I dont like the "velvet" texture of the doors, this too is hard to keep clean. Not the interior for you if you have dogs or little kids, it would drive you insane.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By phyllie - October 2 - 1:28 am

  Love most aspects of the 2014 Subaru Forester but one of the key elements which influenced my decision to purchase this vehicle was the advertised 8.3 liter per 100 km gas mileage. Currently, I am averaging 13.6 liters per 100 km or 16 mpg. city driving. Not impressed and will put a For Sale sign on this vehicle if this hasnt improved significantly in the next 6 months.

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  wind / mirror noise - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By elantra6 - October 1 - 5:26 pm

  I like this car, except the window noise.... It starts over 40 mph, and around 70 mph is intolerable. Ill take it to the dealership and if they cant fix it (or dont want to fix it ) Ill be very -very unhappy.

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  Somewhere between like and love - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By blewgoose - September 27 - 12:33 pm

  Writing this review after about 800 miles, and there are some awesome things about this car. One of my favorite things is the turbo engine. Offers PLENTY of passing power, merging onto highway, accelerating out of toll booths, etc. Some people mention theyd like to see a 5th gear, but I have had no problems at all. Much better engine than the CRV (sluggish and underpowered) and comparable in power to the 6cyl RAV4. Plenty of space inside and cabin makes sense as laid out. Panoramic moon roof is giant. Great feature. Handles wonderfully, and better than other, even higher-end SUVs Ive driven. I didnt get the nav, so my stereo/accouterments are basic at best. No iPod interface is lame.

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  Head gaskets - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Not so lucky - September 25 - 7:33 pm

  I also had the head gaskets problem. Only when I bought my car in (at 102K) the dealership did not want to repair them on their cost because they would only do so for cars below 100K. This while my car had been in the dealership at 97K and they found nothing. I find it a bit fishy they only found it after the 100K had passed. For me no Subaru anymore, although they drive great, dont expect to get much further above 100K without significant repairs.

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  Somewhat of a disappointment - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By jsta - September 25 - 10:26 am

  Bought the Forester after leasing a Tribeca for 3 years. Now I wish I had bought the Tribeca which was a far superior vehicle in every way. The Forester does handle excellently in ice and snow but highway driving does not inspire confidence. Vehicle is easily buffeted by wind and uneven road surface. Engine performance meets expectations for this class of SUV. Interior OK but rear speakers malfunctioned in first 6 months and annoyingly loud squeak has developed from the rear tire compartment. Dealer says this is common complaint and they dont quite know what to do about it. Mileage averages 25 combined city and highway. Overall, 2009 Forester does not live up to hype.