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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  A complete Ride? - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dsmyers - July 17 - 2:50 am

  This ride met all criteria when we purchased. At least we thought so. It was advertised and listed on the sticker to get 18 city 23 MPG highway. The highest we have seen is 16.9 MPG. Bums me out that I didnt verify this before we purchased. We have to set aside some extra $$ in budget for gas. Also, we cant be the only ones. There is something very different with the low beams. It displays a broken line in front of you. The Subaru factory said thats the way it is. Subaru dealer said we were not first the TB9 owners to make this claim. It is a flaw I tell you. Subaru (everyday is a winding road). A dark winding road can be dangerous one. During the day it is a very sturdy, safe ride.

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  Its fun when it works... - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By C Barrett - July 15 - 2:10 am

  I have just received word from my mechanic that my $25k Forrester (admittedly with 140k miles) will not pass inspection due to the stupid engine light being on again. It has been on almost constantly since I purchased the auto on 4/1/00. I have replaced the O2 sensor 3 times in the last 18 months, have had to replace the axle when the tire fell off (the lug nuts just sheared) in dangerous conditions on the West Side Hwy in NYC, and I will probably buy something else very soon. The car was great when it was new, and even up until last year before things started to go wrong. I am hoping that Subaru will stand behind its product, but it hasnt so far. If they do, I will amend this review and let you know.

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  Great Sleeper - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Corkfish - July 14 - 5:40 am

  With 10,000 miles on the clock, Ive had no problems. The car was just what I was looking for because I wanted something that was fun to drive and offered serious (not just spirited) performance, but in a plain jane package. Im 45 and conservative so I did not want a sports car, muscle car or anything else that would attract a lot of attention. There isnt anything out there that offers so much versatility and performance for the money. AWD, 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds, and you can carry a big TV in it. No, you wont be blowing the doors off of Mustangs or 350Zs, but its pretty amazing that they wont blow your doors off either.

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  Former VW - BMW Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bigchief - July 14 - 3:46 am

  Made my decision to purchase after getting my BMW out of winter storage, became exhausted from the pounding of those run flat tires, just terrible. The ride is smooth, vehicle is sure footed, I now enjoy a relaxed commute. Purchased the 2.5 with manual transmission, just could not become convinced on the CVT. About 1,000 miles into it and has been enjoyable thus far.

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  Subaru Legacy GT LTD Experience - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By shersr - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We are long distance drivers (40,000+ miles per year) and demand a lot from our vehicles. The Subaru Legacy GT LTD has offers a nice ride, but suffers from reliability problems. We had a re-occurring brake problem with freezing rear calipers (frozen open, that is). We replaced the wiring harness and spark plugs at 50,000 miles due to shorting in the coil. The catalytic converter needs replacement at 90,000 miles. We also had to have the trim around the driver side window re-glued. National Subaru customer reps are not helpful and rude. Next time we buy a Honda.

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  A bit heavy - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Sy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  i have an old honda prelude that moves off the line really quick because its really light. WRX is kinda slow off the line, maybe cause of the weight. But when the RPMs are around 3-6k its really fast. I like all of the exterior except for the front lights, I like the JDM ones a lot more. The seats hug me which is good but there should be an adjustable lower lumbar like some other cars, long road trips kill my lower back in the WRX. And everyone knows about the understeer =(. Its still a fun and fast car overall though, cant wait to rally in it!

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  Great Performance-Interior Sucks - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By jaycee - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The engine performance is outstanding, but you pay for this with a low quality interior. No moonroof option available, leather isnt available, the momo steering wheel is great, the carbon fiber nice, but the pedal set only comes for the manual. Only one trim color available. Gauge pack is extra. The keyless entry system is the worst. You cant open the trunk with it, and the security system isnt the greates either. I previously owned a 98 VW Jetta, and Subaru could take a few lessons on the "small" things that make a $25K car nice, you pay for those 227 horses by sacrificing style.

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  Love - Hate - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By gsconyer - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my WRX. The performance that I get (coming from a 4cyl Toyota Pick-up) is amazing. It is truly fun to drive. But, the problems that I have encountered are making want to cut my losses. Trouble down-shifting and putting the vehicle into reverse, tape deck eating tapes, CD player freaking out and causing the stereo to crash much like a computer would, internal trunk latch not working, drivers seat rocking everytime I hit the brakes, and I could go on. I have heard many great things about Subarus, but I got rid of my truck with 190000 miles because I didnt want to spend time with it in the shop. Funny, had the car in the shop more often in 6 mos than had the truck in 6 years.

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  Do it all car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By MTfellow - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Good car, better priced than some; the Legacy upgrade in 2000 was excellent...a far better car than the 1999. Better engine appreciated, as its still a bit underpowered, but zippy enough in sedan form. Interior exponentially better; gas mileage not good at all for this size car...Ive never come close to their estimates. AWD works great in snow, as touted, super all-weather car...in warm climates, a different car is probably better, just for the gas mileage alone. A ruggedly handsome car, does everything well...very versatile. Legacy sedan peppier and slicker than the Forester, but you give up some cargo room.

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  Very nice car - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By sandyrich1 - July 10 - 5:52 am

  I live in the mountains of Colorado and I am very pleased with my new Forester. It currently has roughly 5500 miles and I purchased it in July, 2014. I think it handles great and I feel very confident when driving it up and down the interstate in the mountains. It has also has plenty of power when heading up over the continental divide. I average 29.1 mpg combined driving. I have not noticed any unusual oil consumption (in fact, the dip stick showed the same level as when it was purchased). Although not necessarily intuitive, once we learned how to use it, the radio/navigation system works fine. We have not had a single problem with it. I have noticed, it will rev a little high under load.