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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  Great value, decent mileage - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By hdlarkin - June 21 - 6:24 am

  The Forester replaced a 2006 Mazda5 plagued with rear suspension problems. Tempted by the 33 mpg claim, I looked at the new Escape, but couldnt find real-world mileage reports and, in August, dealers were asking $25K+ for 2WD. I found a 5-speed Forester for $18.5K, and bought it. The 27 mpg estimate didnt thrill me, but its actually done much better; at 4K up to 31 highway and ~22 city, though highway mileage drops quickly above 65 mph. This is a little better than the Mazda got, plus, with AWD, I can get out of the garage when theres more than 3 inches of snow, which was tough for the Mazda. I had a 96 Outback that held up very well for more than 100K miles, and hope this will as well.

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  Great Fun and works great - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By CJoffe - June 20 - 2:53 pm

  The Turbo Baja is the all time sleeper. This car is fast as well as being tough. After a year we still love every minute of driving this vehicle. What people never realize until AFTER they own it is just how great the handling and ride are. With the exception of front legroom, the interior cabin size is great, with plenty of passenger space. The folding rear seats are very handy.

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  Good Wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ben Smith - June 18 - 8:46 am

  I live in the pacific northwest where AWD is a must, and the outback exceeds my expectations. Snow, Rain, and sleet have no effect on this ride. Its simply a must in the rough weather. The Heated seats are a charm in the cold, plus they heat up fast.

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  Have had them all, and now? - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Marty - June 16 - 1:36 pm

  Have had Tribeca 3 weeks and put 1500 miles on. A few defects found, but probably from Dealer roughness. Car rides nice, fairly quite and smooth. Have had WAY TOO many vehicles,and just traded in a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. There are trade-offs, but I would put the Santa Fe first for now. Still happy with the choice, but time will tell. Getting 19 MPG so far. Rate a BUY for good value!

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  Lots to like - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By mg47 - June 15 - 2:04 am

  Over the past 15 years, my family has owned Rav4, Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus RX330. This car is the most "friendly" of the bunch. Mileage at 29 for combined city/country. Plenty of power going up our hill at 7400 ft. Love the lack of shifting jerks common in 4 or 5 speed transmissions. Ride is stiff/responsive, but I wouldnt characterize as "jittery" at all. The voice recognition is way below the Lexus or Hyundai and the computer interface is not particularly user-friendly. The eye-sight works very well and is fun to use. Friendliness comes from the keyless lock and ignition system which turns on a light in the rear view mirrors as you approach, and makes it incredibly easy to lock.

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  2006 Legacy GT automatic w/nav - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By fisch - June 14 - 2:30 am

  I mainly purchased this vehicle because of the availability of all-wheel drive since I live in the state of Maine. It is a fun car to drive, completey different than the 2000 Acura TL that I drove prior to owning this car. It definitely exhibits quite a bit of road noise and and the idle isnt nearly as smooth as my Acuras was. I do have to admit that the acceleration in the sport mode is phenomenal. I am totally unimpressed with the gas mileage and thats while driving conservatively. Reminds me of my old Jeep with a gas hungry V8. You can almost see the gas gauge dropping as you drove.

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  Great choice for the snow belt - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Will - June 9 - 1:03 pm

  If you live in the snow belt (Im in Alaska) its hard to argue with this choice. Subarus non-turbo models offer the best fuel economy currently available with AWD - I get 21 to 23 in the city (depending on time of year) and can get 30 on the highway (real numbers calculated at the pump). It would be nice if there were an AWD deactivation feature, but that might lessen safety and reliability. The cloth seats are great (leather is terrible in cold weather & bad for the environment/inhumane). You wont win drag races in this, but its the only thing available that offers its blend of reliability, safety, AWD, a manual transmission, and good fuel economy in the same package.

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  1st time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By 1st time Subaru - June 5 - 11:20 am

  As a first time Subaru owner I did not know what to expect. It is the first car that I have owned that does not have a frame around the doors windows. Maybe I do not drive the way the others do but my mileage has been less than expected. My last car was a Toyota Highlander and did really well in the snow and not bad on mileage, so this new car has a lot to live up to. I have owned others, Acura, Nissan, Audi and Toyota and, in my opinion, all had better initial quality. I am looking forward to the snow because I have heard great things.

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  I should have done more research - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Rich B. - June 5 - 9:16 am

  This is certainly a much quieter and more comfortable vehicle than the 96 Outback its replacing. It handles nicely, has adequate power for my needs, and is very versatile in many ways. There are, however, some features that really irk me: 1. The roof rack design is very inflexible compared to the typical set of rails on most SUVs. 2. The sideview mirrors do not fold. 3. In order to make Harman-Kardon stereo in the 2.5 Limited fully functional with an iPod, the dealer quoted nearly $600 in parts & labor for the "media hub." 4. Cost to add a bumper hitch was quoted at $675 due to bumper mods. My advice - look closely before you buy the 2010 Outback; it comes up short in a few key areas.

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  Do I really need a car this fast? - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By WesK - June 2 - 10:00 am

  What other vehicle can rip the roads and have as much space as a mini-van inside? At 10% throttle, you have a car that almost behaves like a well mannered commuter vehicle in traffic. Step on the gas, and you will probably be breaking any speeding law in less than one second.