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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  Just about perfect (Just about)! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By gentle ben - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive. Very nimble and easy to handle. Make sure seats fit your bottom before purchasing (kind of narrow for big bottomed buyers). Car could go beyond limits for un- experienced drivers. All round great car but if power is want you want, get a WRX. Last note, standard stereo not very good, upgrade aftermarket. Very little wind noise on highway.

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  Quality ride for family of five - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Drewski - April 26 - 10:00 am

  We have 26,000 miles on our Outback. When we purchased the vehicle, we did not plan on having our third child. We now fit 3 children (2 car seats in the back) and a dog in the car for many trips. The car could be a little bigger, but no other car/van we have driven equals the smooth and secure driving experience delivered by the Outback. We use the car extensivly to take 55 mile trips to the local ski areas and have used it for a 12-hour trip to visit relatives. A car-top carrier is a must for anyone with a family! Local city driving is a breeze as the car maneuvers easily during parallel parking. The interior has a quality feel.

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  Fell below expectation and reputation - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kiran Chedella - April 26 - 12:17 am

  This car has very cheap interior, too many rattling noise, blower noise. Most of the issues are during cold weather. Passenger seat belt warning light come up even though the passenger seat is empty. When cold it takes 10 minutes for the engine to warm up and pick up acceleration, if driving in before 10 minutes, cant drive more than 30 to 35 mph at full throttle. Drive side windshield freezing from inside even though all windows, moon roof is completely closed and it takes long time to clear and melted water dripping into dashboard. Have several fixes done nearly visited 7 times dealership and again scheduled one. Highly recommended to thoroughly check the vehicle before purchasing. The dealership from where I purchased the vehicle always say why are you worried about the plastic and noise but the other dealer identified the root cause and fixed them but new issues coming up. This vehicle is just 7 months old and has only 7000 miles on it. Not at all recommended.

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  Very Impressed - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By "Subie-Wan" - April 25 - 8:46 am

  When my dealer invited me to drive the 2010 Outback, I was so impressed I had to have one. Their CVT puts all the others I have driven to shame.The interior design and comfort is a step up. I am a long-time Subaru owner and this new Outback just reinforces my beliefs. Its a solid "10" across the board for me. Bring on a diesel.

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  Subaru Tribeca, great car, under-rated - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Chris V - April 25 - 5:06 am

  I love my B9 Tribeca, great SUV overall. The only problem it seems is the color of my SUV, I have the 2006 Gold, its a light color gold, and it seems to have some kind of damage to the color, like its lighter in some areas. I dont know what this is... BAD PAINT or SUN DAMAGE? Hmm. :/

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  Forester rating - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By SCK - April 24 - 11:30 pm

  This is my second Forester. The first was a 2000S model. Not too many changes in features as far as I can see from a performance standpoint but it is a little noisier car. The suspension has changed and I dont find the ride to be as smooth. It seems to be a little sluggish once you take your foot off of the gas; sort of pulls back a little. I am, and always will be sold on the AWD feature and thats why I bought another one. It handles wonderfully in the snow. Not too sure of how it does in the rain. Havent had the chance to tell yet.

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  Fun to drive Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Carmen DeFranks - April 24 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned several Subarus and I have found the Forester to be the most fun car to drive. I was not satisfied with the "pickup" till I bought the 2004 Turbo Forester. I had loved the previous one, but needed more power in getting in and out of rush hour traffic. The turbo had that. But above all - I find the Forester to be extremely fun, something that is difficult to put into words. You have to drive one to know what I mean. Give it a try. I am interested in test driving the Baja next since I have not driven one yet. But will probably stick with the Forester. Oh yeah - you can put ANYTHING in this car - great for hauling!

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  Kickass! - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By TonyC - April 24 - 1:12 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned! Yes its a little loud inside, but I hear swapping to all seasons helps a lot. The premium stereo is good, but missing a lot of features, which is lame. Suggest getting the stock stereo and upgrading aftermarket. And there is soooo many aftermarket parts for this car, its insane.

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  Dealerships issues - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By CLT - April 22 - 5:53 pm

  I like my Subaru Legacy. I have previously owned a Toyota Camry and this vehicle drives similar. However, the dealership here in Little Rock (Not where I purchased the vehicle) has made it very difficult to get the car serviced. No shuttle service, hours 7:30 - 5:30 M-F. If I had to do it again, I would purchase another Camry because of the service department convenience. Might be a nice vehicle to own but not easy to maintain - especially with 2 recalls already.

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  Repeat Subaru owner - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Cal Ramage - April 22 - 3:50 pm

  The driving experience has been excellent. Turning rate is a lot better than my previous Lexus LX 300. The little extras like lights in the cup holders, step lights, 4wd for confidence in slick conditions, adequate hp and seat arrangement to accommodate hauling things in the back are nice. Our dealership bends over backwards to make sure you come back to them with great service and free washes anytime.