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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  My Foul Weather Friend - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By James - November 4 - 6:53 am

  There is no other comparable vehicle at the price. It cost around $21,000 at the time and is fairly loaded. All Wheel Drive (AWD) was not available in an American car, only trucks and SUVs, when I leased this vehicle. Every other AWD vehicle was well over $30,000. Although I drive conservatively, my favorite part of a trip is the twisty roads and exit ramps - because the car rides like it is on rails around turns. Heater works exceptional, even on the coldest Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh days. 4 cylinder with plenty of power, even uphill and sips gas. Subaru builds quality small vehicles, not every manufacturer does that. Will probably purchase at the lease expiration.

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  Excellent all around - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By jtanasse - November 3 - 10:58 am

  I reviewed 2008 and 2009 Subaru Legacys for several months before purchasing one. I also looked at Honda Civics, Accords, Toyota Camrys and Carollas. I am a very careful buyer, so I was very cautious in my decision. Ultimately, the Legacy was the clear choice. Handling is great, and mileage is better than you would expect. I have gone on two 7-hour road trips and got 34.7 mpg on the first and 35 mpg on the second. Typically, its around 33 mpg on the highway. This is just as good as the Accord and the Camry. Unlike the Accord and Camry, though, the Legacy has AWD all the time. This is great for winters here in eastern Washington state. I love my Subaru!

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  Fun and zippy ride! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Lynn Coy - November 3 - 4:20 am

  This being my first SUV, comming from an Aerostar van, I couldnt believe how fun it was to drive. Tight circles, merged right into traffic, sat high, could see all around me, and the leg room was wonderful. Plenty of room for my two teenagers in the back. Cool blue lights accenting cup holders in back, also.

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  Best automobile - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By krinara - November 1 - 11:23 pm

  Subaru is "confidence in motion". I have owned many different brands, but the Subarus in that line up were the ones, that were the best bet for the money. The Outback 3.0 is the most reliable of the lot and I can say that I will always have a Subaru parked in my garage!

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  1999 Subaru Forester L 5-Speed - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By qwertyuiopasdfghj - November 1 - 10:00 am

  So far my only complaint about this car has been with the dealer. The window sticker said the car had a CD player and the "gauge pod" in it; I got neither, and took it home in the early evening (when I didnt realize what was missing). Other than the traditionally lousy Subaru dealer network, though, this is a great car. Though it has worse fuel economy than I expected/was accustomed to, everything else on the car is very well-thought-out and well-designed. I expect to have it for at least 200,000 miles (if the motor holds; Ive heard the 2.5Ls are not anywhere near as reliable as the 1.8Ls in the EA81/82 series cars.)

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  Great car with one glitch - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve G - November 1 - 12:10 am

  Love the car. The handling, comfort and safety are the best. However, occasionally the 8 inch screen has an issue. It will go blank and none of the controls will bring it back (including the ones on the steering wheel). The only fix is to reboot (turn the car off and wait a minute or so). Fortunately, it does not appear to have an impact on the cars drive ability or safety. Since it happens just occasionally not a big issue. Iam sure if I took it to the dealer it would not happen. I suspect a computer update during a service visit will fix the issue. One more thing. Sure wish it had a front parking assist similar to one it has when backing up.

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  Almost perfect. - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Lee - October 29 - 8:20 pm

  The gas consumption is a lot lower than my outgoing Outback XT Ltd. Its got the head room and has the get up and go to make it a serious replacement for my Turbo Outback.

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  Best Subaru Yet - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By John - October 28 - 9:46 pm

  The Legacy is awesome. I traded in my WRX for this car. Its not priced all that much more than the WRX, so its a heck of a value. Given the quality, performance and luxury of this car, its a steal. Mine is in Satin White. As part of the deal, the dealer tinted the windows. Im thrilled with the way it looks ... not to mention how it drives.

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  Happy.... - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By rico696 - October 28 - 11:43 am

  2014 Forester XT w/ Eyesight system. Had put almost 2k miles on it already. Great so far...fuel economy is right on par with the EPA. The first two tanks of premium gas I was worried since it seamed to drink the gas, but after that was done, it improved drastically. Its possible to get over EPA with a controled foot...I had a hybrid so Im used to it. I was in between this and a CX-5 and the choice is made easier once you drive the XT...handles much better than the 2.5 IMO. CX-5 drives great but its rather small and hard to see out of. Forester feels bigger and more airy and the XT handles amazing, maybe even a bit better than the CX-5 since it feels much more planted to the road.

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  Forester XT- better than WRX wagon - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By spyderman4774 - October 27 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my XT automatic (wife doesnt know how to drive a manual) for about a month now and must say this crossover is awesome! Compared to a WRX automatic that I also drove, the XTs extra displacement means more torque and better acceleration off the line. For American driving styles this better enables one to keep up in traffic and equals more smiles/mile. The seats are very comfortable and the interior user-friendly, also headroom will not be a concern for 6-plus drivers. The handling is one area where the WRX wagon might have the advantage, the XT has a bit too much body roll in corners (even compared to my trade-in vehicle, an 01 Pathfinder). XT= practicality & fun!