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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  Annoying rattle and Awful tires - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By bvf925 - June 6 - 11:04 pm

  1,500 mile review: Traded-in my 10 year old CR-V with no complaints or rattles other than fishtailing in the snow without beefy tires. I had a 1998 Forester that was fantastic in the snow. My 2015 is 100% scary to drive in the snow with the factory Geolanders. Been thru a blizzard and several storms all white knuckled, sliding, stuck going up driveway. Tires will be replaced asap. I also have an annoying rattle coming from the moonroof since 24 hours of ownership. Dealer cant figure it out. The heater is weak and is impossible to regulate. Otherwise, the ride is smooth, beautiful exterior, roomy interior, comfy seats, no blind spots, and MPGs are great even in the frigid northeast.

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  I love my impreza - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By ascehp - June 5 - 12:36 am

  Ive had this car for a month or so, drive it daily as does my husband who kinda thinks its his. Only have a couple of complaints- Interior space is small, my husband whos 63 has to push driverside chair all the way back. My toddlers seat sits pretty close to front, so his footprints are everywhere. also found out about the snow issue prev mentioned. Only found out bc husband likes squishing piles of snow. Once the engine was hot it melted and everything was fine. Got up to 65 before shaking started and it was minor. Still I love my car and so does everyone who gets to drive it!

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  Great Ride... but - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By chelsea - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissan Sentra before this Subaru-expected big difference; cant compare with other SUVs like CRV and RAV4 because I didnt test-drive them (my mistake,just relied on reviews). Murano has more power (the price is too much though), but Forester is quieter. After about 2 weeks of use, I started hearing this annoying rattle by the dashboard. I also hear a "thug" in the back (right side) the moment it runs after parking. I will have the dealership look into it. Its frustrating to get stuck with the noise for years. Also, Ive been reading great MPG from owners; the highest Ive got so far is 18.3-based from the dashboard monitor, mostly highway 60-65 mph.

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  Beware the Seats - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve G - June 1 - 5:23 am

  IÂ’ve had my Legacy Premium 2.5 less than a week and am already ready to get rid of it. IÂ’ve never had a backache in my entire life yet after a week of driving the car, about 270 miles, my back is so painful that IÂ’m about crippled. I cringe at the thought of having to get back into this vehicle. My car has the adjustable lumbar support and even when it is completely deflated, after about 20 minutes it feels like somebody has their knees in my back. My advice to anyone considering a Legacy is to drive, or at least sit, in the car for a minimum of 30 minutes before you make your decision to buy this car. I didnÂ’t and fear I have just made a $25,000 mistake.

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  Our 3rd Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Wheels8716 - May 31 - 6:13 am

  This is our 3rd Subaru. Weve owned a 04 WRX and a 06 STI. The wife was looking for a SUV in the 25k range and happened across the Outback. I didnt put up a fight. Test drove the only one on the lot, and fell in love.

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  2008 civic Si to 2010 WRX - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Dave M. - May 28 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this car on a whim. An 828 credit score can do that to you. I was disappointed in my Sis power output and its inability to shine even if throwing $2k in aftermarket parts at it, it can only gain an additional 20 hp. Compare that to the WRX which already beats it 2 seconds to 60 mph, and with $1300 for a downpipe, cat- back, and a custom ECU tune, gains 50 hp and 80 lb ft torque. Thus, making a fast car even faster. It doesnt have the precision steering that the Si has, or the stereo, but the power is why I bought the WRX. I expect to lose a few mpg to the Si which is fine. 1st and 2nd gear are a riot BTW! Highly recommend this car! Dont buy an Si if you expect straight line performance.

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  What does awd do - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By sad sad awd - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Forester, L version. It had less than 60000 miles on it, and it has been a really good car. However, can someone explain the wonders of the awd system. I am from SWeden and have driven in nasty weather conditions and snow/sleet all my life, and I fail to see the grsatness of the awd system. Tell me, if my front tires are slipping and spinning what would make the rear ones to grip when they are activated by the awd system. Im already slipping down the road! Give me a switch so I know when all four wheels are engaged, that way I at least know that.

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  HAL - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Smith - May 23 - 7:53 am

  Nice car with good safety systems. Dealership easy to work with. Happy with selection.

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  9 months after purchase - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jbeckr - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car that we like better all the time. Utility and ease of use are high points. Surprsingly good handling.

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  great car for the $$$$$ - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By hates snow - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive .. tough on brakes and tires ... hugs the road like a more expensive sports car and is great in the snow!! Its my wifes car and she loves it. Although its becoming a bit small for my 62" son and all his hockey / lacrosse / football gear. He thinks we should get a new car and give him this one. Such a dreamer, but it would be a great 1st car .. lots of safety features ... Id buy it again!