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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  works for me - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By practicalfun - May 20 - 10:00 am

  boght the forester used and have had for a year now. no problems, fun to drive. I live on a steep, winding canyon road - the car handles the curves great. Lots of room in the back for stuff. Ive bought 72" bookcase and carried it home no problem. Gets 24 mpg. I needed a basic, reliable car that could tote around a lot of stuff, with AWD because of where I live, and this was it. Happy with the purchase.

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  Great handling - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By KimNota - May 16 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my Forester for 10 years. Love it. Especially its handling in the snow. At 5000 miles I had several oil leaks that I know I had from very early on because there was a strong fuel odor. The mechanics had told me at the time it was just how the car ran. Subaru said it wasnt a covered service. After $1800 for engine work, it still wasnt completely repaired. I was given the proper advice that the remaining small leaks might never change or cause any problems. This was 5 years or 35000 miles ago. Subaru kept giving me the run around, asking for more and more info for a possible payment. They wore me down but its been fine. No other issue.

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  Underrated Camry or Accord alternative - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By dinomartini - May 15 - 4:00 am

  We purchased our Legacy GT Spec B in March after looking at it at the auto show and at the dealership. The interior is very well designed, great seats (heated is a nice touch), everywhere you feel there are no gaps, its a very well put together car. The 6 speed makes it a very fun car to drive with the turbo 4. Easy to manuever around town, very capable highway cruiser.

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  Transmission Problems - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Smitty - May 12 - 6:43 am

  I had less than 8,000 miles on my forester, and had noticed a whining noise. Took it to dealership and they tore down diff. and replaced bearings. Still made the noise. Took it back and they tore diff down again, and replaced pinion bearing. Still made noise. They FINALLY put new transmission in. Hopefully this is just an isolated incident. First Subaru Ive ever owned and feeling nervous if this is whats to come later after warrantee expires. I didnt lease this vehicle either. Other than this problem, Ive no problem with its handling and performance. While forester was in the shop (approx 4 weeks total between repairs) I had an Outback for a loaner and fell in love with that too.

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  Nice vehicle for the price - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Scott - May 11 - 10:34 am

  My 1st Outback-2017 3.6R Limited; Cons: No folding mirrors, No LED fog lights, No auto locks; Digital speedometer is poorly placed-difficult to see w/ steering lowered; Heated steering wheel should be standard, Should be able to see mpg w/o having to toggle all the time; Remote start should not require another fob-annoying, Pros: Accelerates well, smooth ride, comfortable seats, foldable roof rack;

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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Retired Captain FD - May 9 - 9:36 am

  This is my first Subaru. Have had 8 Mazdas and just returned a 5.7L Chrysler Aspen. Needed smaller fuel efficient vehicle. So far very satisfied with the Forester. Have had it for two months and it is fun to drive, handles well, and my around town fuel mileage is more than double the Aspen. I have the Dark Gray Metallic and Platinum Cloth Interior. Nice color combination but not sure the seats will hold up for the duration. Nice looking vehicle and it is 100% more practical than the Hemi Aspen I used to drive. No rattles or problems requiring it to go back to the dealer for "adjustments." Rough idel when first started, A/C worked well during last heat wave. Weird square cup holders.

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  Adventures of my 2017 Impreza - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Tanya - May 9 - 2:44 am

  Its great on the road! Very comfortable, solid, responsive. The console outlets are awkward to get to. Drivers side door didnt latch properly; had it replaced; still doesnt latch properly. Sadly, two weeks after purchase, got caught in a hailstorm, and the car is in a body shop to repair or replace roof, hood, doors😢

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  Great Car! More fun than newer models! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Anonymous - May 8 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a Subaru Impreza sport wagon. Its funny because it was more of a hatchback than a station wagon and it handled amazingly well. I recently totaled it but came out without a scratch! When I test drove the new 2008 Imprezas, they were clunkier, heavier, and didnt take turns as well. I know 3 years isnt long, but I never had a single problem that brought me to the dealer. Im a huge fan and wish they didnt redesign the imprezas so I could happily buy another one! Great gas mileage, handling, braking, acceleration (for its price and engine), lots of storage space on the wagonI

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  Impreza - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By nukegirl - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is super practical for a single, active person and really fun to drive. Acceleration and handling are great. I cant think of a better fit for me at this time in my life.

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  This our Second Outback! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By dwv - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We have lived in the mountains for a number of years. We have found no other car this reliable in the area of service and winter performance.