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 Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By JW - December 19 - 6:13 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I live in the city and I sold my last Accord v6 a few years ago. I wanted a small car, fun to drive that had the capibility to haul my dog and my stuff wherever. This car meets all of the requirements and then some. I think I am stuck on Subaru now. I fit two large dogs a freind and her dog with room to spare, through the mud, rain, and potholes the car never felt strained or out of place. Upgrade the radio and tint the windows that is my only change.

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  Second Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By windsurfer - December 18 - 5:23 am

  First one went 180,000 miles, then head gasket leaked. Decided to trade in. Did the RAV4, CR-V, Forester loop, and returned to the Forester. The dealerships were the most professional of any brand. I will take it on long dirt roads for fishing, and love the better clearance. No longer a "small" SUV! At least not on the inside. My priorities are value, reliability and gas mileage. Two out of three aint bad, but I havent taken long trips yet, so maybe mileage will improve. Its got a miles-per-gallon display, which is nice. Same giant moonroof. Styling is sharper, and Im glad they didnt slope the roof any more.

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  Another love-hate relationship - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Stacey - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  I am in love with my little Forester. Its a fun drive, great on gas, can carry all my stuff with room to spare, and gives me lots of headroom (and Im pretty tall, too). However, I hate that I have to keep putting money in for repairs. I just did the math and found Ive had about $2,300 in major repairs over the last year and a half, including: head gasket, alternator, combination switch, rear wheel bearing, and most recently the catalytic converter. If this keeps up I will have to get another car, which will make me quite sad indeed.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By oZeven600rr - December 14 - 3:20 pm

  Lots to love about this car. For the low price, you get AWD, tight suspension, pretty good MPG, fun, and room. The base stereo (4 speakers) is actually OK and doesnt distort at high volume. I will be adding the Subaru subwoofer soon. The ride is great and the car feels like it has claws that attack the road. 5 spd is fun since you have more control. Trunk loses some space as it raises toward the back because of the new double wishbone suspension. Interior is good for the price. Plastic used on the door and dash, but for $16k I dont mind. I like the looks of the 2007 better, but oh well. The 08 is more "grown up" looking.

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  sweetness - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By drako - December 13 - 10:00 am

  just a overall fun to drive car, you get looks everywhere you go! be careful though because it is a magnet to girls, cops, and theives. but at the end of the day its alllll worth it. thank you subaru

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  Great car, but sold it after one year - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By danwatson - December 11 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Limited when a job caused me to relocate to Mammoth Lakes, CA. We live at 8000 feet and we got oveer 50 feet of snow. With snow tires, the Forester never let us down. Its great turning radius, relatively high ground clearance and AWD handles the snow well. But, at this elevation, with only a 4 speed automatic, its missing a couple of cylinders. Transmission downshifts regularly on hills. And, it was a little small for my wife and me. Its great around town, but not great as a road car. This was our first Subaru and we traded it on an Outback which fits our needs. And, we traded it in for $2500 less than we paid after 18,000 miles!

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  Best Small SUV-Outback is Better Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  Previously owned four Outbacks. They are a more substantial vehicle with many more standard feature details such as lighted vanity mirrors, bumper cover, cargo tray, cargo cover, fog lights, all weather package, etc, Outback has better seats, quieter ride, better handling, power drivers seat, better interior materials, more solid construction. Outback has a higher sticker price but Forester is about the same when similarly equipped. After 3-years Outback is rattle/squeak free and solid. Forester already has suspension noises and dash rattle over rough surfaces after only 800 miles. Tried all the competitors before buying this one and overall its the best of small SUVs but Outback is better.

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  good way to build a car - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By chia - December 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is perfect for me yet my dad wihta much expensivecar envies my car now it is relax to drive if you can live witht teh clutch but other wise its fun to hear the boxer engine roar and do some favourite heel toe on sound good back road! i am getting 26 mpg out of this 2.5 liter engine! the gears are short and solid encourage shifting

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  2010 Subaru Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By kiirock - December 7 - 10:06 pm

  I bought my Forester in July 2009 and this is February 18 2010. I personally like the interior and have not had problems with rattling inside the cabin. The radio is very weak and lacks good controls. I am satisfied with the mileage. I do very little city driving, mostly country and highway and I average 24-28 mpg. When I compare how the Foresters drive compares to my wifes Rav4, I prefer the Subaru any day due to the softer seats and better power steering. We have had over 40 inches of snow this winter in eastern KY and the Subaru has impressed me with the AWD on snowy and icy roads. The visibility is great and there is plenty of head room. Also plenty of room in the back.

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  Love my XT! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kim - December 7 - 12:58 pm

  I have purchased 2 Subaru Forester XTs now. I love most everything about them, and hope to keep the newest 2016 for years. The biggest downfalls I have found are the lack of rear air, slow AC cooling, and not very family friendly with babies. Although the car is very safe, the lack of rear air is a huge problem. My 7 month old baby is unable to get cooled off quickly due to his large rear facing car seat blocking the middle vents from reaching him. His car seat has also taken up the majority of the back seat, which has made me consider buying a larger vehicle. His stroller takes up the majority of the trunk area. Although I would love to keep the car for years, it may not be possible.