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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  First and Last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By roch_mn - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  Having driven mostly Toyota, this was my 1st Subaru. Currently at 70k miles. Disappointing quality even though I keep on top of regular maintenance. While under warranty the floorboard took on water and carpet was removed and dried, and the transmission was disassembled to replace bearings. Ive had two O2 sensors replaced at my cost. Interior feels cheap, seats are uncomfortable, and no LATCH system for car seats. Wind noise on the highway.

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  A Winner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gus - October 4 - 12:50 pm

  After suffering through 40 snow events in Chicago last winter, I decided that, while I loved my BMW sedan, I would not go through another winter without an AWD vehicle. I looked at and test drove AWD BMWs including the sedans, X5 and X3. I expanded to other brands, including Ford, Infiniti, Acura, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Audi. I had been trying to decide between a sedan (the Infiniti M35X) and an SUV (BMW X3) when an old tree-hugging friend recommended that I look at the new Forester. Indeed, that was the last vehicle that I test drove (an XT Limited). I was pleasantly surprised by not only the performance, but the comfort, convenience and utility.

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  BEST CAR IVE EVER HAD!!! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By WRX_WRC - October 4 - 8:36 am

  This is an excellent car and is one of the most impressive cars I have ever drove. The styling for the Impreza WRX is superb with the just noticable hood scoop and the unique spoiler. Also the power on this car is great. But unfortunatly the fog lights are a bit strange.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By J.W. - October 4 - 5:30 am

  We have had our Forester about 3 weeks now and I am very impressed with the whole vehicle. It`s very comfortable and quiet. It just feels solid when your driving and, has great response in steering and breaking. We love everything about it so far. Have had compliments on body style and color, (sage green). First tank of gas avg. 24.3 mpg. combination city and highway. Also pleased with that. I was also surprised with the pep of the 4 cylinder after driving V6`s &V8`s. No need for the Turbo in my opinion. If you are looking for a great compact SUV this is the one.

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  Good decision - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Martinelli - October 4 - 1:25 am

  Logical, well designed and versatile

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  Subaru Baja Turbo - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Chris Larson - October 3 - 9:26 am

  I thoroughly enjoy driving my car. I was very impressed with the power that this car has. Great ground clearance, brakes,and handling. I drive many cars every day, this one got my attention. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Great powerband, very torquey. Steering positive and responsive. I havent had much snow around here, but when there is the car has no problem sensing traction loss. People ask me how I would describe this car; I reply that it looks like an underdog boxer but has one heck of a knock-out punch.

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  Not for Seniors - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Jay R - October 3 - 6:46 am

  We have had this 1st time Subaru for 1 year and find that it is not comfortable for us older citizens. The passenger seat is very low and cannot be raised. Passenger has a difficult time exiting car because the car is set low and the seat is low. Driver, 511" & 175, is hard on the legs for the same reason. With seat lowered for driving comfort car it is difficult to enter and exit. MPG not up to rating for all in city driving. But, once inside the car is very good driving and fun to drive. We will go back to a Camry even though the price on the Subaru is terrific. No service problems in the year. Be sure seats are comfortable and park at a curb on your test drive.

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  Love this new model but MPG not as advertised - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By blny - October 3 - 3:19 am

  My 3rd Subaru, but first Forester. Never bought before because it was too small. I am 6 tall, not huge, but this is the first Forester model I feel comfortable both in front and back. My teenage boys are very comfy in the backseat, and they are my height. My only complaint is the gas mileage. I get 20-21 mpg when the local EPA MPG is 24. Thats a big difference, and I am not driving like a leadfoot ! I ease off on gas and coast to stop signs and red lights, and thats the only way I got close to 21mpg. My much larger outback gets about 19-20 locally, so only a 1 mpg improvement with a smaller Subaru.

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  We always buy a Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pat Wood - October 2 - 12:10 pm

  Subaru is a choice of our family because of its reliability and the service at the Dealership, if needed. We feel it is one of the safest cars to drive on the open road in all kinds of weather. (Especially the western NY weather!) We have owned many Subarus and only buy a new one because of upgrading.

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  More bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NewSubaru - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 WRX wagon is fun to drive and gives you some great features (AWD, ABS, Turbo, and 227hp). The other cars in this market included the 325xi and Audi Quattro A4 wagon. I looked at the WRX while on my way to the BMW & Audi dealerships just out of curoisity