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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  Perfect Winter car - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Dustinson - June 23 - 6:53 pm

  I bought a high powered rear-wheel drive car and needed something for winter. I hated the look of this car, but am glad I bought it. I drive through snow half way up the door panels with ease. I cant imagine going back to just a front-wheel drive car for winter.

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  Disappointed - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By bellet98 - June 23 - 12:12 pm

  I went from a 2006 Altima to a Subaru Outback wagon. I loved my altima, hate the subaru. The ride is horrible. I recently went on a 2 hour trip and my leg cramped up trying to keep my foot on the gas pedal. The gas pedal is extremely tiny and high and very hard to depress. I cant seem to get the seat adjusted to be comfortable and still be able to reach the pedal. The hard button is smack dab in the middle of the console so you accidently hit it all the time. Radio controls are also not very user friendly. My biggest complaint tho is how uncomfortable this car is to drive, especially on long trips.

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  Headaches from toxic fumes from ac - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Jay - June 22 - 1:11 pm

  Dear 2017 Forester owners. I desperately need a feedback. I bought this brand new Forester with all the bells and whistles. Like any new car it had an upholstery smell which generally goes away with time but not in this car. I have been driving this car now for almost 2 months. My whole body would smell like old leather or shoe polish including from my breath. I always owned a new car but never a Subaru. This smell turned into headaches and lightheadedness and watery eyes when I turned my Heater on few days back. To experiment whether it is me only I told my wife to test drive with my son. Just 30 minutes into driving she started getting headaches and watery eyes. She had to stop the car and tell my son to go on the back seat to avoid a/c due to he getting nauseated. I took the car to dealer who found nothing wrong and referred me to Subaru tech team and I am still waiting to hear from them. I have kept my windows open but no improvements. I am so scared to drive because of headaches and drowsiness kicking in. Can someone please let me know if they are going through the same. One article I read showed in 2007 study that Forester was one of the 10 worst car for toxic fume in the cabin. I dont think since 2007 they have done any improvement in the quality of material they are using. Surprisingly only Forester was mentioned and no other Subaru models were mentioned. I felt so bad that I leased this vehicle. If they dont take back I dont know what my options are. Please any advice is highly appreciated. Jay

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  Could not have made a better choice - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Jeffrey Lubeck - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Three months and 2,300 miles in and the choice of this vehicle feel better and better with each driving session. This vehicle gives the you power of a turbo, without a huge lag time. As a driver you are afforded the ability to pass with speed, safety and feeling of control. The Fit and finsh of the leather package and the clean lines of the interior make driving easy and comfortable.

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  2005 Subaru Wagon. Great value - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Lodgical - June 22 - 4:26 am

  The dealer is 200 miles away, but the service was superior to any closer dealers. The power is fantastic - roll on from any speed and you have lots of it. The car could use a few niceties, such as stereo controls on the steering wheel, memory seats and a little more rear leg room. Other than that, it has been reliable, fun to drive and comfortable. We just returned from a family vacation of 3000 miles return trip. Not many complaints from my wife and daughter.

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  Terrific Value for Luxury Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Subie Do - June 20 - 10:23 pm

  This is our fourth Subaru. We purchased this one for its new design, especially the interior and its many appointments and options. Subaru has always had an unbeatable AWD system, and this one is no different. Ive never felt more comfortable driving in poor weather conditions than in this car. Our only complaint would be the lower powered motor makes the transmission jump down too frequently. But using "sport shift" takes care of that. Audio system is excellent, but wed love to be able to plug in our iPods!

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Kayleigh - June 19 - 8:06 am

  I had been eyeing this car up for almost a year before I decided to buy it. You dont see many of them on the road because Subaru isnt exactly a household name, but Im glad theyve kept this car a secret. I put over 500 miles on the car in the first week of ownership because it is so fun to drive. I feel bad leaving it in the garage. It begs to be driven!

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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By NMN - June 18 - 9:36 am

  The only car I have ever purchased, including 3 Hondas, where everything was perfect straight from the factory. Car is tight as a drum. It proves an American factory can produce a great vehicle. It also proves that Japanese engineering is superior to ours. Could use a bit more low end grunt, but has real speed over 60. Getting 22 to 26 MPG. Friends with Subarus say they really loosen up and improve power and MPG after 5K miles. All-wheel-drive works like a charm. Brakes/handling are average. Power steering is a bit too light. The car moves around in a strong wind on the highway. Ergonomics and small switch design/placement need improvement. Quiet as a Lexus. Great overall package.

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  Worth every penny. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By John - June 18 - 1:40 am

  Wow. I had a Honda before and it pales in comparison to this vehicle. I have always noticed Subarus, but never thought I could be this happy with one. I love driving it. The sport shifter is perfect for me, since I have always had a manual up until now. I still get to go through the motions and control the engine. I am at one with the road in this vehicle it is such a smooth drive. Everyone comments on it. You will not be disappointed.

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  Saved my life - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By blondbubbles - June 17 - 7:42 pm

  I loved this car.I recently was hit by a truck going 50 pretty much head on.I was going 10 mph, I would have to recommend this car to anyone who is buying their first car.With my new car now totaled, my passanger as well as myself pretty much walked away with minor brusies.The safety in this car blew me away.I now will never drive a different car.The power that it had was enough to get around and still have some speed to it.Although the gas mileage was a little lower than i would have liked, it handled great in the snow.If only i could upload the pictures, you would have thought someone died in the accident.