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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  Blast to drive! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By kevin1111 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I admit I wanted a sports car, but needed some practicality as well, and within a budget. After reading all the positive reviews, went to go drive the car, among many others. Was surprised by the stability and stance (drives like the car is wider than it is!) The suspension is a good compromise - little body lean, but a good ride none- the-less. Had a better ride than the BMW 3-series I test drove.

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  Two years to decide - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By djones - December 26 - 4:46 am

  We compared the CRV, Rav4, and Torrent. Subaru was in 3rd place until 2009s redesign. After checking out the available features, it was our top choice. It was the best car for my wife in terms of entering and exiting. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Drives great. Average 26 mpg, only 1000 miles so far. The climate control system is great, set it and forget it. This is our first AWD car and our first Subaru, but Im sold. It drives like a car. There is plenty of space, and according to friends who rode in the back seat, we made the right choice. We have had a number of compliments on the car since we purchased it. It was the right choice for us.

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  Excellent Utility Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jeff - December 25 - 2:03 pm

  Ever shrinking budgets for clearing winter roads convinced me I needed an AWD vehicle. Was looking for something with good gas mileage, AWD, large cargo capability, and smooth ride. The Forester does all these things very well. All weather package is nice for us Michigan folks. Heated wipers, mirrors, and seats plus all weather mats came in handy already this year. Planning many road trips this summer. Forester has very smooth ride on rough and/or dirt roads. Huge moonroof is nice as is the reclining rear seats. Rear seats pop down very easily. Fuel economy has been good at around 25mpg, mostly city. Gets close to 28 on highway. Not super flashy or fast but so far, I love it!

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  Excellent winter vehicle, though slightly underpowered - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By ruslan - December 24 - 10:32 pm

  Generally speaking, it is a great small utility vehicle that that drives like a car. It is an excellent winter vehicle, but it is not best for highway driving. It lacks power for comfortable passing, and down-shift is on the slow side. And, highway wind and road noise are on the noisier side. I took it for a 4000mile/6000km drive from Canada to California. It handled nicely when it was +24C and during winter blizzard when I-15 got closed for hours. I havent had major problems with the vehicle, except sunroof does no longer work. And, parts and service are a bit expensive, especially in Canada.

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  The perfect car for hand controls - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By larryinlc - December 24 - 10:26 pm

  As a disabled driver, I purchased this car for the safety it provides in snow. It runs quietly and is quite comfortable. Plenty of pep too. But mostly, a car must be equipped with hand controls for me to drive. Not all cars are created equal in this regard. In my 30 years of driving with controls, Ive never had an easier install with minimal intrusion into the cabin space. Its as if Subaru designed this car specifically for the disabled driver in mind. My driving position is superb and feels totally natural and not awkward. For those unfortunate folks who need to drive by hand, give this car a look. It just works.

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  Cmon SUBARU, you can do Better - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Gman - December 24 - 9:58 pm

  Over all I am satisfied with the purchase of my 2016 Legacy. There are a few things that would have made this car a perfect 10. 1. Must improve speakers quality, as of today, its a JOKE. 2. Must make push button start a STANDARD feature. 3. Make the car ride a little softer, and perhaps a little more torque wouldnt hurt. Thats it.

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  2005 Subaru Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By lucasr - December 24 - 8:35 pm

  I recently purchased a 2005 Forester with 95k miles on it, and will be using it as my college vehicle. It had 2 previous owners and no accidents reported. It appeared to be mechanically sound. So far, it has been an excellent vehicle. The ride is smooth, and it handles nicely. Some complain about power on these vehicles - I have had no issues with power. I drive plenty both in town and in the country where I live. It is excellent in both settings. I have no issues with getting up to speed on the freeway. My gas mileage has been an acceptable 20-22 mpg, and I expect it to be a little better when I take it for my first long trip on the highway. So far, this vehicle has been a joy to own.

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  Good So Far - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By glj - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Only have 1200 miles on it, but I love it. Sold a Ford Ranger to get this because it suits my needs better. Turbo really gives it some power. Id recommend the turbo. Features and build of the car are solid.

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  Best value in its class. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Mitnik - December 22 - 9:43 pm

  After 2 years of researching the Outback and its competition, I concluded: You simply can not buy another vehicle with a 6 cylinder engine, AWD, and the safety features for less money. I now have 2,000 miles on my 3.6 R Limited and can say the handling is above average, the engine is smooth with plenty of power and the CVT (tranny) flawlessly transfers the power to the wheels. I have not had any problems so far. I saved $3,000 by not getting the "eye-site" package. Really, as long as I have half a brain, I dont need it - especially at that price. You can get a very good Garmin for about $200 if you really need one and I live in the dessert so a sun roof would just bake me. In todays ugly car world, the Outback also looks great next to its competitors. I expect to get at least 200,000 miles out of this car. CONS?: Doors should auto-lock and an extra cup holder that pops out of the dash would be a good idea.

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  Love this car!! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By birrell111 - December 22 - 7:25 pm

  Solid roomy car... quality build and great looks. A winner.