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:

• 

  Its a winner - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By autobahnburner - August 22 - 9:29 pm

  My first Subaru was a 2006 Outback 3.0R LL Bean model, and my second is the 2014 Outback Limited 2.5 with the CVT. They are nothing alike, and and I like each of them for different reasons, but they do have one thing in common. Both came out on top of after an exhaustive comparison of other brands. Frankly, I prefer the 06 because it was a much more engaging car to drive. However, the new model was more of a sensible purchase. Its significantly larger and more flexible, gets much better mileage, and has more bells and whistles. I heavily considered a Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and also an Audi Q5 and Volvo XC70. I can afford the last two but it was hard to justify their prices.

• 

  World Rallye Blue Turbo - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Subie Driver - August 18 - 3:20 am

  Responsive engine. Excellent passing power in the mountains. So much torque that it normally doesnt have to shift down to pass. Large moonroof (twice the size of a normal one). Great ground clearance for rough roads and snow. VDC (stability control) came on this model and provides extra measure of security. We live where there is lots of inclement weather. Versatile interior with lots of head room.

• 

  Wagon - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By EMIL TOLEDO - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a Passat and found the subaru less powerful and providing less gas milage than the Passat.The pluses are the all drive and the fa.ct that it runs on low test gas.The superior reliability and better braking are also plusses so on balance I like it better than the Passat.

• 

  Returned home - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Chris - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  I love my new impreza - I had a Forester years ago, then tried other cars for fuel economy. None impressed me as much as my Subaru, and I think Im a fan for life.

• 

  Great performer/handler, fun/practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike - August 15 - 4:00 am

  Power and handling are excellent, but if youre used to a torquey V6 (Maxima in my case), the turbo-4 power delivery takes getting used to. WRX is, and feels, small and light. Sound system seems weak to me, but probably because my Maximas was pretty good. Same with interior. It looks good, but after a while it feels a little econo, and there are rattles. My Maxima NEVER rattled. This car looks hot. Styling, wheels, spoiler, side sills. The Limited package could include more. Up in Legacy GT price range, but Legacy is probably a better buy. Outstanding all-around car (very fun!), but if you have a Maxima (or similar) and want a Subaru, Legacy GT might be a better choice.

• 

  Nice car - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Denise - August 14 - 1:42 am

  I only test drove this car. I have still not decided between this and the Honda CRV or Mazda CX5. This car was missing a lot of things I have come to take for granted, like doors automatically locking when I drive away, keyless start, auto dimming mirror. Its been many years since I have had to raise up the rear view mirror to avoid lights from other cars at night. Also, with the high safety rating of this vehicle, I would expect that locks would lock at a certain speed and not have to remember to lock doors for safety. It was very difficult to read the warning signals and the entertainment system when the sun shone in on them. I didnt find this happening with the other vehicles I have test driven. I must say however that the vision in this car is spectacular with no blind spots that I could see. The Subaru Forrester is still in the running. Its a good car, and just the lack of a few bells and whistles is not enough to stop me from buying one. But I do want to make sure that I am not more comfortable with those bells and whistles if the other cars are just as safe, have a good view of the road and passing autos, and are as easy to drive.

• 

  New Subaru - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By MC98 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a great car, have 950 miles on it so far. Hope as good as previous Subarus.

• 

  2nd Subaru, might be last - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - August 6 - 1:23 pm

  My car was babied from day one. I upgraded to the Outback from a 2002 Impreza 2.5. I really enjoyed the car, until I started to notice a few sounds as I accelerated from toll booths, etc with my window still down. The dealers could never hear it. I noticed the transmission was always searching between 3rd and 4th gear. The wind noise has me going nuts. The paint has faded in different spots, and I am afraid to use the windshield wiper heater because when I replaced the cracked one, the replacements seem to have a defect with the heating element and it cracks the glass when used. I love Subarus, but my wife makes a good point when she says I need to stop buying someones bad design.

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Drover - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The WRX is the best all-around performance bargain America. In the right hands, it will outperform a new Mustang GT in a 0-60 or 1/4-mile yet it has the utility to haul a family of 4 and 2 weeks worth of groceries. Those used to Taurus- or Camry-like handling will find the suspension tuning of this car somewhat rough. Yet compared to other cars in its price and performance class, the WRX has a positively smooth ride. Overall, an exceptional convergence of spirited performance, daily/family adaptability, reliability and affordability.

• 

  A very satisfying car - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By ralphyboy1 - August 1 - 3:31 am

  After what seemed like years looking for the right car, I bought the new 2014 Forester for my wife. The Consumer Reports review tipped it for me. Weve had it about a month and a half now, with about 3500 miles. All the things said about it are true - good gas mileage, comfortable seats, easy access, nice handling and great visability. As reported, the ride is a little jittery, but its nothing bothersome. We took it around the Mountain Loop Highway out of Granite Falls, WA. The highway has 25 miles of unpaved, often washer board road, and here the Forester shined. It handled incredibly well and smoothed out the washer boards with a smooth controlled ride. Cant wait for winter.