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:

• 

  Liken It !!! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By michael - February 26 - 5:33 pm

  It has been a cold and snowy winter so far here in Minnesota,the all wheel drive and heated seats have been a real blessing. The HK sound system is wonderful and the 28 to 30 mpg on the interstate is very easy to take. I am still getting use to the cruse controls on the steering wheel,the one button control on my Toyota Highlander is much more user friendly. The 2010 Outback is bigger and as won some acclaim this year but I think the 08-09s still win the beauty prize,Its a good lookin little wagon!!! Am looking forward to many miles of happy motoring in our "Suby"

• 

  100K meltdown - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Paul - February 26 - 7:23 am

  Our Forester was golden for 100,000 miles, but within 1K of passing into 6 digits we started to have problems. Most were annoying little things like the clock stopped working, the compass became wildly inaccurate and the low fuel light failed to go on. There were major problems with the front wheels. The paint job seems to easily scratch.

• 

  So far So Good - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By triumphdriver - February 23 - 9:52 pm

  For the most part this is a great car. It has nearly the same amount of room as my previous Izuzu Axiom that got only 22MPG at best. Mechanically, seems very good after 2 months and 2900 miles and the overall design is excellent. Why go away from soft cloth seat material. (dont like leather) Designed for wear not comfort? Theyre scratchy like burlap. The better half loves support they provide but she puts plush towel down first. Stereo amazingly poor- and audio levels differ by mode. Ride is great on tarmac but teeth rattling on concrete above 45 mph. It just cant adjust fast enough to slight bumps- big bumps are fine though. Its tiring on long trips.

• 

  Good, but not Great - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By havertownrider - February 19 - 11:49 am

  We bought this car used in 2008. I negotiated the full warranty for a new car, 6 yrs and 100,000 miles, it expired in in october 2010 and soon after our transmission fluid and oil covers both leaked. Cost $500 to fix. It has been solid, but not what we expected. It is our first subaru and we are hoping to get 150K miles out of it. We bought with 45K and now have 75K. A few other nuiances are breaking down too but nothing major. I hope this last repair shop visit will last.

• 

  Best choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Steeler fan - February 18 - 6:20 am

  Compared Forester to Rav4, Escape, Rogue. Glad I picked it. Have driven 1,000 miles so far. Ride is comfortable, visibility is great, fuel economy is great. Averaging 25 - 27 mpg in combo city, back roads, highway. No rattles, problems with cup holders or PZEV noise like other reviewers mentioned. Havent had snow usage yet, but based on the other Subarus Ive had - Im sure it will be great. In my opinion, the Forester is the best value in a small/medium SUV for interior space, fuel economy, price, comfort.

• 

  No USB port for rear passengers - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ganesan Doraisami - February 17 - 9:45 am

  The vehicle is great for my kids but in 2017, Subaru should have made at minimum a 12V adapter or two USB ports available so rear seat passengers can charging their smart devices. Running a 6 feet USB cable from front or from the cargo area does not make sense for this.

• 

  Subaru Baja 2005 - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Manny - February 16 - 5:43 pm

  Enough power for a stock drivetrain. Good on gas (hwy). About 400 miles to the tank. Could be a little more comfortable, but the car is equipped nicely.

• 

  Austin GT Limited Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Danny Kemp - February 14 - 1:00 am

  The only issue that I have had with this car is thaat the a headlight will burn out every six months or so. I am not too crazy about the gas mileage, but with the way it can zoom around, I overlooked it. Due to the fact that there arent that many Subarus around in comparison to the rest of the cars on the road, people always ask me, "What kinda car is that?" I answer, and they return a strange look. I guess some people have a bad view of subarus. All in all, a good car, solid ride, and decently comfortable.

• 

  Alaska Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By ObiJuanAK - February 13 - 9:56 am

  The Baja has everything I expected from this vehicle. As long as you dont expect a pickups hauling ability and volume, it meets my requirements (hauling, commuting and all weather capability) to a T. The frigid Interior Alaska winters have not uncovered any shortcomings, other than the silly thermometer that only records down to -22 ºF. Fuel economy could be better, but not bad for an AWD vehicle. Good long distance comfort, not so fun on tight and twisty roads. The precision of the gearbox leave a lot to be desired. A little tight for two people in full winter gear, but in the summer it is just right. Shame Subaru decided to discontinue the Baja.

• 

  Dont Buy a Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By mike - February 8 - 8:50 pm

  I have had my 04 XS for 5 years now, generally speaking, its a good car. It is reliable and gets 28-30 mpg highway, front seats are comfortable, back seats are tight, car is sporty and stylish, great traction in bad weather, massive sunroof, BUT...this car has problems. From day 1, car bucks after filling with gas (dealer cant explain), wind noise on highway is horrendous, check engine light goes on and off at will, moving drivers seat causes airbag light to go on, sunroof track broken-they want $1500 bucks to replace, vibration from engine Y-pipe drives us crazy (dealer again cant fix), now the rear end has a very loud humming noise as if its about to go. Car only has 62k miles.