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:

• 

  Think twice - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Impalabob - March 29 - 9:50 am

  Think twice before buying this vehicle. We had a 98 & 2000 Forester. For the price, you couldnt ask for more. Purchased 2007 Forester in Jan. 07. Major complaint is the design area between the hood and windshield, the hidden vents, wiper motor, defroster, etc. Living in upstate New York, we have had three occasions where the snow & ice will accumulate on the wiper blades, arms, and in the space between hood & windshield, freezing, & preventing the wiper motor from working properly. Never happened with the 98 or 2000. Vents were on top & visible, not hidden. Subarus answer, "get winter blades" or should have ordered premium pkg., $1000.+, includes deicer strip.

• 

  I like and use CDs - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Margaret Pryor - March 27 - 2:43 am

  If one wants a basic car - manual transmission, hatchback - the base model does not include a CD/MP3 player, even for a few dollars more. No, I dont have a smart phone (salesman kept telling me how to download music, books, etc.) so this approach is N/A. I have a lot of CDs and get books on CD from the library, giving me a lot of variety (also free). Also there are fewer nooks and crannies to store things than in my 2005 Ford Focus wagon (e.g. a change compartment, CDs, subglasses, etc.). The center arm rest almost blocks one of the beverage holders, making it awkward to use. Im still on my first tank of gas thanks to the dealer so cant comment on mileage. The dealer was very thorough and professional and tried to be as helpful as possible. I think Ill be happy - but I have to work out the "kinks".

• 

  Excellent quality; average look - 2011 Subaru Tribeca
  By olegs - March 26 - 1:03 pm

  This is our second Tribeca. The first 2006 was an attractive looker with distinctive Alfa Romeo front but was lacking the performance. The new 2011 is a complete opposite. Average Pacifica like look with improved power and excellent track on quality and reliability. This is the only SUV that well trust on our trips to skiing resorts. Nobody can bit TribecaÂ’s handling in a nasty winter storm, especially with a set of dedicated winter tires. We also like the fact that it is Japanese made but assembled in USA. You have both: Japanese superior engineering and outstanding American quality.

• 

  The miles are racking up - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By jtheiral - March 25 - 9:56 pm

  I have been in the market for a new car for the past few years. My job has me continually visiting cities throughout the nation which gives me the fantastic opportunity to test drive numerous rentals. I ended up settling with Subaru Impreza Outback Sport as the car that would best fit my lifestyle and best value. I decided that having AWD was a requirement that I needed to have. I also was looking for some good fuel economy since I due rack up the miles. I have had the car for two months and already have put over 7k miles on it. I am very impressed with its surefooted ability on ice and snow. The interior is quiet but rougher roads can cause some unacceptable road noise within inside.

• 

  Transmission Problems - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By bigsuda - March 20 - 8:33 am

  I bought this car about six months ago with 47k miles on it. Pretty low for an 02. I was having problems with getting it into first gear and reverse so I took it in to the local dealership. They told me that there was a problem (I expected it to be the clutch), and was told that there is a problem with the synchronizers in the transmission! Seems a little low mileage, well maybe a lot low, to be having problems with a transmission. I havent added any aftermarket parts and take care of all my cars! Might be a lemon, but seems to be a ridiculous deal. $1500+ bill just to get started. Oh, and the warranty just expired 4 months ago due to an 01 delivery date. Wonderful!

• 

  So far So Good - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cel20012 - March 19 - 5:58 am

  Nice little vehicle so far. Decided to downsize for better gas mileage but only getting a combined 25 so far. That is with about 50/50 driving with lots of traffic thrown in and tons of hills. Hope it gets a little better as the engine breaks in. I have seen allot about it being under powered but really havent noticed it yet and I am coming from a V6 little truck and a Civic Si. No its not fast but plenty of power to get you where you are going.

• 

  Legacy - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Manley Mincer - March 19 - 3:55 am

  Great value for the money Only issue seems to be a lag in the transmission when going from reverse to drive. Service team said its normal CVT. I dont believe it

• 

  2.5i Outback LTD - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By photomel - March 16 - 4:53 pm

  Just got back from my first road trip in my new car. Enjoyed the performance and the feel of the car. There are a few things about the interior that I do not like (see below). I considered this purchase for a very long time and did a lot of research. I think it will meet my needs for a long tome to come. I am a first time Subaru owner, but based on how many people drive them here in Central Oregon I dont think I will be disappointed.

• 

  Retired Veteran - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By John kiley - March 16 - 3:08 pm

  Think i paid too much

• 

  My 1st Subaru - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By 39aatthompson - March 11 - 12:36 am

  I wanted a AWD vehicle that got decent MPG. My 1st impression when sitting in the car for the first time was WOW! you can see everything from the front, back & all sides. The leg room was better than the Mazda Tribute that I was driving and the seat in the Subaru is awesomely comfortable! Loved it from the get go. Im up to 6,000 miles and the MPG combine city/highway is now at 30 MPGs steadily for the last few weeks, it was in the low 20 MPGs for a few thousand miles. I legally tinted all windows except windshield and added the bug shield, aero splash guards and side window deflectors and the car looks hot! Im very happy so far