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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  09 Impreza 2.5i Hatch - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By ricky0018 - January 23 - 10:56 am

  Performance-enough to keep me satisfied. Styling-nothing too dramatic but it does stand out. Interior-6 200lbs guy here, more than comfortable. Quality-right materials used in all the right places. MPGs-runs on 87 octane and averages 27-28 city, cant complain! Havent hit the highway yet.

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  Cams Outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bill Bell - January 22 - 2:53 pm

  Try all other SUVs . Once you drive the Outback , there is no reason to drive anything else.

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  Love It - Even though one problem - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By steve & sue - January 22 - 7:06 am

  We love our new Outback-- best feature, averaging 28 mpg around town. Super comfortable and great looking. Warning, we had a strange "whomping" sound the first week when we hit 40 mph and would stop at 45 mpg, sounded almost like pressure in cabin as if one window was open slightly. When returned to dealer they were excellent and an engineer from Indiana flew down, knew just what it was, rear differential, and said a batch were defective with cement bits in them? At any rate, perfect now, but just to let others know if they hear a slight, strange sound to get it checked.

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  I now this car with a few exceptions - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Gadabout - January 22 - 3:59 am

  On any Drive Beyond one hour the front seats are totally unacceptable. Leg cramps are the norm. If it were not for the cruise control offering some relief I would have to pull over and stop. I have never owned an automobile in my 60 plus years of driving that has been this unacceptable in seat comfort. My second issue are the voice commands for the navigation system. They had best can be described as a joke. They flat-out do not work. Ive been dictating into machines one type or another for 40 years I use computer dictation everyday Ive used navigation systems on all of my other automobiles and Garmins and this one does not work. The other technologies out weight the previous issue. I would buy another BUT I would hope they get their act together on the fronts seats, the voice commands etcetera.

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  42,000 miles.... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Brett_n - January 20 - 10:00 am

  And I still love it. No major problems and never a regret for purchasing sight unseen.

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  Sub - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By KLA - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall I would buy another Forester. Zero problems, sound as the day bought. Only complaint is that speed control was not standard on "L", a good thing to have.

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  Good car for slippery road but rattles - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pvp5 - January 18 - 7:06 pm

  I have been driving this car since November 2010, and I have mixed feelings about this car. On the good side, it has handled very well from last winter (heavy snow, ice and rain) with winter tires and AWD drive. Also, I have total 360 degree view for turning and backing up without needing a rear view camera. I also love the tight turning capability (useful for U-turn and tight parking spaces). The bad side is Subarus failure of attention of details, particularly the moon roof, and driver seat. The moon roof rattles --particularly the build-in wind visor--when it is closed. This has annoyed me very much. Also, the driver seat is hard and so very uncomfortable for long drive.

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  Its OK - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By mgoblue2012 - January 18 - 5:20 pm

  I really want to love my Forester. Everyone said that I would. Maybe my expectations were too high. I will note that I am not someone who needs all the bells and whistles, nor wants them. So I figured a Subaru would be great. I will probably not be keeping it when my lease is up. There are good, bad, and a bunch of little annoyances that definitely add up.

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  Forester wont disappoint. Sweet ride. - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Alex - January 18 - 4:26 pm

  Me and my wife just purchased a 2010 Forester on 5/8/2010. Color is pearl, auto w/sport shift, moon roof, 17 in wheels. I love my forester! I have only let my wife drive it once. I havent run across anyone that hasnt liked Pearl. The Forester is liked by adults/children, men and women doesnt matter its a great car and very liked or loved depending on your point of view. Love the moon room. The passengers love the space. I love the cargo area and the adjustable drivers seat! It handles like a dream especially on rough surfaces, tight corners and in the rain. You will not be disappointed. Sweet ride! Get one!

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  "Bummer" Should have been recalled! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Woody - January 18 - 10:00 am

  During my 160,000 miles I have had to replace the catalytic converters 3 times and now that inspection is due wouldn’t you know it engine light is on and needs another catalytic converter. Both front windows after 1 year leak air flow sounds like a whistling jet is landing no satisfaction from the dealer or Subaru.