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:

• 

  Love my new Subaru XV - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By stickybutfun - January 9 - 7:19 pm

  Finally got my Orange Subaru last week. Put 700 miles on it already and loving it. Sometimes I dont know what people want when they say it lacks power. We can only go so fast going from point A to point B. I rather pick a car that gets me 30mpg than go 0-60 in 4 secs. Less MPG= More use of natural resources= bad for environment. Lets hope gas prices doesnt go up to $6 then you will see what Im talking about. For those that want more power get a sports car, not a practical family car. Car rides smooth, handles great and most importantly gets great gas mileage for a crossover. So far, it is a great car with great styling.

• 

  Fuel Performance - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By rb211 - January 9 - 11:25 am

  Purchased in October. Was getting 29 mpg on average. The cold weather began in mid December and mileage waned. Now January, Polar Vortex in PA, and the mileage is down to no better than 21. Takes quite a while to warm up...thats ok, I have heated seats. Defrost is ok, but it is just fogged windows I have to cope with - not the frost many of you spoke of. But I turn on the defrost or the heater and in auto, the air conditioner compressor is engaged to regulate the set temp. Cant turn it off. RPM goes up 500. OAT is 8 degrees. Dont need AC, just bring in outside air. Not smart engineering there. Is it because of the CVT, Mr. Engineer? Love the car otherwise.

• 

  Impression at 2 weeks after owning the car - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By ChuckC - January 8 - 7:12 pm

  Overall, l love the car. The handling, the active driving safety features, the gas mileage, the ride, ... Would be nice if there are more pocket/compartment for storage. And the car come with so many control/info features, it would take sometime to get to know and use.

• 

  Cant get this car any more; too bad - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By osvolant - January 8 - 6:10 pm

  I love the turbo engine. Getting 24 mpg routinely in suburban/highway driving. Leather seats in Limited trim very comfortable and main reason I didnt buy the Sport. Noisy at highway speeds. Very practical for light off-roading, trailer towing, hauling bikes, dogs, etc. with enough zip to make it fun (more sports car than SUV feel). Good in snow and mud, even towing trailer. Manual trans not available with turbo in 09- glad I got mine.

• 

  Superb All Weather Grand Touring Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Frank - January 8 - 11:23 am

  The 06 Spec.B is superb all weather grand touring car. This car does everything well. The Bilstien suspension is simply amazing. Smooth while cruising and even better on rough roads and/or when driving enthusiastically. The 2.5 turboed boxer engine is powerful with very little turbo lag with a 5 speed manual transmission that is a near perfect match for the huge amount of torque available. Ive owned her for 60k miles and I simply love every chance I get to drive her. With winter tires (or aggressive all seasons (the OEM ones are summer performance)), it will go through just about anything. For the money, the Spec.B is the greatest bang for your motoring buck in the automotive world.

• 

  Love this car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Headshrink - January 8 - 4:53 am

  Driving it for under a week and love it so far. It handles very well and is getting great gas mileage around town. The 2.5 gets the job done but is nothing to brag about. Considering it is a 4 cylinder though, I am impressed. I also really enjoy the paddle shifters. The interior is very well done and the seats are comfortable. I have a lower back problem and generally need to use a back pad for driving, but not on this car.

• 

  2001 Outback -lots of time in shop - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Olympia - January 7 - 11:36 pm

  Started off with a burning smell, at purchase (new). Months later, found an oil leak, but no help from dealer. Have gotten regular service w/ trusted mechanic. Head gaskets replaced. Front light replaced - out of order w/in a month. Problems with rotors - smoothed many times, replaced more than wed like. Sigh. This car has not been worth the hassle and we wont buy another Subaru.

• 

  Good car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Charles - January 7 - 12:06 pm

  Great car. Only improvements could be more interior lighting when the doors are opened at night and more power under the hood. Otherwise, I would say this car is amazing. It functions well, is incredibly safe (I emerged unscratched in a head on collision), and looks great.

• 

  Speak softly, carry a big stick! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Nuvolari - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. There is little turbo-lag, the gears are well matched to the engine. Its a comfortable car for something of its modest exterior dimensions and is extremely maneuverable in tight spots despite high cargo volume and practicality. Fit and finish is superior. Every car is a compromise: Subaru has attained perfection. You can buy a slightly faster sports car that is far less practical. You can buy a slightly more comfortable euro wagon that is twice as expensive. You can buy a minivan thats somewhat more practical but completely not fun to drive.

• 

  Engine Trouble - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Clooney - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Love teh car most of the time, but it keeps shutting off without warning while driving slow or at a stand still. Subaru so far hasnt been able to find the problem or fix it.