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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  They give you what they advertise - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Tamuz1972 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The forester delivers what Subaru advertises, a stable, easy to maintain, reliable and safe car that makes for a highly enjoyable ride. Over the past 5 years Ive really put it through its paces by hauling, mountain driving and using it as a intracity commuter car in all kinds of weather. I like this car so much I would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Fun work days and weekends - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By WheelBenderMender - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I use the WRX Wagon for work and pleasure. I truly have to haul "stuff" (wheels) and fold the rear seats down for that. In comparison to a full grown station wagon or truck it is 10 times more fun to drive. I enjoy my "work" becuse of it. Yes, I am looking forward to every haul.

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  stupid fast car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By j man - October 14 - 2:00 am

  the car is just plain amazing the best car for 30,000.00 ever this car makes other sports cars look stupid

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  Satisfied - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By stelatko - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car was purchased for hauling dogs, people, and anything else. It was driven in adverse weather conditions of E. Oregon and E. Washington and it was unstoppable. I concede that it was driven on open roads and in small towns resulting in less stress than heavy traffic. Overall we have been pretty darn satisfied.

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  Recent reviews have been wonky - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Henry - October 13 - 4:53 pm

  Its as if other companies are trying to artificially bring down the rating so I felt compelled to give this car a proper review - throughout the last 5 years, it has repeatedly proven itself as a solid, reliable, and fast car at a steal of a price. There is no way around it.

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  Better than a Malibu - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Kathy - October 13 - 8:32 am

  On average, I drive approx 35k miles per year. I had a 2015 Malibu and it caught on fire while in park and burned to the ground. I now drive the Subaru premium and it is wonderful. Better stability, handling and traction is great both in and out of the rain. The controls are easy to access and the safety features are really nice. Very few blind spots on this car. Hands down, a better built vehicle over Chevy Malibu.

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  My Subie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By john - October 13 - 7:23 am

  Our second Subaru and the last. The maintenance requirements are expensive compared to a Suburban we once had and a Tahoe and a Yukon XL. At 30000 miles expect to pay between 400 and 700 bucks for this Forester. The 4 speed auto trans is a joke.

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  Not so in love anymore - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By lisa - October 13 - 12:36 am

  I have had my Tribeca for 7 months and the bloom is off the rose. I have to open the drivers door and put the seat back so I can reach the gas opener which is hid underneath the seat. This is a problem because I am at the gas station twice a week! The bells ring for the seat belt if you put a gallon of milk on the seat. The drive is becoming stiffer (didnt know that was possible). Had a piece of the dashboard fall off and I dare anyone to find the hood open latch without the manual! I had much better luck with an Outback. Good news is its a lease so the end is in sight. Just doesnt have the Subaru reliability you look for.

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  0 for 2 With My Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dougie Henson - October 10 - 11:46 am

  This was my 2nd Subaru and it will surely be my last. I should have known better after our 93 Legacy wagon broke 2 timing belts, blew a head gasket, and needed both front wheel drive axles replaced-all before 36,000 miles. Nevertheless, I traded it on a new 04 Forester 2.5X because it was the best deal we could get. Never again! The right front wheel well liner came loose and fell out before 10,000 miles. The transmission began to give us trouble at 15,000 miles. The whole car vibrated while turning even though we faithfully had it serviced & the tires rebalanced and rotated every 3,000 miles at the dealers. The windows leaked and whistled in the wind whenever you exceeded 35 MPH. Junk!!!

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  Premium Feel With the Premium Price - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By 08subaru - October 10 - 3:02 am

  Having test driven the Forester we knew this was a very good vehicle & one that bested our older cars (07 and 08 Impreza) in nearly every way. As the miles have passed both my mom and I have become more & more impressed with these vehicles. The ride is sublime, yet the Forester handles like a car half its size with little pronounced body roll. The quality of the interior is vastly improved with a soft touch dash & no squeaks or rattles. Also, this is a very easy car to drive with an incredible visibility & back up camera. And in spite of being bigger and heavier Im already averaging better fuel economy then my Impreza. Subaru has clearly made an incredible car, that is why we bought two!