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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  Fun to drive go anywhere vehicle - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I agree with everyone about rattles. There is some issue with interior finishing that causes minor rattles. For me its far from annoying and dealer will fix it. Will post the output after fix. For now I just pump up the music and enjoy the ride. Trust me, get a manual if you want to enjoy driving forester without sacrificing money with the XT. Cornering the vehicle and driving over rough roads is pure pleasure. Went on a 400 mile trip and I was least tired. You wont even feel the fatigue of long trips. It handles winding roads exceptionally well. Down shift to 4th and it will take up any hill incline on freeways. Hill incline assist is nice. Looking forward to winters driving on ice.

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  An SUV that wont break your bank - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Subaru66 - September 6 - 10:00 am

  After my sister test drove the Legacy, i was impressed and had to have one. Needed the space of the Outback, so traded my 10 Altima. Great Seats, backup camera. Gas mileage from MD to FL was 29 MPG at 70+ mph. I dont drive a true city, but getting 23-24 in and around, good for a car that weights 3500 lbs. I have about 2500 miles on it now. Got the Black, yea, i know, FL, hot, humid hard water, but it looks sharp. Car floats into turns, guess due to the weight and the tires. Wonder if a set of Mich. will resolve this?

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  An honest Car! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By clobrun - September 5 - 2:11 pm

  Before I bought my Forester 2.5XT, I did a lot of research and tried many vehicles of the same type. Driving the Subaru for the first time was an interesting experience. The vehicle did exactly what the maker said it would do. Nothing more, nothing less. There were no surprises. I love my Forester a whole lot. It is great on the road and has plenty of power. You are not overwhelmed by the gadgetry. It is plain but very efficient. It has everything I need. I feel secure in it. In all, it does not disappoint. It gives you exactly what it says it will give. An honest all around vehicle.

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  Seats hurt - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Wexler - September 5 - 12:23 pm

  I am 511 and the steering wheel is too far away (doesnt telescope) when I have the seat back almost all the way. The seats are too hard and there is lousy foot/leg room. It handles very well and is quiet. Average 20.4 mpg over 8,000 miles. Not enough passenger compartment storage. Transmission does what it wants to do, not always what you want. Brakes sometimes feel soft, but still do the job. Ride is good except over uneven surfaces, when it becomes too bouncy, like a Jeep. Overall, a solid car, but not a very comfortable car.

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  1st time subaru owner - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By s Kaiser - September 5 - 11:57 am

  if you are going to use the roof rack, there are a couple of options for the rails. be sure to look at each type for the one that best suits your needs. check out the tires. not sure if a particular model always has this same tire brand but worth checking it out depending on your driving conditions you are most concerned about.

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  once you owned one - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By sherry - September 4 - 2:26 pm

  I have had great experience with my subarus I feel VERY comfortable, and/confident with the handleing and performance of these cars. I had a 96 subaru, traded it for the 2005 I never had any problems during the time with the 96. Was never in the shop for anything!! Maintenance Free, other than 3,ooo mi.oil changes and I did have the timing belts changes @60,000 for maintenance, it was a gem! So I knew that my new car was going to be another Subaru

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  I love it! I love it! I love it! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By ejgauthier - September 3 - 11:13 pm

  What can I say,still smitten after 5 years! Peppy, reliable, safe, still looks like new with this black leather with white exterior. Big windows make the big sky bigger. BIG sunroof turns my Subie into a convertible. Comfy inside, pleny of room too. Love the sporty driving appeal with low center of gravity yet high clearance. Its the perfect car for the mountains and highways where Canadian winters go on and on and on! Did I mention I loved my SUV(Subie Utility Vehicle).

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  Great car. - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By cranky consumer - September 3 - 1:23 pm

  700 miles in. Seats are comfortable on 2hr+ drives. Cargo space is great. MPG is reasonable. Sunroof noise is fine at 65 and only gets annoying at ~80. The visibility is fantastic.

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  GREAT SEDAN - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By dfw outback - September 2 - 2:53 pm

  this car does it all. I love to drive it when my wife finally allows me to have the keys... we have two children and have taken some family trips with plenty of room for everyone. great car.

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  Fun Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By pmac - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a wise choice for a small SUV. It handles surprisly well on the road and has very good visability. I didnt expect as much quickness from a four cylinder. Decline the winter package and buy a remote starter.