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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  Overall Excellent small SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Jborman - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with the Forester 2003 (Premium Package included). This SUV is loaded and not missing a feature. The premium sound system is awesome. The handling is great & I have already driven in bad weather and felt very safe. The reviews at Consumer Reports highly recommended the Forester & I can see why!

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  awesome car! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Priscilla Mark - February 15 - 9:15 pm

  This is a great car and Rafferty Subaru was a great dealership .

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  Was not expecting this - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Grappas - February 14 - 8:40 pm

  Coming from a family that has driven Mercedes Benz for 30+ years I was amazed at the level of refinement the Legacy has. I had looked at the Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Acura TSX, Lexus is 250, BMW 3 series, and Audi 4 series. Nothing strucka balance between performance, value and refinement like the Legacy. Hats of to Subaru for building such an amazing car. Everytime I drive the car I wonder how the hell Subaru makes any money selling this car for so cheap. I would have easily paid another 2000-3000 more without blinking an eye. This car fell short on HP for my heavy right foot but makes up for it with an ultra smooth CVT gear box.

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  If you love to drive - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Brad in OH - February 14 - 7:58 pm

  I have had my 2017 WRX (CVT) for almost a year and I can honestly say that I still make excuses to drive it. I have never driven another car that is so much fun. There is just something about the combination of the synchronous awd, the low center of gravity, the power and suspension. I actively look for curving roads just for the thrill of cornering. I have owned many cars over the years, from Hondas to Volvos. My first Subaru was a 2011 Legacy GT. While I loved the drive, I hated the transmission. It was tricky and a complete pain in city traffic. After trading it in for a more mundane sedan I realized how much I missed the drive. When I learned that the WRX was available with a CVT, I was immediately sold. I dont mind the very stiff ride, as that road feel is a part of the appeal. There are times that I wish it were a bit quieter, but not so much that I would consider giving it up.

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  Awsome Bad Weather Commuter - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By NY12549 - February 14 - 11:36 am

  My 3rd Subaru, 1st Forester. Did the research..again.. and still cant find a reasonably priced vehicle that can beat Subaru for quality and AWD. Considered CR-V, RAV4, Element & Rogue, none compare to Subaru AWD system. Purchased for 140 mi round trip commuting from far northern burbs to NYC. Drove in the recent 2010 storm known as the "snowicane" on some stretches of 10" unplowed snow highway and back roads and it almost felt like I was on a dry track. Put many 4wd trucks that were in ditches to shame. Even climbed an unplowed steep hill that a Nissan Rogue had to retreat from. Currently have 5500 miles. 28 MPG hwy @ 70 - 80 MPH, 25 MPG overall in mixed town/hwy.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By H WILSON - February 14 - 11:23 am

  I didnt want to buy this car, it was my husbands idea. But now. . . I LOVE THIS CAR! My husband is a new car addict so I can honestly say that Ive owned or at least driven most cars all years and models, but no other car seems to compare. The speed, handling, fuel economy, snow driving, look, comfort. I just cant compare it to any other vehicle out there. This car is my number one!

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  My Perfect SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MAPLESNOW - February 11 - 11:26 pm

  This is my 6th Subaru, but in between Ive owned Toyotas and Chevys. Before Subaru Ive owned just about all makes of mid-priced cars. This Forester (my 4th) has great styling, a comfortable well put together interior, and best of all, full time AWD. Once you own a Subaru you always wonder why youd buy anything else. The cars starts easily, drives flawlessly and is greatly admired by people at work and on the street. A black Forester with black leather and dark tinted windows is one classy ride. Storage room is great, the stereo system is clear and easy to use and the huge sunroof is a pleasure. One thing I do know... all future cars for me will start with the word Subaru!

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  Unlimited Love for My Limited - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mickey - February 11 - 8:20 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Bought it as a used fleet vehicle with 8k miles. Much better than my 98 Outback. Plenty of smooth power for a 4 cylinder. I cant understand why reviewers constantly dis this engine as being slow. Puts out like a small six in my opinion with plenty of low end torque. I drove a 4 cylinder Camry SE recently and cant understand what all the fuss is about. Subie is much more refined and quicker and the interior design and materials are far superior. I have driven this car in all sorts of conditions for 20K miles and reliability has been flawless. Two friends who own loaded 5 series BMWs were extremely impressed by interior design and comfort of this car.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By cargirl38 - February 10 - 10:29 am

  Got a bug one day and decided to buy an Outback! Picked it up yesterday and am absolutely loving it! Traded in my Mazda CX 7 for better gas mileage, regular 87 octane and Standard AWD. A really practical, rugged, comfortable car. I really cannot say enough good thing and am totally happy with my choice!

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  Great LITTLE SUV - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By RoadRunner47 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  AWD is great. A fun/utilitarian car for my 56" wife. Extra weight helps on long trips. Im glad I bought the upgraded "S" model versus "L". Leather interior is nice but small. Cupholders awkward. Yokohama tires were subpar--a lot of noise and picked up several nails. Electrical connector for air conditioner came apart several times. Speakers sound tinny. Good gas mileage, but would prefer V6 for more power and weight.