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 owners view of Subaru 2014 Touring model Forester - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By subieone - September 25 - 8:40 am

  This is our 2nd foester- we have a 2011 Touring model as well as the new 2014 Touring model ( i vesrsions) The cars are very differant, might as well be made by 2 differant companies , they so unalike- The major differances are improvements to the tranny (now CVT) smoother than the 4 gear jobby of our 2011-- beter gas mileage (3 to 4 miles per gal improvement) We have the A/C on continually , so do not get EPA standard ratings( 24/32 mpg)_pay a penalty of about 4 m/p/g less on average- BUT the improvement of the 2011 Touring model is a average of 3 to 5 m/p/g - __ Interior very roomy- STARK

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  Better then my BMW - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By pennfootball71 - September 25 - 4:50 am

  I traded in a 2001 BMW 330Ci Convertible for this machine. The Subaru has a better ride, handles better, has better room and comfort and even has a CD player my BMW was sans of. Higher RPMs the engine was getting tired so I added a Subaru Performance Tuning Exhaust and a K&N air filter that did the trick and it pulls hard all the way to redline now with no flat spots like before. Short throw shifter took away "notchyness" as well as a more comfortable MOMO shift knob. I have 3000 miles on the car and it is a dream to drive, and has a great ride. If you need something more hardcore buy an STI or the 09 WRX next year if you must have gumball tires that last 20 minutes!

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  Thank You Subaru!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Engineer - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is an absolute pleasure to drive. Very solid, incredible handling, and of course the power!!

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  A Subaru alternative for Allroad, X3, GLC shoppers - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By David Bartholomew - September 24 - 9:28 am

  My new 2017 Outback Touring has it all. This car feels like a luxury class vehicle but costs 10 grand less than other similarly equipped Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Loving the Java brown leather and wood grain interior. The 3.6 engine is quiet and powerful. The infotainment center and iPhone integration are a big disappointment. Come on Subaru, invest in CarPlay. Leave software development to the specialists at Apple and stick to what you do best, engineering cars. Update after winter driving experience: Weve had a big winter in California this year and my new Subaru has proven to be a reliable, capable winter driving machine. On several occasions in heavy blizzard conditions the Suby proved a mastery of traction and control in difficult circumstances. The symetrical AWD system really is superior. Ive owned other 4wd vehicles in the past, but the Subaru traction control system is "smart". In once incident I was in heavy ice and snow on uneven terrain. I slowly turned around and gave it the gas in an attempt to pop over some deep snow. But the Subaru AWD "brain" took control over the accelerator and instead of speeding up to pop over the snow as I intended, it slowed the wheels and gradually applied traction with deliberation to the wheels that had traction. This surprised me. The car simply rolled forward over the slippery bits in complete control, applying power to the wheels that had effect. Ive also grown very fond of the Eyesight system. Long drives and heavy highway traffic are easier with adaptive cruise control. I use it all the time now. It makes the drive to Tahoe from the Bay area much easier, especially when the traffic slows. I like the way the car matches the speed of the car in front and keeps the distance. I feel safer. Im happy with my decision to get this car.

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  Excellent Car, Excellent Price - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Larry Eckman - September 24 - 3:10 am

  This is my first Subaru and I am impressed. Excellent quality and fun to drive in the snow and rain. Sure-footed AWD and good traction make this a pleasure in foul weather. I highly recommend Subaru Forester as an alternative to higher priced gas guzzling SUVs.

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  SO FAR GREAT CAR!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ColoCubbie - September 23 - 12:53 am

  Went through the usual comparisons and narrowed it down to the Forrester XT and the Rav 4 six cylinder. Living at altitude in CO, I wanted an SUV that had some power to easily get up steep grades. I liked the look of the Forrester and the fact that the Subbie AWD felt superior to Toyotas 4WD. Of course the safety features also helped. Bought the Forrester and have 800 miles on it so far. No regrets at all. The turbo is a blast, the car rides extremely smooth and it looks great in Dark Gray Metallic. The only sacrifice is the extra cash for premium gas... which I balanced out by quitting lattes. Ive been getting 24 MPG in mixed driving which is better than most SUVs.

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  Kills Accord / Camry - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Gomo - September 22 - 3:53 pm

  Had a 96 Camry, traded for 04 Accord, now Im in a Subie and in love. Negatives first - Being an outside sales rep, I need more places to put my wallet, sunglasses, phone, note pad etc. on long drives. My Accord had all of those things, but what it didnt have was the uniqueness and fun to drive characteristics that my new Legacy has. Also, rear seat width is a bit lacking. Cant put 2 adults and a child seat in the back comfortably (couldnt really in my Accord either, but it was more comfy). This car has gotta be the best performing fastest 4 cylinder engine out there! I do 30k miles per year, the last 6k have been the most fun. Oh, best of all I dont feel like just another guy in an Accord/Camry.

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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By socalh2oskier - September 20 - 12:06 am

  I have owned my 05 XT Limited (auto transmission) since Oct. 04. I now have just over 7,000 miles. This car is great! There is some turbo lag, but if you purchase a Cobb Tuning Accessport and remap the ECU, most of the lag disappears and the car is much more linear in power delivery (and gains an extra 30 hp)--definitely worth the $645. I have owned many fine autos--Acura, Lexus, BMW, Jaguar--this Subaru is the best for the money--the interior is classy and comfy--the car is fun to drive, and is one of the more versatile and safe vehicles on the road. Buy it--you will not regret it!

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  First year down, many more to go - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By moon43man - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I researched the mini suvs and bought a 2003 Forester. I was worried about the lack of space, but after a year of use, I no longer have that concern. It really proved itself after hauling my son and all of his stuff 800 miles away to college. With a roof cargo carrier from Sears and the Foresters rear compartment loaded up, I got 28 mpg @ 75 mph. It was a comfortable ride and actually has more leg room than the Safari mini van. The Forester is not as large as my previous vehicles, but then I didnt get 28 mpg with them. I guess there are trade offs with everything, but for a all round, do just about anything vehicle, I am very satisfied with my choice.

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  Fun Crossover SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By BTR - September 17 - 1:33 pm

  The Forester is an awesome crossover SUV. While slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, considering what is included makes it a superior value. This is a truly FUN car / SUV to drive; its peppy engine (largest standard engine in its class) and excellent handling (aided by AWD technology) make it a winner! Lots of room inside, and plenty of storage nooks. A great all-around vehicle - enjoy!