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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  New to Subaru - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Patti - March 14 - 12:31 am

  Having driven Hondas for many years, & deciding it was time to give up my Honda Pilot of 13 years, & decided to downsize, I chose a Subaru because of its safety features and realiability. I also ski in the winter, & weather & road conditions in our area can be pretty tricky at times, but with the all wheel drive I hope to get great traction. My lease specialist (Brad Lunar) was very thorough throughout the entire process and made me feel comfortable with his expertise.

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  2nd Subaru - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By George - March 13 - 9:50 pm

  I just sold my 7 year old 2002 Legacy Wagon L,with 215,000 miles. It was very hard to part with,since it never let me down and will give the new owner many more thousands of miles. I upgraded to the Special Edition 5 speed Outback on 11/01/08. The test drive sold me. I drive extensively in both city and highway. This is a non-pretentious car that is as good looking at the campground as it is pulling up to a top Manhattan restaurant. I expect the same reliability and longevity. I also expect greater mpg than listed, since I did experience the same on my prior Subaru Wagon. Also,annual maintenance is relatively inexpensive and resale value is high.

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  A Good Car Made Better - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Spoolie - March 12 - 1:21 pm

  Took a 2018 Legacy Premium lease late August. Aside from a small software problem Subbru has promised a fix for soon, this is a much, much better car than the 2104, and quite a bit better than the 2011 we liked more than the 2014. Fixes: 1) much less tiring steering feel, 2) much quietier, especially the drivetrain & transmission 3) seating more comfortable, 4) ride/suspension vastly improved, and 5) a bunch of small but important interior feature/comfort changes. The most dramatic improvement was the highway mileage; our last trip at 74 mph on a pretty hilly NYS Thruway was 39+ mpg for the 250 miles - pretty good for a pretty good sized AWD car. That is about 33% better than the about 30 mpg for the 2014. City mileage is just a little better. To be redundant, Subaru made some very good and important changes.

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  Good Choice - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Angela - March 12 - 2:00 am

  When the lease was up on our bmx x5, we chose the tribeca. The monthly bill was way less, a little over half of what we were paying for the BMW. All in all, weve been happy with this car. The small gas tank is a bit of a drag. The gas mileage isnt great. But from what I hear, it isnt terribly out of range for a comparable car. Would love a split rear hatch. The door is heavy and hard to pull down with one hand. Ive gotten stronger, though. Theres a bit of a leap when you first touch the gas pedal. Our lease is up in March, and I think well buy this car.

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  Too many other choices to buy this again - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By brinx - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is well thought of for some people. I dont understand why. There are too many good alternatives to this car to buy another one. Normal recommended maintenance is expensive and add in wheel bearings and head gaskets and its like buying another car. The car is marketed for harsh weather and service, but it doesnt seem to be built for it. Before buying search on head gaskets and wheel bearings and see if you still want one.

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  Great Ride - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By DMM - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 3.6R Outback and now have 4,000 trouble free miles. Rides very smooth at highway speed and the seats are very comfortable. The outback performs much better than the Jeep and the gas mileage for a six cylinder is fantastic. Took it to the snow and it by far out performed the Jeep. I am very impressed and happy with my Outback.

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  Subaru number 3 - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Tammy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Just brought home the new baby. Traded in my 2007 Outback which had nothing wrong with it at all! I was seeking more room, as we travel a lot. We carry two kayaks across the country with us and these are the best vehicles. The new car is huge! I have more head room than I have every experienced before. The fit and finish is great, handling crisp, features are abundant. This is a lot of car for the money. My husband has a 2009 Forrester and loves it. We are truly a Subaru couple.

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  Little Red Ru Rocks! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By chef tim - March 10 - 4:30 pm

  We had a 2005 2.5 RS that we traded on our 2006 WRX TR. I was absolutely thrilled with the difference in performance. I have owned dozens of Subarus and my experience with new ones is just as pleasurable as with my older ones. We will continue to be loyal Subaru owners well into the future.

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  Fun to Drive, but not on long drives - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By bobjeeps - March 10 - 2:32 pm

  Very fun to drive, handles very well around corners, has a very good solid feeling. Easy to get in and out of and to park. Well laid out control panel. Love the looks of the car, I get allot of complements everywhere I go. Im getting about 26,27 mpg mix driving.

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  Excellent Car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Nick Vintila - March 9 - 11:08 pm

  Be sure to get EyeSight!!!