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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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Tom - December 11 - 5:36 pm

  Ive never owned a Subaru before and I can see why most people who own them think they are great. I cant say anything bad about it and with the snow that we have had in the midwest this winter, I am very impressed by how well it handles deep snow. I have owned several Jeeps and it is every bit as good in the snow as any Jeep I have ever owned, but with much better fuel economy. This is the best suv bargain out there.

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  Great Car - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Carolyn Mitzen - December 11 - 11:53 am

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  First new car in 13 years - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By k costello - December 10 - 2:49 pm

  My 2017 Forester gave me exactly what I was looking for - good visibility out of windows, logical controls, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot. Acceleration and power have been good.

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  Not quite there - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Mide - December 10 - 12:26 pm

  On paper the car has everything a person needs, but in reality it is lacking at a few areas. First off the 4-speed auto is bad. It is in dire need of 1 more gear. You have to put it into 2nd in order to have any sort of acceleration. Next is the paint quality. It really sucks. There are chips everywhere. Lastly is build quality. The steering-wheel control of the audio system barely works and I have to press very hard to get it to function. Because it still "works" the dealership wont fix the problem. Because of this, it will be the last Subaru I ever purchase. If I could do it again I would not purchase this car.

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  First Subaru - 2015 Outback 3.6R - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By echodave2004 - December 10 - 4:29 am

  Was originally interested in the 4cyl Forester, but after reading about Oil Consumption Issues with the 4cyl engines, decided to go for the 6cyl Outback. The 6 cyl with the CVT is very Smooth/Quiet and has nice pep. There is a little lean with turns, but no big deal (taller car). The interior and infotainment system is much improved over previous models. Speakers are clear, but seem to lack some depth to the sound. USB ports are GREAT for music. Did not get the eyesight/nav system cause of the extra cost. LOVE the blindspot monitoring system. Very happy with the purchase and look forward to the next 10+ years with this vehicle. Bring on Winter!!

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  Subaru STi Rocks - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bulletboss - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I planned to test drive a number of performance 4-door sedans, but then I test drove an STi and was so blown away I bought it on the spot. This has to be one of the best, if not THE best, high performance car bargain ever. I dig everything about my STi and have to open the door to my garage several times a night just to gaze upon my resting blue devil waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting motoring public. As a bonus, I have instant respect from the fast & furious crowd (and even the grayinig, detroit iron bably boomer crowd, of which I am one) anytime I pull up to the gas pump or stop by the local cruise night. This car rocks!

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  So close to great but ride spoils it. - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By edgecomber - December 8 - 3:56 pm

  Just purchased a 2015 Forester Touring 2.5 without NAV or Eyesight. Im not totally convinced I made the right decision. The car feels solid, accelerates more than adequately for my driving style, love the CVT (always has torque on tap when you want it), fuel economy so far is amazing (going by trip computer), Harmon Kardon stereo is excellent, HID headlights light up the road. So why the doubts? First the ride is hobby horse rocky on poor roads. There was a section of I-5 where I thought the vehicle had a mechanical problem it was rocking so much. Second, the Bluetooth phone implementation is unacceptable in a 2015 car. I hope I get used to the ride but Im not optimistic.

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  STI Special Edition - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By solly - December 8 - 2:50 am

  I just traded in my 2002 WRX (which I loved and which took me over 108,000 miles without a hiccup, but was getting a bit shabby)for this "Special Edition" STI. The acceleration, grip levels and cornering are mind-boggling for a 4 door car. I thought my old WRX was quick but this thing is a rocket ship. Easy to drive and stable at high speeds. Driver-controllable differentials and driver- controlled "sport", "sport plus" and "intelligent" settings for either raw power in the twisties or relaxed economical highway driving. The body style is aggressive with wide wheel arches and the JDM wheels with summer tires. Interior could be more luxurious but I bought the car to drive, not live in. Love it

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  Exceeds Expectations! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ladywclass - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of new cars including several Suburbans. With kids grown and a move to snow country, I bought the OB new and have found it to be the best car I have owned in my life. Any other cars had to be taken back to the dealer within about 2 weeks with a long list of fixes. (Maybe they lowered my expectations for this car ... lol) I looked for several months before buying, and had intended to purchase a small SUV. The OB gave me the best of two worlds - the AWD and the hauling capacity of a small SUV with the comfort and better ride of a nice car.

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  04 Forester XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Scott - December 7 - 3:46 am

  Excellent car. The build feels solid, I have owned this car for about 2 years now with no problems at all. The all wheel drive combined with the 210 hp turbo engine is great in the hills. This car is awesome in the snow, never any problems at all navigating in snow. It also grips well in dry and wet weather, I feel very safe in this car. Excellent ground clearance, never any issues on mtn roads. The interior seems solid, no creaks or rattles or anything falling apart. I think for the money you cant get a better car.