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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  Impreza 2.5 I hatchback, manual - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By arvid - October 4 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this as a "micro SUV" -- the 2006 RAV4 had only an automatic and was $4000 more. Handling is great; the Impreza moves confidently through snow and heavy rains on hilly roads. With a roof rack, transport capacity is terrific. With some planning, and multiple trips, I can move most the loads that a pickup can take. I tow a 1500 pound camper (towing capacity is 2400 lbs -- largest in this group). The one drawback is lower MPG. I am getting mid 20s. My previous car was a 96 Saturn sedan, which was getting in the mid 30s, but did not have the power, or handling in snow.

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  A costly mistake - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By ranac - October 4 - 10:01 pm

  Ive owned other subarus and thought Id try an SUV. Forresters were generally highly rated. I cant speak for prior year models, but I feel like Subaru really cheaped-out on this one. Pro-large cabin, good all around view, no blind spot, huge moon roof. Cons-cheaply appointed interior, leather seat wrinkled first week. the plastic is incredibly cheap, there is even just a piece of black "paper" behind the steering wheel as a dust protectant, not even vinyl. The body is thin guage steel, and you hear every "ping" from road debris. .The radio quality sounds like an old transistor.I am so disappointed, I am actually looking to trade it in, and take a loss....

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  Pretty Nice - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By shaposky - October 4 - 4:00 pm

  I like my new Outback 2.5i. The only problems I have had with it so far is a malfunctioning airbag system and mediocre (but EPA accurate) gas mileage (Im getting between 23 and 24 mpg in mixed driving). I did average 31 mpg on a recent road trip to New York, though, which was impressive. People dont buy an Outback for its sportiness, but a little of that would have been nice. The cargo area is extremely useful.

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  7 month review - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By S - October 4 - 3:53 am

  So Ive had my Subie (1st time Subie buyer) for 7 months now and here are my thoughts. Overall, I love the vehicle. It handles very well (havent had any snow yet to test the all-wheel) and is quite roomy. The only "problem" that Ive had thus far is the paint on the plastic in the interior doesnt stick to the plastic. The paint literally wore off of the drivers door handle from my knee resting on it while driving! This occurred only after 3 months of ownership. The dealership immediately ordered a new door handle and handled the issue w/ the utmost professionalism. Problem is, when the car is out of warranty, Im stuck w/ the problem. The silver paint scratches off very easily.

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  Baja Turbo is the way to go! - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By trbajalv - October 3 - 9:46 pm

  A very fun truck to drive, feels more like a car. The AWD set up is fantastic. The turbo is the only way to go, it gives the engine the oomph the normally aspirated engines lack. You notice a little turbo lag on the normal auto transmission mode, but shift it to the sport shifter and away you go. The Baja Turbo is worth it.

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  Great Value in CUVs - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By John Cihak - October 3 - 5:06 pm

  First of all, I am writing this review keeping in mind its for a CUV and not a sports car. A traded a 2010 Honda CR-V for my 2016 Forester 2.5i. I also test drove a Honda CR-V, HR-V, and many Subaru models and trims Since I already own a sporty car, my purpose for buying the Forester was practicality. My reasons for picking and loving the Forester over other choices: - Quality of material are superior. The seat fabric feels better and more durable than on the CR-V. The plastic trim feels really nice and is soft-touch in most places. The switch gear (knobs) are very solid. The doors, door panels and seat frame are solid. - The 2.5 boxer engine and CVT provide much better acceleration than my old CR-V. Its on par with the new CR-V but it handles better. - Visibility is outstanding. I feel much safer being able to see around me so well 360 degrees. Most CUVs have poorer visibility. - Subaru AWD is best in class. The OEM tires are mediocre, but that is true of most OEM tires. - Storage space is excellent - on par with the CR-V. - Cabin tech is much better than I was used to. I paired both my wifes and my iPhones. You can set it up to automatically connect to either phone when do so manually when the car starts. I use Apple Music and have steering wheel control of Apple Radio, playlists, albums, etc. Pandora integration is also excellent. It all works over BT or over USB - your choice. - Handling is better than I expected. I drive a very rough, windy road for a few miles each day. The suspension tracks very well and inspires confidence. - MPG is very good. I used to average 24.5 mpg with my 2010 CR-V. In the first 1000 miles I average 28.5 mpg with the Forester. I expect that to get better after break-in, with warmer weather and summer gas. - My dealer was great. I asked them if I could get heated seats added to the base model. They took care of getting them installed (after-market). Considering the Subarus TMV and my trade, they didnt charge me anything for the upgrade. And a few cons: - With the base Forester I got manual seats. I wish they were more adjustable. - Subaru could have provided more storage nooks in the dash Considering the passenger volume, cargo volume, great CUV mileage, and quality, the Forester is a steal.

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  Repeat Outback Owner - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Peter - October 3 - 12:14 am

  This version of the Outback is a significant upgrade from my 2012. The biggest change I notice is a vastly improved transmission. Modern tech, information, entertainment make rides more enjoyable.

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  Good Colorado SUV but..... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Good around town SUV - October 2 - 6:53 pm

  Likes: 1. Excellent handling in the snow, passed many 4x4 trucks and SUVs in a blizzard 2. Stylish, a head turner 3. Big moonroof 4. Fuel economy averages 25 MPG 5. Practical for a 1-2 child family 6. Great cornering and u-turns. Dislikes: 1. Interior is VERY cheap, especially center armrest; small glove box too 2. Fabric already coming away from rear seat reclining button 3. Little storage and poorly designed cup holders 4. SAT radio and I-pod not compatible together, 1 or the other 5. 4 speed automatic, a brick in the mountains and poor mileage at 75 MPH.

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  Great Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By colorado_subie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded up to the 03 LL Bean after owning a Toyota 4Runner for 8 years. It goes everywhere my old car went except very rough roads. You get a lot of car for the $ and the cost of ownership is WAY less than a clunky SUV - insurance and gas both cost a lot less! Very well designed car inside and out.

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  Dashboard readout-washout - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By HSP - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Fine long distance traveling car. Complaint #1. LCD information (mileage, trip odometer time, temp. and radio station) completely washed out on sunny days. Impossible to read. #2 what is the button located on top of stering wheel for lights supposed be used for? How does it differ from light stalk control? #3 Need louder turn signal indicator. #4 emergency brake light should be easier to see. In general, a fine riding car with minor quirks.