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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  As promised - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By acura convert - June 17 - 4:20 am

  Its a low cost crossover. I read the other reviews and it seem like people are expecting luxury grade materials. You probably should have driven past the Subaru dealership if you were looking for a German luxury ride. This car is a great value. It does everything well enough and should be pretty reliable. Not flashy, but very competent. I wanted a good mix of MPG, space, and snow handling, so it was perfect. My previous car was an Acura sports coupe, so driving a mini SUV is a little bit of a letdown in terms of handling, but that trade off comes with safety and versatility that I was lacking before. The stereo is pretty bad, but I will replace it soon enough. Also, no rattles so far

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  Its got its tweaks....but Id purchase it again! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Stephanie Rutledge - June 16 - 8:39 am

  This car has probably got the greatest turning radius of any vehicle Ive ever been in...it practically turns on its hind wheels! Very easy to park...parallel parking is a snap with the turning ability and the backup camera. Its solid on the road - although I havent tried it in snow...I have taken it on rutted dirt roads and it drives like a dream. The pickup is smooth and instantaneous (which is what I wanted...I wanted those ponies to race getting onto a freeway....and they do :) ) For a 4 cylinder engine...its got some moves. Mileage is a little less than Id hoped, but not too bad. Its a heavier vehicle (obviously) than my Honda civic so Im putting gas in it about a third more often than before (most of my weekly driving is in town) but it takes regular so the cost isnt outrageous. The interior design is stellar...there are almost NO blind spots in this car! The entertainment center and the climate control are my biggest disappointments. I got the basic package...and the sound system is less than wonderful. Its ok but...could be better. The climate control is a little difficult to maneuver while driving and I would have preferred something other than dials. A better design would have been to place that portion of the dash at an angle to make it more available to the driver. The control keys on the steering wheel take a little getting used to....and the Bluetooth can be a little frustratingly slow and cumbersome. Outside of those tweaks...Id still buy this car. Im enjoying every minute I drive it.

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  9 months of driving - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By john - June 15 - 5:43 pm

  Between myself and my wife we have had 5 Subaru outbacks, two of which have been LLBean editions, and three had leather interior. This car carries me alone and I have had the drivers seat cover replaced 3 times so far and coming up on 4, because of abrasions in the leather surface. Subaru has replaced the seat hardware supposedly and adjusted the frame, nothing seems to correct this problem so far. My only deduction is that since my last LLBean in 2002, the seat material quality has declined. Subaru does not indicate to me that they have any major issue with the leather seating.

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  Not a car for the snow - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mi - June 15 - 2:42 am

  If you drive in real snow conditions this is not a car you will want. My wife and I have owned 5 Subarus and this is an absolute disaster. Traffic was stopped on a slight incline on a mountain road as we moved forward the Subaru lost traction and slid all the way across the on coming lane into the snow bank. Tires in excellent condition but this Subaru will not grip the road as my others have. All kinds of other cars and trucks did not have the same problem. Fortunately the oncoming lane was clear as I slid across the road. It took 3 guys pushing to get us out of the snow bank. Car continued to slip and slide when others did not. AWD in this car has design flaw. Do not trust it except on flat roads it is ok.

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  2010 Subaru Legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joseph - June 15 - 12:50 am

  After test driving the Ford Fusion (nice vehicle), Toyota Camry and the Subaru Legacy and carefully researching all three, I decided to purchase the Subaru Legacy (1st time Subaru owner). The Subaru was the only AWD vehicle I tested out of the three. It was fun to drive and held the road very well. I tested the Subaru on an absolutely nasty day (rain all day) and it responded very well. I have owned my Subaru for over a month and cant wait to get behind the wheel.

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  LL Beam - Best Buy In Its Class - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By TerryLee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  All things considered, this car offers the best value comparing to its rivals such as Passat, A4 and XC or V70. The engine is smooth though its lack of low- end torque. Teh built quality is excellent and teh ride is very comfortable. I have been averaging 24- 26 mpg doing mixed commute. The only thing this car is missing is its reputation in the luxury car semnet.

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  Smooth Operator - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Luvoursubby - June 12 - 8:16 pm

  We absolutely luv to drive our Tribeca. Have taken on two long trips and will not give up the wheel. Visually styling is distinct and pleasing. Interior cockpit feels young and vibrant. Exterior side and rear view especially is downright cool. No issues thus far in 16K miles except Nav system freeze up, but replaced immediatly. Mechanically sound as Lexus or Acura.

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  Perfect "sports" SUV - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Teresa Parker - June 11 - 8:20 pm

  I have missed driving a sports car but love the ability to sit up a bit higher in a SUV. The Subaru Forester combines both for me. It handles like a sports car but has the advantages of an SUV. LOVE IT!

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  Okay First Impression From First Subaru - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By cor1 - June 11 - 1:49 am

  I leased a 2011 Impreza Outback Sport (all weather package) in April 2011. Ive since put about 18k miles on it and am reasonably satisfied with it so far. Its not a performance model but its fun to drive and with the seats folded down I get plenty of space to haul things like my entire acoustic drum set. Its your typical, versatile Subaru, but the the quality of the interior is a bit lacking. The seats cloth is thin and feels flimsy. The front passenger door has rattled from the speakers bass since day 1. The driver side head rest wobbles a bit. I can even feel where the posts end in the seat-back when I lean my head against it. Also the center console latch broke 3 weeks in.

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  Rust - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By tuscansun - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I noticed very early on the car tended to rust some. This concerned me because of Subarus reputation for rust. There are several spots but the dealer does not acknowledge a problem. On the postive side the car handles well and goes extremely well in snow. I would definitely purchase another one if the rusting situation can be resolved.