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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  2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium w/CVT - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Jose Martinez - February 14 - 4:05 pm

  This 2018 Crosstrek is a GREAT CAR, it rides and handles great especially on curvy roads like mountains due to its STANDARD AWD. Fuel economy is really really GREAT, went to Lake Arrowhead and got an average of 30 MPG. Also all the safety features, we purchased our with the Eyesight feature and works great when combined with the cruise control. So far our car has performed great and given us great fuel economy and not to mention the overall safety of 5 stars. Would greatly recommend anyone to test drive the 2018 Crosstrek if your looking for a Crossover/SUV of that size, Im 60" tall and there is plenty of leg/knee room in the rear seats when I sit in the rear and thats leaving the front drivers seat at my position of driving.

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  Some Minor Complaints - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ORTravis - February 12 - 3:40 am

  We chose this car because of the rear seat room, which is plentiful. Overall the car is great. Its comfortable and the MPG is great for an AWD vehicle. I also like the rack system. I have had issues with the power steering, it seems loud to me. Some other minor complaints: Door cup holders dont accommodate water bottles (in a car marketed to outdoor enthusiasts), no power seat memory, no rear seat vents, windows vibrate when slightly opened, and the turn signals are not very visible from the side (needs additional side signal and even one in the mirror). Finally, the manual says not to use snow chains, which can be a problem in Oregon if you go to the mountains infrequently!

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  What A Car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By socalguy1 - February 11 - 10:06 pm

  Just leased a black GT limited in manual transmission. Love it! This car is so much fun to drive - especially in the stick. We looked at the 3 series Bimmer, Audi A4, Nissan Maxima, and other sporty sedans and they could not touch this car for power. Might get better handling in a German car but would have to pay several thousand more. I now look forward to my commute.

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  I LOVE this car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By bashopoem - February 11 - 11:36 am

  After researching and test-driving many of the cars in the LGTs class, including the Lexus IS350, I found that the Subaru LGT is hands-down the best deal out there. It handles better than the Lexus and Volvo S60R, is faster than both the BMW 3-series and the Audi A4, and costs thousands of dollars less than all of them. This car is a pleasure to drive. My only complaint is that the seats do not have a memory function, but thats small potatoes compared to everything you get for the price. I highly recommend you take one for a test drive.

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  More than OK - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Chris22 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Handles great, especially in snow and on ice though I did put on dedicated winter tires. Replaced my Ford Explorer due to rising gas prices. Drive 50 miles or more per day, no problems in over a year. Accceleration OK, gateless shifter a plus when getting up to speed in a hurry. One issue, auto setting on temp controls not very useful in extreme cold or heat, takes too long to compensate. Works well the rest of the time.

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  awsome - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By stii - February 11 - 10:00 am

  the car is wasome the 6 speed is awsome and the car hauls ass

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  Just what I wanted - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By car37 - February 10 - 11:50 pm

  I am very pleased with my Forester XT. It is fun to drive, just the right size, nicely designed though not flashy. The right price/value for the overall package. I will upgrade tires, battery and brakes when the time comes to replace for better performance and on battery for stronger starts in cold weather. I have gained a number of paint chips on the front (in 5.5 months which Im not happy about and need to get fixed. I wonder if I should install a "clear bra" or some other type of paint protection. I also wish Id purchased the cargo nets for the back to hold basics like extra washer fluid. Id buy another one for sure!

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  Only gets better - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DK - February 10 - 10:56 pm

  Last week I came upon a brand new Jeep stuck in a four ft. snowdrift. The owner (a 20 something male) was testing his new car in the snow. I drove into the snow drift next to him, rolled down the window and offered to call the tow guy. Sheepishly he told me his dad was coming. Put my Subaru into reverse and drove away. This weekend was in Tucson parked at a resort surrounded by 100s of Lexus (the official car of golf resorts) I watched as several people passed by and looked at our car, puzzled as to the new look. My biggest fear was to get run over by an out of control Lexus. In summary, Subaru - rough and wild in the woods and civilized and classy when needed.

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  The Car I almost Overlooked ! - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By diehard080 - February 9 - 7:38 am

  I had been shopping for a good week and I wanted something that would work for our family of three ( 9 year old boy ) and my wife . I didnt want to waste ridiculous time examining all the possibilities as it gets to the point where your life is consumed in details and these car sites and magazines , dealers , commercials all are the fuel for this confusion and frustration in that what ever car is :the best " or whatever spin they have that day . I wanted the every thing car but NOT an SUV , NOT a crossover but a Reasonably priced sedan that would be a errand runner , dinner limo , tahoe cruiser and more. Well It was Camry, Accord , Chevy Cruise , Ford Fusion . Then I am watching TV ...

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  legacy 35th manual wagon - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By frog - February 7 - 10:00 am

  counter the counterspin- The power on this car, especially low down and especially in the 5-speed, is terrific. I am more than happy with the engines response, from in town to highway trips, and I like to keep the SPORT in driving. The handleing on these cars is telepathic. They grip from all four corners, stay flat and remain predictable. The braking gets some complaints, but I hve seen no issues in the first 6K. Interior is handsome, seats fit well after break- in, I recommend lifting them slightly up off their lower setting, and tilting the seat relatively far back to give it a more roomy feel.