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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  2016 WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Ron - April 30 - 12:07 pm

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  Unbeatable value for the money - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Ralf A. - April 30 - 6:33 am

  The Forester is a well rounded small SUV, performing well in all disciplines. This small SUV is more fun to drive than many cars or wagons. It literally sticks to the road like glue. This is my first permanent AWD vehicle and after getting used to the different feel of driving - I really came to like it. It could use some more hp but I guess youd have to buy the XT for that. The reliability is outstanding. Some of the interior materials and finishing seem a little cheap. The backseat is cramped even with two small children and very small compared e.g. to the Honda CRV. Dealership and service are very good.

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  versatile communter - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Fredd - April 28 - 11:14 pm

  Engine gaskets and CV boots only real issues over 12 years. I have taken it cross country (Wash to Maine), non turbo struggles up hills at higher altitudes (Idaho, Montana), gearing is great for best gas mileage @ 65 mph, drops considerably when up at 75 mph handles rain or snow with aplomb. Subaru need to update design and make a newer model within the next few years so I can buy my final BAJA

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  Great utility vehicle - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Josh - April 28 - 9:43 pm

  Im not gross speeder, but I typically go with the flow of traffic. In CA, its about 80 mph. The Forester has no problem cruising at such speeds; the annoyance is the acceleration up to that speed. The 0-60 times are on par with a Prius, no joke. The vehicle is a good height to get into and out of. The doors open a full 90 degrees. The sheet metal on the car, combined with the very light plastics give the overall first impression of cheap, but no problems to report. Driving dynamics on the road are decent for an SUV, but suffers from understeer in emergency handling. Transmission is easily confused in certain situations.

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  Only a week - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By gar - April 28 - 8:51 pm

  I have been in the car a whole week. However, I am really happy I bought the Outback. Very comfortable, extremely quiet on the inside.... so far I think it is one special vehicle.

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  Green Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - April 28 - 3:43 pm

  I saw the car on the lot and fell in love with the color (Willow Green) for starters. Thought the flared fenders and rugged looks were awesome. I took it for a ride and the seamless power from 0 to 70 was awesome. It does have a few second delay when you step on it so If you are counting on the 250 horses to make up for the close pull out in traffic, think before you put your nose out there. The huge sunroof is a bit chattery when closed and almost impossible to have open while going over 50 from the wind noise. I tried to buy a sunroof deflector from the dealer and the one listed ONLY fits the sedan, not the wagon.

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  1999 Forester S - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By FrankS - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been very satisfied. It has done what I expected it to do. Goes in snow. Minor(to me) repairs: LR wheel bearing, front struts. 60,000-mile belt replacement is a blow.

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  Ol Reliable - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By snowmobile - April 27 - 9:53 pm

  This is my second Subaru wagon. I love the versatility of the vehicle, and the knowledge that it will get you where you want to go no matter what. If you can live with the lack of style, mediocre gas mileage, and lack of get up and go, this is a great vehicle. It is much more spirited with a manual transmission. Gas mileage is great compared to any SUV, however is not up to par with any front or rear wheel drive vehicle. That being stated, the AWD is impressive in rain, snow, and mud. This is an excellent alternative to a small or mid-size SUV. Reliability is uncompromised, Subaru owners generally purchase Subarus again and again.

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  Second Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Phil - April 27 - 9:46 am

  Had a 2000 Forester and replaced it with the 2005 after looking at CRV, RAV4 and Sportage. Though few visible changes, I can see great improvements over the 2000 model in mileage, acceleration and interior trim. This is my third Subaru and they cant be beat for cold climates.

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  Virgin2 Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By silencedogoode - April 26 - 9:32 am

  After over 25 faithful years to UAW built car, that was it. GM left me hang again. I first bought a 97 Corolla, too small, and bad on the northern Michigan snow. I spotted my 09 Outback, blue with silver on the bottom online, and went for a test drive. I admit,,I had pudding face. Its now late 2011, my used 09 with 24K mi drives better than my Trailblazer did new. I have owned this car all summer, and love driving it. MPG is 28-29 hwy, and I am ready for another road trip. I will buy a brand new Outback as soon as Subaru improves the look over the 2012. Thats one ugly stepchild to the 05-09. Never fear leaving the UAW behind.