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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  Exciting time in the Premium - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kenneth L. Weaver - November 7 - 10:59 pm

  I came from a 2007 Honda Civic LX, I looked, and test drove most of the main players. I tried the CRV, Rogue, Tiguan, CX-5, and the Outlander. I had it narrowed down to these. I had previously owned Ford, KIA, and Hyundai products..never down that road again. They all had their strong points, but after you take all those and combine them, you end up with the Forester. I love the styling, and the ride. The only downside is the poor OEM tires. The Yokohama Geolanders, well they just suck. Besides the tires, I love the layout and the functionality inside. I find the seats are comfortable (Ive had back surgery). No excess noises or rattles. The stereo is nice with the bluetooth connectivity, and the USB ports inside the center console. If you are looking for a comfortable CUV with a can do attitude, check out the Forester.

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  A Great "Hybrid" - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Terrain.org - November 6 - 9:20 pm

  The Subaru Outback XT Limited is a great "hybrid" between a true SUV and a performance sedan, with the functionality of a wagon, stability of an all-wheel drive, and get-up-and-go of a sports sedan. Im a tall driver (65") and have no problems in the front or (for shorter durations) in the rear. The Subaru is great fun to drive---the 5-speed tranny (added short-throw shifter) mated with the turbo is almost too fun! Leather interior and panoramic moonroof are great for me and my kids. The 8.7" ground clearance is great for chunky dirt roads (but not bouldering, of course), and the low-mounted boxer engine makes twisty roads good fun, as well. While a "hybrid," theres no compromise!

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  amazing snow performance - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By firstsuby - November 6 - 10:47 am

  First big snow fall in the begining of the month 17" here in southern New Jersey and the outback handled great. Took it into a unplowed parking lot and no trouble cutting through with origonal tires on it. I tryed to get it stuck by stoping and starting a few times with no luck. Could feel the power being shifted to different wheels a few times when i was going through a deep drift but it kept going. Turn off the vdc and went through the drifts with no problem. My onlly problem is we havent had any more big snow falls to play in. This is my first subaru and im amazed at how good it performs!!

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  Great Crossover - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - November 4 - 7:05 pm

  Have only had my Subaru for a short period of time put have greatly enjoyed the ride. Trade in my 07 truck for the 2.5 Premium and have not regretted it at all. The gas mileage is great and the inside and outside style gives it a great feel and look. The handle of this vehicle is great and does very well in all weather conditions. I was looking for a new car and never thought about looking at a Forester until I went to a dealer to look at a used car and was sold. The space is great inside and as a tall person thought I would miss my truck but not once has that crossed my mind. Have the black interior and premium cloth which is great quality. Great power too for a four cylinder.

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  2003 Legacy S E......awesome car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By VW72SUPBUG - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new 2003 Legacy Special Edition thinking it was a "so-so" car since it did not cost as much as my last 3 Acura Integra GS-Rs did. Boy, I was I wrong!....this AWD car is so awesome on the road.....you have so much confidence in wet/snow weather that you would not find in FWD cars. This car is built solid, inside and out. It could stand to use more power and a smoother shifter, but overall it is great value for the money, cheaper than an Audi A4 AWD.

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  I LOVE it! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Lisa - November 3 - 12:26 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. I have not had any mechanical problems what so ever and I bought a demo that had 3900 miles on it. I live in Minneapolis and it responds to the cold very well and handles awesomely. I really do love it.

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  Solid Package - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By NSO - November 1 - 6:00 pm

  Owned 87Accrd, 94Maxima, 97Taurus, 00Accord, and after researching deprec. rate, insurance, cost of operation, and reliability against models like CR-V, RAV4, and Focus I decided that Impreza make a very solid pkg, and after I test drove it (2.5i prem and GT)I decided that Id go for real value: Outback Sport (seat warmer+17" alloy/ raised susp. > sunroof+2 xtra spkr). GT was a nerfed version of WRX, and if I am ready for an WRX Id go STI anyway. Overall I really liked VDC; it gave the already phenomenal AWD feel an extra polish and ctrl. But it will be tough for your brakes as it will brake harder than youd intend to, road noise is also slightly more noticeable than top compacts I tested.

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  Great Car - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By guitarsmth - October 31 - 6:35 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Forester Limited and Im very happy with it so far. Gas mileage has been around the 27 mpg they advertise. You wont win any street races but its more than fast enough for highway driving and lane merges. The ride height is excellent as is the visibility. Build quality feels very good. The Limited trim is a great value. You get a ton of features and a very reliable vehicle for a fairly low price. I cant wait to see how it performs this winter.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jerseytiger - October 31 - 3:50 pm

  Pleased so far with the purchase. First time Subaru owner. Areas of concern with previous years have been addressed with 05 model. Researched all similar vehicles with AWD and found this vehicle to provide most bang for the buck, despite the fact that Subaru does not give them away. The car offers many features for all types of drivers: AWD-comfort-performance-reliability and most importantly-safety.

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  2003 Subaru Forester XS premium/leather - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By merliech - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car back in February, just in time for the snow! It handles wonderfully. Also, Im just under 5 feet tall and can see perfectly out of this car. No problems with the car so far. Intend to keep for a long time. Also, had a great experience with the dealership.