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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  Best all around value! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By My 1st Subaru - January 6 - 1:33 am

  Buy it if: You demand safety for your family, desire a legendary AWD system, want a fail-proof reliable engine that delivers steady power, and want to stretch your $ further Forget if if: You demand a 1st class interior with all the trimmings, cant stand plastic, desire a sophisticated luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle. BL: Subaru prides itself in designing reliable, safe vehicles and the 2009/2010 Forester lives up to that reputation; drive it and you just might fall in love with it!

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  Subaru Newbie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Birdboy - January 4 - 10:46 am

  The Forester handles well at all speeds. It is peppy and climbs hills well especially when in sport mode. Is relatively quiet. The gas mileage has been good so far. I got 28-30mpg driving speeds around 55-65. Cabin is both roomy and comfortable, except for passengers seat. Visability is excellent

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  Petruggio loves his Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Petruggio - January 3 - 6:36 pm

  The versatility of this vehicle is remarkable. One one day you can drive 1000 miles and get reasonable gas mileage. While driving you can enjoy excellent handling and very smooth highway driving. On the very next day you can haul and/or tow a reasonable amount of supplies and/or materials for various household projects. While the Baja is clearly not for everyone, the versatility this car offers is impressive. Further, the way this vehicle handles different driving conditions (e.g., snow, rain, rough terrain) is amazing.

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  Be cautious if buying used - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By bm16v - January 1 - 2:26 pm

  Bought this vehicle used and it has not been a great experience. Overall, the car is ok but if you are in the market for this model, go above and beyond to see if the vehicle has any oil consumption issues. My car eats oil like crazy and after researching "oil consumption subaru" I have learned I am not alone. Ive switched to a thicker oil and have just learned to live with the issue. I have had several VWs and now appreciate what I had with the VR6 engine. Looking forward to seeing how this thing does in the snow, but I really dont like driving this car. Subarus can be good, but this thing is getting sold in the spring.

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  All New Legacy - Feel The Love - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By First Subaru - December 31 - 6:23 pm

  Really impressed with this car. Solid and responsive. Great build quality, nice interior and good looking exterior. Safety ratings are outstanding all around. Plus Made in America in Indiana.

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  When youre uninspired by Accord/Camry - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By T Whyte - December 31 - 10:19 am

  Great value.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By John V. - December 31 - 3:25 am

  I dislike reviews of this vehicle/truck hybrid that say it is limited in functionality. If one needs to haul drywall, then get a truck. The Baja is an amazing vehicle with no problems after 12 years and 90,000 miles. Its fun to drive and looks great. I get offers to buy my car all the time, even though it is not for sale. My wife encouraged me to treat myself to a new car. I wont trade this Subaru in for even a Mercedes. I owned a business for 10+ years and this was the perfect vehicle to take the kids back and forth while hauling boxes and landscaping equipment in the back. The Baja is a collectors car. I own the yellow, which is sporty and fun. Oh yeah, other drivers cant miss seeing it.

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  my scoobie - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By william Stukel - December 31 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle is very awesome i have done some mods to it and let me tell you you can really make this little car a beast with a couple hundred dollars the only problems i have had with it is that it was in for a transmission repair but that was under the warranty they have a problem with the synchros on them but after i had it fixed it runs like a charm and there is no problem again

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  35 th Special Ed - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By LLBen - December 31 - 2:00 am

  So far so good, we also have a 3 year old Forester that has been A++. I wish the Outback was just a little larger inside.

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  Reliable, Safe, Nice Looking - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Sarah - December 30 - 12:40 pm

  I love my Forester. I find some of these reviewers asking for things that are available if you are able/willing to pay for it. I searched many other cars and found that Subarus AWD is by far the most reasonably priced. If you want a great stereo and lumbar support, dont go with the base. However, if you want decent payments on a reliable SUV, go for the base. It is a great vehicle that handles well, steering is responsive and I never feel as though my safety is compromised. I love my car.