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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  2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Jason - March 11 - 10:45 am

  Ive owned cars from nearly every popular make and never wanted a Subaru. I test drove this BEAUTIFUL Legacy 3.6R Limited and instantly fell in love with it. It comes with every bell and whistle Subaru offers and its bullet-fast! I love my car so much I bought a 3.6R Outback 2 months later!

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  Subie junkie - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Ron - March 8 - 3:20 pm

  My first Subaru experience was 16 years ago when my wife and I rented a new 90 Legacy Sedan to see if we wanted one. We ended up buying a 91 Legacy wagon (kept it until 2003...we sold it to a friend with 190,000 miles, theyve put on another 30,000 with no problems). We then got an 04 Forester XS. My company has 3 Subies (2 05 Imprezas and an 04 Forester X). My son has a 90 Legacy sedan with 205,000 miles and it still runs fine. My newest is the 07 Legacy sedan (I got tired of people borrowing my Forester, so I got one with a 5-speed thinking I can have it to myself!). So far, its flawless...better ride and handling than the Imprezas and Foresters, also more head and leg room.

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  Love it! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DaveD - March 8 - 1:03 am

  We bought it to replace our Pontiac minivan. We were looking for 4WD/AWD, 7 usable seats and better gas mileage than Sequoias and Tahoes. We were torn between the Tribeca and the Pathfinder. These were the only midsize SUVs in our opinion with usable 3rd row seats other than the Pilot. The Honda Pilots interior seems too plain, like a work car. The Pathfinder drives like a truck. We bought the Tribeca and love it! Weve already been on a 400 mile trip in the Tribeca and the kids had no problem in the 3rd row. Great car! Fun to drive and we have all the room we need. Decent gas mileage for a AWD SUV and it drives more like a car. We just wish it had automatic lights like GM cars.

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  GET A CLUE BUY A SUBARU! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By outbacksleeper - March 8 - 12:36 am

  Seriously been reading some of these reviews and they are a joke! My Outback has 220K miles on it AND RUNS LIKE A CHAMP! purchased this car off of a friend that did next to no maintenance at 200K, and after only 500 dollars in little things, I can beat the Mustangs off the line! Head Gaskets at 100k are NOT normal to be replaced, and my car was ran hard before owning, unlike other people complaining its not an issue (lemons?) Tranny is awesome, Handling superb, gas mileage is excellent for an AWD. only issue is the Check Engine Light pops on and off, but that is because of the Cat conv. O2 sensor which is a KNOWN BUG, nothing to worry about though. DEF BUY THIS CAR, ITs BULLET PROOF!

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  I love this car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By PW - March 7 - 6:53 am

  After hearing some of my friends rave about their Subarus, I had been looking at buying the Forester for 2 years. I finally decided to buy in April and this is the best car Ive ever owned --- its a pleasure to drive, has plenty of cargo space, and great gas mileage.

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  Subaru Forester XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By JonArch - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This must be the best kept secret on the road today! I have just completed my first 1000 miles so have not pushed the engine too much but even so I have to say this is the fastest car I have ever driven! The acceleration is breathtaking, handling is superb, it looks great and its one of the safest cars on the road. The interior has a quality feel about it and there is plenty of storage space. It is a joy to drive.

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  Sti-L & Purrrrrr4Menz! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By MikeV - March 7 - 2:00 am

  At $31K, this car provided the Best Bang for the Buck! I had high expectations when purchasing, and I got so much more than I anticipated. People think Im crazy for buying this car for a daily 80-mile round trip commute, but I say theyre crazy for driving anything else! - Speed off the line! 300HP! - The style forces people to check it out, give me the thumbs up or ask questions about it when theyre at a light with me. - ALL WHEEL DRIVE ALL THE TIME. Snow & rain are not an issue - I look forward to these conditions. - Its 4-Door and fits 5 adults. I can drive everyone to lunch again! - Its rare that you see them on the road due to limited production.

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  Wife loves it - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Glen - March 7 - 12:06 am

  Decided on the 2009 Forester after shopping for a 2008 and seeing the new 2009. Compared to the RAV4 and CRV, the 09 Forester won hands down. Subaru did their homework and addressed the shortcomings of their own as well as those of their competition. My wife loves her new "SUV" although it doesnt feel like one. The 4 cylinder has more than adequate acceleration but lacks a little on the highway. The quality, fit, and comfort are superb. Im a little disappointed with gas mileage so far with 20 around town and pushing 25 highway. Maybe it will get better after more break in (900 miles so far). I trust this Subie will last a long time.

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  Im For my Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Helen - March 5 - 8:38 pm

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  First Subaru - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By williemo - March 5 - 8:35 pm

  This is my first subaru and I cannot be more pleased. I was looking at some higher mileage rated vehicles - but the Outback was so quiet and comfortable, I decided to sacrifice the 5 mpg. As it turns out, Im getting 25 mpg around the city and 32 mpg on the highway. First time Ive actually beat the listed mpg. Great car!