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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  1st Subaru - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Craig - October 9 - 8:50 pm

  I traded an Audi A6 Quattro for my outback. The Outback costs 1/3 less than the Audi to replace. The Outback is virtually the same vehicle. I lost heated rear seats and the ride is more stiff. The first day I owned the car I drove in a 8" snow storm and the car handled every bit as well as the Quattro. I have owned 3 Audis and I am a convert. This is a tremendous car for the money.

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  Subaru - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Beth - October 9 - 1:50 am

  Im a 17 year old girl [what do I know about cars, right?] and I drive a 1998 Subaru Forester. The car is easy to drive for a new driver, gets pretty good gas mileage, and is the right size so that its not too big and awkward but also not stiflingly small. However, I live in New England and the absolute best thing about this car is its handling in the snow. Im not a good driver and the bad weather in Mass. makes me nervous, but Ive never had trouble getting up a hill or driving on slippery roads. My driveway is very steep and both my parents have trouble getting up it in their midsize sedans. Also, this car has almost 150,000 on it and is still running great and has never broken down.

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  Primo Sleeper - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By DelmarRex - October 9 - 1:46 am

  After 2-1/2 years, this car is still a blast to drive. Beats all other stock, street cars! Ive been driving Subarus since 1980 for their 4/all wheel drive, reliability, good gas mileage, and all-around handling, and now I can have zip, too! I get 26 mpg highway and 20 to 21 mpg around town. Pretty good considering I drive the car hard. Keep the rpms above 3200 and nothing will catch you. No repairs, just normal maintenance. What a great car for relatively very little money.

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  No availability - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By June - October 8 - 2:05 pm

  I wanted a 2017 WRX with a navigational system but they wont put one in a 2017 and my dealer could not find a 2016 premium, manual trans. NAV system, color blue available.

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  I like it and would buy another. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By C Evans - October 8 - 5:00 am

  It has had one major repair ... piston replacement (warranty), and it is under powered. But it does incredibly well in deep snow and in icy conditions.

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  repeated oxygen sensor issues - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By nbrown - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a love/hate relationship with my Forester. I love the design and the AWD. I hate that I have had the oxygen sensor replaced FOUR times. I love that I can haul just about anything in it. I hate that my babys car seat doesnt fit in the back seat. When my lease is up this year I will be trading it in for something more family friendly with more interior room and less engine problems.

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  Solid Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By orndog - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Subarus are tough, easy to work on, and fun to drive. Not the biggest car inside, but for a single commuter or a small family it is fine. The AWD is great when it is needed, but otherwise sucks up a bit of power. The car is a perfect blend of utility and performance, and is a great value.

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  I Love This Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By KenL74 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The best performing car Ive ever driven. Great fun around town, or on the expressway. Its a little cramped inside (Im 63"), and seriously needs a 6 speed trans, but other than that, I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  Good, but not excellent. Nav isnt........ - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By coddar - October 7 - 1:53 am

  Picked up a 2014 FXT Touring in November 2013. Comfort is average but could be improved with power passenger seat. Gas mileage is a little better than my 2011 BMW 335xi 6MT, but only by 1-2 mpg- so around 22 city, 27 hwy. Big problem is 1990s navigation system that was delivered with Q3 2012 maps while Q1 2013 maps were already availble from the Subaru website - for $149!!!. Maps cant be downloaded to Macs, only PCs and require SD card reader. Subaru said theyd reimburse me for the maps, but really? Why should a vehicle produced in 10/2013 have Q3 2012 maps? Why cant the dealer keep current SD cards and why on earth would anyone pay Subaru and the wait? Cant wait to dump this hog.

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  Possibly the most functional car....not the best looking - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By dukedokken - October 6 - 3:19 pm

  Ive been the sole wonder of my 06 Forester XT. Theres been a few times when Ive wanted to trade it for something different to switch it up, but its almost impossible because you feel like youre getting less of a car. Pros. Panoramic Sunroof, heated leather seats, handles all real world weather conditions, reliable, XT is VERY fast, quiet, good sound system. reliable Cons maintenance can be pricey