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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  09 Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Hal Edmonds - November 24 - 4:36 am

  The last of the original Outback models, before they got too big. Good handling, decent fuel economy, reasonable comfort, great reliability, good resale. Hard to beat a Subaru.

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  Better than I thought - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By cha ba - November 20 - 8:59 am

  the only down sides, passenger side gas cap and those head rests.

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  Early Buyer - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Bradley - November 18 - 6:33 pm

  I got one of the first 2010 Foresters available in my area, and have had nothing but great experiences with it. The interior is much roomier than the previous version of this model, and the controls are laid out attractively and logically. The Moon Roof is simply gargantuan, making the car more fun to drive than is the case with most SUVs. Power is sufficient for my needs (I havent tried to tow anything), and MPG is in the 23-25 range for combined suburban-&-highway driving. I wish Subaru offered the Forester in green (they dont), but thats a minor quibble. Overall, the 2010 Forester is every bit as fine as "Consumer Reports" says it is -- i.e., outstanding!

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  "It captures my youth again" - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Frank - November 18 - 3:56 pm

  It lives up to all its reviews and my review is that its an excellent car for todays driving with good mileage and excellent ride and a fun car!

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  Great bang for our buck - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By mkscott2 - November 17 - 12:30 pm

  Shopped for a new car for 3 years. We knew we were going to get a Subaru, and settled on the Forester, but ended up with Tribeca because of the size of the back seat (can sit between two large carseats comfortably), and a great deal on this model. Initially was not interested in Tribeca because of the high octane fuel requirement, which apparently changed this MY. Took on its first long road trip, and so far has been extremely comfortable and fun to drive. It has everything we were looking for in a long-distance vehicle. The safety features are certainly a great selling point. There arent many options/accessories that we feel are missing. Nice, solid vehicle!

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  7th Subaru, 5th Forester - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By subiedriver6 - November 17 - 9:48 am

  Obviously I am sold on Subaru. This is my 5th Forester and the first I have had with power heated seats and telescopic steering wheel. That makes all the difference in the world in comfort. None of my Subaru cars have given me any problems, and all of the dealerships have been excellent to work with. I appreciate the 7500 mile maintenance schedule and the self contained aspects which require no service at all. 2014 has a better transmission, but I could not pass up the 0% interest rate and great end of model year discounts. Fit and finish seem to be just average, but I have no complaints as I didnt pay a premium price for an Audi, BMW, or Lexus. Great small SUV!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By G. George - November 16 - 4:57 am

  Compare the safety rating and MPG with other AWD vehicles.

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  New vs used - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By William hougesen - November 14 - 9:23 pm

  Consider a 2yr old luxury SUV for less money.

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  review - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Boris - November 14 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had it less than a month and i love it. pretty quick and decent handling. love the interior space and AWD is GREAT in the rain and snow. mpg is alright considering i drive pretty fast

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  true Road Commander - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kevin - November 13 - 10:43 pm

  I live in the Lake Tahoe area of California. This car handles the turns and curves with grace and surefootedness like no other 4wd. Ive owned 4Runners,Cherokees etc. The manual shift option makes the transmission respond instantly to your input and Ive noticed that after each oil change and then the differential & transmission fluid change the car has broken in beautifully and does not even resemble the car I drove off the lot. Was very tight when new and needed breaking in. Noticed it about 15k miles .The VDC eats the snow and Ive passed so many suvs wiped out in the banks I cant even count em. The low center of gravity makes this pup tops.