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:

• 

  Theres a new Sheriff - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By threeblockwheelie - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I test-drove my scoobie on a cold, rainy night during rush hour. I pulled out onto the freeway feeder and stomped on the gas. Never before have I experianced anything like it in such unfavorable conditions. Amazing acceleration. A good, balanced handling and steering package, a very rough ride, and a little more understeer than expected. But mash the gas and other drivers are just sitting still - fantastic. Its your chance to own a true musclecar. Those Playstation kids will want to hug you.

• 

  So far so good! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mr. Vic - May 26 - 1:24 am

  I wanted something a little less expensive and easy at the pump, this car did not disappoint. The seats could have a bit more support and the stock tires arent the best but after 25,000 miles those are my only complaints. I love the way it looks and it laughs at snow. I average around 26 around town and over 31 on the highway. No repairs as of yet.
  
  Im over 30,000 miles now and Im still very happy. The heated seats are awesome and my brakes are like new. Ive reached 39,000 miles with no problems. The front brakes pads are large and still original. I replaced the back brakes about a thousand miles ago. Other than routine maintenance there have been no problems. I still really like this car.

• 

  First time Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By chip - May 25 - 6:23 pm

  This is my first Subaru after a string of Hondas and I am generally pleased after 2 1/2 years and 38,000 mi. of ownership. Its a lot of fun to drive and, other than the problems with the headlights and windshield, has been quite reliable.

• 

  Great Car, have owned it for 7 years - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By karl hoffmann - May 24 - 8:34 pm

  There is nothing bad I can say about my 2009 Outback. The car has been rock solid and would recommend a Subaru anywhere, anytime. I purchased it with 16K on the odometer and I put another 102K on it.

• 

  Get one! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Ronald Nelson - May 24 - 10:10 am

  Do your due diligence. You can save much. Shop very carefully.. Not a review, just a practical observation. By the way, the Forester is just great! Totally useful, fun and well designed. Does everything well.

• 

  Fun car for young man - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By dad - May 24 - 10:00 am

  My son bought his WRX after working for one year, gave me a ride on highway 9 of CA last week, I was amazed how smooth, quiet, powerful, and handling this car is, Im impressed and agree to his choice - an absoulte fun car for young man..

• 

  Great ride/handling balance - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Ordered one - May 24 - 5:00 am

  We test drove an X model with the Premium package, and then an LL Bean model with NAV. Both were impressive, but we liked the perforated leather so we opted for that. The GPS was not set up for our region, but it didnt seem very intuitive so we passed. Ride is quite good and it corners very flat. It drives smoothly and SportShift is quick, completing shifts in a fraction of a second. This vehicle has the best visibility in its class, others have wide D- pillars and high rear windows and then try to up-sell you on a rear backup cam that is a cash cow for them, so you pay for their poor design. Cant wait to take delivery.

• 

  Pull over posers - this is the real deal - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By pl2 - May 23 - 9:50 am

  Were still under the 1000 mi. break-in so no speed records yet, but even with mild acceleration, you can feel that this little wagon has a dirty little secret that is eluded to only by the big air scoop on the hood (which really works by the way - this is no poser!). Supposedly this is a 7 sec. To 60. Not terribly fast, but nice to have in a wagon when you need it. The interior is well designed and comfortable. The engine with the turbo is noisy! You are constantly reminded that its there! Drives very well and smooth - handles good and does not feel like a cumbersome SUV. Great turning radius, which I am really beginning to appreciate. Nice stereo. Overall a very surprising car!

• 

  Big Bang for my Buck - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Craig - May 21 - 6:33 pm

  I really dont know what is basic about my BASIC WAGON because its got all I need and more. This 2007 is a great deal. So far, with routine driving I am getting a solid 24 MPG! I am 5-9" with plenty of room for me and my family of 4. Easy hook-ups for my 2 year olds carseat, and my 15 year old daughter loves it, even though it a wagon. I am so happy with this buy. Safe, fun, loaded by my standards. I have the auto and love that sport shift for the curves. Good stereo for a basic feature too. Its early in the game, but I really think this car is a GREAT deal for the money. With rebate I paid $21,787. The steel 16" wheels are fine by me. Car feels and runs solid like my Toyota always did!

• 

  Mixed review - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By paul - May 21 - 3:00 pm

  While this car is great in snow and rock solid in a driving rain it has been a maintenance nightmare. We think it was built late on a Friday afternoon. Within hours of taking delivery the car wouldnt start. Bad fuel injectors. Within two months, bad brake rotors. Drivers door has never closed correctly without slamming it. New clutch within 24K miles... told Subaru clutches dont last long (wife asked if we they could install a Honda clutch instead - our accord clutch lasted until 75K....). Another new clutch at 45K. Blown tranny at 102K and now blown head gasket at 105K. Were done with Subaru.