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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  Outfitted w/3rd party Hand Controls - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Naboo - May 12 - 12:00 pm

  I bought the Subaru Outback LTD (no NAV) to replace my old SUV. Been driving truck based SUVs for 20 years. Had hand controls installed to assist with my MS related issues. So far as ADA vehicle it has been great. no issues with gas on the other side. Spent lots of time checking out vehicles on-line, through friends and finally did the sit test for MS - ingress/egress on several types of vehicles. The Subaru Outback was the easiest for in/out - even better than the Forester. Although I have long legs and am used to trucks - it has been a nice ride and wonderful to have better MPG. love the light interior as well.

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  Want to love this car, but... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By deserthillsman - May 10 - 8:24 pm

  I like this car, but cant get excited about it. Overall handling is very good and the turning radius is the best of any small SUVs that Ive driven. Its a very stable drive, and its been good on rough roads and in the rain. I have no problem with the sound system as many others seem to have, but Id love to have more power, the lack of which is sometimes downright dangerous when trying to enter the freeway or pass slow cars on the two lane roads in the desert where I live. The car has been fairly trouble free for three years, except for the A/C going out last summer in 100+ weather here. But Subaru took care of the problem and I have to say that theyve been very good overall.

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  Bill Gs Tribeca - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Bill G - May 10 - 7:56 pm

  I came out of a 2003 Outback LL Bean Edition. I thought the B9 would be too big and clunky - that is, until I drove it. It took a few minutes to decide but I chose the B9 because it was a pleasure to drive.

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  I love my car. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Ray - May 10 - 5:50 pm

  I love everything about this car...with a couple of hitches. I wish I got the MPG they tell you it gets. I get about 20-22 mpg on average; Ive never gotten anywhere close to 26...even pure highway. My tranny had a problem. They fixed it no question. The paint kinda sucks. the stock stereo is terrible. Beyond that I love it. It rips in the snow. Is safe in the rain. Is a blast to just drive around. Its a great car. My first new car..and Im happy with my choice. On top of that..I owe less than its worth. How often can you say that about a 15 month old car with 32k miles on it?

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  Nice car but... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By hutch7 - May 10 - 3:13 am

  We rented this car in Oregon for a week and drove it over 700 miles. A lot of mountains and curves, muddy back roads. I found it to be a little too underpowered on hills, very "shifty". Liked the "Sport" mode in the auto tranny. Base engine doesnt hack it. Useless arm rest just like my 97 Outback.

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  Love our car! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By forester1 - May 9 - 11:40 pm

  It out-performs and gives me more satisfaction than all the other cars Ive had before, including several Mercedes-Benzes, a Cadillac, Lincoln, Volvo, and Nissan. It has smooth handling, a great braking system, realistic road feel with its suspension, and excellent cargo space. The roomy interior is well-thought out with 8! cup holders, many storage areas, and just an overall superior design to those "luxury" cars. My wife, my adult daughter and I are in love with our Forester.

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  Leaks water - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Sorry - May 7 - 3:09 am

  We bought the car based on all the hype of being one of the best for quality ... loved it ... then one month later and week of light rain and pool of water higher than floor mat on the passenger side. Of course now the worry is what other issues down the road will this cause..smell, rusting who knows..

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  Very fun... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By drelord - May 7 - 2:00 am

  you can have my wrx when you pry it from my cold dead hands... Thats how I have felt since the day after the break in period. Oh, yea and the clutch went out at 8500 miles but the dealership warranteed it.

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  A reliable alternative - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Lucille - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Mine is actually a 2002 purchased 9/01, but the 2002 and 2003 are essentialy the same. Ive put over 22,000 miles on it with no problems at all. It zippy around town and handles well. The build quality is great, it doesnt rattle and the interior is impressive for a $20,000 car. Its a good value with AWD and power everything. I got mine with armrest extention, filter, cargo net and keyless entry for $19,500 with very litte negotiating. The seats are good for a little while but get uncomfortable for any drive over 2 hours.

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  Forester SXT after 600 miles - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Dan - May 6 - 5:43 am

  I have enjoyed the Forester over the first +600 miles. The Sports XT trim level changes the overall appearance of a Forester very nicely. Many cool STi features, like wheels, spoilers, pedals, etc. The turbo is a blast! I am getting 23 MPG using premium, but I also flex the turbo at every opportunity. Build quality seems good, the car runs pretty quiet overall, and reliability is rumored to be very good.