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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  Sold on Subaru for Life - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By kcan - April 25 - 5:03 am

  Spent around a year researching a new car. This was the perfect fit for what I wanted. It fits all of my practical needs but retains a lot of personality on the road. The AWD system is amazing. This car never loses its composure. The car drives through rain and snow without losing a beat. Then handling is also fantastic, without beating the passengers senseless. Getting about 25 mpg on average w/ a majority of city driving. Inside, the seats are firm and supportive, but comfy. The Harmon Kardon speakers sound great. I have no regrets on my purchase. Compared to Nissan Altima, Volvo S40, VW Passat, and Saab 9-3, this blew them all away. Ill probably be buying Subarus for a long time to come.

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  Best Subaru yet!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By sitkayid - April 24 - 10:30 am

  Quieter and more refined than the previous model. My immediate family has owned 12 Subaru vehicles over the past 15 years. Yes, 12 vehicles between 5 people. This new 2009 Forester is by far the BEST Subaru to date. It combines all the important features of its predecessor, but now in a modern and eye-pleasing package. The VDC feature is now standard, and is worth trading in early for.

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  B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Janet - April 24 - 12:16 am

  This is the sixth Subaru that Ive owned. I was very interested in buying an SUV and the timing of this vehicle was perfect. It is beautiful inside and out and drives and handles like a car. I am very pleased.

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  This vehicle ROCKS! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DannyD - April 23 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned my Tribeca for 3 weeks now. It rocks! I just absolutely love it! It has such a unique exterior, and the interior could not be better. My commute is 1 hour each way, and the time flies by now. (I hope that feeling never wears off.) The radio reception is incredible. The ability to play data CDs made with MP3 files is awesome. I can put 13 CDs on 1 disk. Who needs a CD changer if you can do that? The ride is incredible. I have never felt so connected to the road before. This car is worth every penny. If only gas prices didnt stink so bad.

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  Safety and 7 passengers at a value price - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Nick - April 23 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a Tribeca because its the smallest and cheapest seven passenger vehicle with a perfect safety rating from both the federal government and IIHS. Its easy to drive and handles well on city streets, freeways, and winding mountain roads. Engine power and acceleration are more than adequate, although its certainly no sports car. Weve never taken it off road but the ride quality is good on rough pavement. The interior is comfortable on long trips. Climate controls are easy to use. The second row seat is wide enough to actually hold three people in reasonable comfort. Overall I am very happy with the Tribeca. Theres nothing else which gives you so many features at the same price.

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  Sounds like percussion section - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JW in ETx - April 21 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car after extensive research and what a thrill to have after almost 10 years. Everything was great for about 450 miles when back end started rattling. Dealer had it 5 days and couldn’t fix it or trade, Subaru wouldn’t cover it because it’s a “normal condition” of this vehicle but thanked me for bringing it to their attention so that "even though this is of no comfort to you," others may not have to experience the same defects. At 6K miles began rattling in back end, right front door, glove compartment, dashboard, in the roof. Mileage at 18/23 is also disappointing and at now having power steering problems. It’s now on the market, live and learn! Wipers work great

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  New owner - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By tblvr0885 - April 21 - 11:13 am

  Only 750 miles. So far, everything I expected. Love the white with corresponding black, headlight design, and overall look. Interior design and layout very good. Wish list: auto headlight delay when shutting off; make memory seats and adaptive cruise separate options; lift gate window open separate from lift gate. Knew these werent there before purchase, but would be good features/options for future. Voice command navigation hard to use.

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  Lots of extras - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dick Cheney - April 21 - 1:17 am

  Combination of tech, audio, comfort and safety features makes this a great car for the price.

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  Oil Consumption - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By jeanette101 - April 19 - 7:55 am

  I have had this car since February almost a year. It is using oil and John Howard told me to bring it in every 1000 miles so they can check and add oil if it needs it and document it. My brother also has this car in the hatchback model and it is using oil too. He lives in PA and garage there told him to drive it in anytime it is low on oil so they can add it and document it. Please email me if anyone else is having this problem.

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  A Happy Owner for Over a Year Now - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Kan - April 19 - 2:00 am

  bought it when it first came on the market. I am very pleased so far. I travel several times in this vehicle and feel very comfortable over long drive.