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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  From Volvo XC70 to Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Denver D - May 28 - 8:53 am

  Just let my 04 Volvo XC70 go off lease and picked up an 08 Forester and am very happy with the decision. Where I drove the Volvo, the Subaru I just drive; Im much more in tune with the road, and quite happy with less mass to maneuver (especially parallel parking). My daughter drove it yesterday and commented "Its like driving a go cart!" My wife is on her second of two Foresters, so I knew what I was getting. Hers have been the base model; I am SO glad I spent the extra $1500 on the Premium package. Shes already put dibs on the 08 when I move on in two years! Its a no nonsense, supremely competent runabout, with the carrying capacity of a small van.

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  Would never buy this car again - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jwindler - May 28 - 2:16 am

  Have had my 2015 Outback all of 10 days and would never buy another one with the navigation system. In the 2015, you can not turn off the voice guidance system. I am forever hearing, "recalculating route!" I have called one dealer, taken it to another, and spent 10 days waiting for Subaru to tell me it is not possible to turn off the voice guidance. Performance, comport, value, fun to drive, etc., are all a zero when you cant enjoy sitting in the car. Every song, every radio station every conversation in the car is punctuated by the guidance voice interruption. Turning it down helps (Subarus only suggestions), but it is still always there!

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  Ill never buy another Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By lizlubee - May 26 - 2:33 am

  My Forester was purchased new and always received scheduled services and oil changes. It had very low mileage (<97,000 miles) and was in terrific condition (or so I thought). I recently learned it had a leaking head gasket (a notorious Subaru problem), 2 bad rear wheel bearings, and leaking oil pan. It also needed a new catalytic converter according to my mechanic. Well, any car that disintegrates before 100,000 miles is not worthy of my attention so I (in very short order) traded it in. I now have a 2014 Mazda CX 5 which is ten times the car my old Forester ever was!

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  Lovin the Tribeca! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By SW - May 25 - 11:46 am

  We ended up buying the Tribeca unexpectedly due to another car being totaled. Ive never owned a Subaru, and it wasnt even on the radar when we started shopping, but their $2750 incentive couldnt be beat. With about 2000 miles so far, I am very pleased. What sold me most was the wonderful interior - well-appointed with quality materials and a stylish dash design. Very upscale. The engine isnt as bad as some say. Power, while not thrilling, is certainly adequate. Great highway ride - quiet and smooth. The exterior design really grows on you as well. I probably see 50 Highlanders or Muranos for every Tribeca on the road. I like that it stands out from the SUV crowd. Well done, Subaru.

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  SERIOUS WORD OF WARNING REGARDING FORESTER - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By gedmage1 - May 24 - 7:33 pm

  Take my word for it, the VERY worst thing about this vehicle, at least in SW Ohio, is: YOU CANNOT GET ONE. Kid wrecked my car (2006 Escape) 3 weeks ago. Immediately went to a Subaru dealer to look (first time owner), the dealer had 12-20 on the lot, every color, option, etc. Went back 8 days later ready to buy: There were ZERO on the lot, 5 in the back fresh off the truck, couldnt buy those cause they were already sold. At another dealer: Stopped because we were in the area. He had three: One in showroom, one new on lot, one 4000 mile demonstrator on lot. We were there 1/2 hr., while there: He sold the one in showroom and new on lot. BEWARE!

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  WRX: believe the hype - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By xbox - May 24 - 10:00 am

  227 HP is more horsepower than a 1990 Mustang GT. All wheel drive means you get to use all of it too. Its outstanding in the snow, and a blast to drive. It will go faster than 95% of the population wants to go, period. It has a nice lumpy cam, and performance parts abound to allow you to personalize it. I think it might be the best performance bargain out there. If you dont like OPEC, buy an Acura RSX. But if you dont mind 20 mpg, live in the snowbelt, and want anonymous high zoot, reliable performance, go get one.

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  This car is Awesome! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NewREXDude - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven hundreds of cars over the years (I used to work at GM) and the WRX is one of my favorite. Im not interested in being a "tuner", so I wanted a fun to drive, everyday, AWD car. I drove the EVO and found it too harsh, and the STI was too expensive (although really sweet). I commute in my WRX over crappy PA roads and find it fairly quiet and smooth. The interior, although not luxurious, is very nice and the build quality is excellent. No problems at all so far. Performance is more than adequate for spirited driving. I definitely made the right choice. Also considered: Saab 9-3, EVO, STI, Mini Cooper, BMW 3 series, TSX.

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  A great car-that has some minor issues. - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Suzam - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Added hieght of the Outback is a plus, not as high as an SUV but only slightly lower than a minivans line-of-sight. Short skirted pistons can sometimes rap when cold but quiet down after warming up to operating temperature in this horizontally opposed 4 cyl. Expect low 20s for local driving MPG. Not bad considering AWD.

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  A safe vehicle, fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bayview6 - May 23 - 11:56 pm

  Just got back from a 3000+ mile road trip. The Forester cruises easily at 75+ mph and the seats and interior cabin are comfortable. Good reserve power for passing on 2 lane country roads. Plenty of cargo space. Good handling and brakes. Average mpg was 25 would be higher if I slowed down to 60 mph. Im glad I bought the vehicle. I havent driven it in really bad weather yet so Im waiting for winter to arrive.

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  Simply said... "amazing" - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By AWSTi - May 23 - 3:33 pm

  I have an Aspen White 08 beast. It is simply thrilling!. Safety of AWD, performance of a Porsche killer, comfortable and satisfying as a daily driver thrill giver!