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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  Fix the front passed passenger seat - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Hill - January 15 - 11:10 pm

  Overall we are happy with the car so far except for the height of the front passenger seat. My wife stated if she had known this she would not have bought the car.

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  NOT A COLD WEATHER CAR! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By tamricks - January 15 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased this car in August. I had a 2010 Forester and loved it. When the new Foresters came out with the improved gas mileage, I bought one. I absolutely loved this car until November when winter hit. Mine wont defrost the windows or the windshield wipers properly. It doesnt heat up the interior of the car. The power windows freeze, and the cool engine light comes on after letting the car warm up and driving it for several miles. Due to the engine running so cold, my gas mileage has almost cut in half during these cold winter months. I have 7000 miles on it, but living in the North, cant keep it. Im extremely disappointed.

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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Bob G - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This a solid easy to drive automobile. It handles well under all circumstances. I have driven it on snowy, icy, rain covered and dry roads. The dash instrumentation is accesible and easy to use. The instruction materials with the car are user friendly. The special storage areas are very useful. Seat adjustors make for a more comfortable ride. One can sit high in the car. The cargo room is larger than it looks like from outside. The all wheel drive,running lights, antilock brakes, de-icing, defogging features and side airbags help a great deal with safety. I wish they put better orginal tires on it. I replaced them immediately. No problems otherwise.

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  Raves for the Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By gmseaman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Forester for two weeks and have driven under 500 miles -- but I love every mile. Just a touch of the pedal and this turbo charges ahead effortlessly. Although the turbo uses Premium fuel, I have no complaints about the poor economy in the low 20s. I only drive about 12K a year.

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  I got a lemon! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By fedup withrepairs - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Drives great in snow and ice but has had multiple mechanical problems including:Throttle problems,twice, accelerating suddenly and not wanting to gear down, a recall due to the cruise control,a second recall for some undercarriage problem that could have caused serious breakdown,two brake jobs and rotor broblems, sticking lift gate and now computer problems and a host of minor gliches that required a day here and there in the shop. I dread to think what is next and the car just turned three this December!!!.

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  If you want functionality over style - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Bvanity2010 - January 12 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this car on 3/17/08 and I have been plesently suprised. I purchased the 2.5X Limited. I love the navigation and the materials. I looked at the version with a sunroof, I liked it but, with the sunroof it greatly reduced the head room.

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  Defective - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By nosubagn - January 12 - 4:53 pm

  The Forester sounds like it has a 10 year old muffler on it. Cold starts and growling highway noise are the worst offenders. The Subaru Tech said they were aware of the problem and there is no repair or fix at this time. Ive been trying to get restitution from Subarus customer service for two weeks. They dont even call back. Never again Subaru!

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  More Daewoo than Subaru - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By stillyourking - January 11 - 4:14 am

  As an owner of a 12 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Premium, I wouldnt recommend the purchase of this car. The quality is far less than that of the 08 - 11 Impreza. The engine is loud, and has intense vibration, weatherproofing is shoddy, road noise interferes with conversation, interior materials rattle, and scratch easily. The seat fabric has folded in some parts, and became unwoven in others, the driver seat squeaks when your body shifts (only 178 lbs). Seats are uncomfortable on long trips (my Pontiac Vibe had more comfortable and supportive seats). Gets a combined 28 MPG (rated as 27/36 MPG).

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  At last - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By sweettooth - January 10 - 6:43 am

  Pondered buying one of these for 2 years, watched prices and finally took the plunge. Out the door for $21,998 with all the equipment I wanted/needed and nothing extra. Love the smooth shifting 5 spd, cargo space, comfort, and the visibility out all windows. Coming from a sport wagon to means I have to learn patience as this is not a speed demon and Im ok with that.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By William Carbaugh - January 10 - 6:05 am

  Very good car for the money.