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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  Downsizing. - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Ngnear - August 24 - 1:16 pm

  Sold a Honda Pilot to get the 5-door Subie due to a longer commute after moving. Boy, everyone was right about the stereo. It stinks! But I was expecting it after reading the reviews here. Ride is comfortable. Handling is decent, much better than the Pilot but not as good as my previous Prelude SH. Decent power though. Gas mileage is 27mpg mostly freeway. A little low on mpg but wanted the AWD so its a trade-off. Only had it for 2 weeks. No regrets about getting the Subie. Will update once the the weather gets wet in the Fall.

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  Kids are gone, and wife wanted out of her minivan. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Peter - August 24 - 1:01 pm

  We are recent empty nesters, and my wife wanted to downsize from her Honda Odyssey. We really liked the Odyssey, but at 170,000 miles and 14 years, my wife started to doubt its durability. I think it was more perception than reality, but if you feel nervous driving your ride and you can afford a new one, its time to upgrade. We test "sitted" many of the competitors in the small SUV/CUV segment, and my wife was attracted to the Forester for its 1) outward visibility, 2) Subaru Eyesight, 3) practicability, 4) no-nonsense styling, 5) durability, and 6) ruggedness. What is up with other brands using tiny windows? I guess Gen X and Gen Y likes to hide under hoodies and baseball caps. Maybe they should just cover their eyes with their hands. The Forester was the only vehicle that she didnt feel as though she was looking out of a cave. My wife is a blue jeans/track shoes type of gal (she doesnt buy or use makeup!), and the Subaru brand image fits her perfectly. Subaru Eyesight clinched the deal for us. It is driver assistance technology that includes lane departure, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and adaptive cruse control. Its pricing was very reasonable and did not require expensive and unwanted upgrades. Because we are entering our senior years, we felt that these driver aids will come in handy over the coming years. We wish that it also had blind spot monitoring. However, the windows on the Forester are really large, so you dont really need it. Im a mild car enthusiast and had my doubts about the CVT transmission, but it works pretty well with the engine. There is a little lag with hard acceleration from a stop, and you may think twice about passing a car at 50 mph, but it really is not noticeable in puttering around town or shleping along the interstate. After all, you dont buy a Forester to drag race. We have only owned it for 2,000 miles, but so far so good: no discernible defects or issues. How about me? Well, being ancient, I wanted really comfortable seats, like the zero gravity seats in the Nissan Murano. They are a dream. The Forester seats are comfortable, but not stellar. I would pay more for better seats. Also, the ride could be more compliant. The suspension is a little stiff. Maybe it will soften a bit with more miles. When driving over expansion joints on the highway, there can be a bucking motion that is particularly noticeable for back seat passengers. How about technology? The infotainment screen could be better, but it is acceptable, unless you get your undies in a knot over anything less than iPod ease of use. Come on people. You have a really blessed life if your biggest complaint is hitting the correct station on your touch screen. In summary, we love our Subaru. I hope we dont become those tedious Subaru zombies who rattle on about how great their car is, but I may have gotten the virus. With a little luck, my Subaru will see me out!

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  Limited Lover - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Woody - August 23 - 2:30 pm

  This is my 3rd Outback. Test drove both the 4 & 6 cyl limited 3 times each before deciding on the 4. After 1 month & 800 miles this one is proving to be the best. On a recent Fall weekend we drove this beauty through a field & into an orchard for some apple picking with nary a shake, rattle or roll. From there we headed to one of our hilly State Parks to view the foliage & take in a picnic. We turned down the windows, opened the moon roof & inserted a favorite CD into the radio. I switched the CVT into the Manual Mode & up & down shifted throughout the park using the paddle shifters. What a Blast!

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  First Subaru and loving it! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Debbie Covington - August 23 - 4:11 am

  I had been looking to buy an SUV for awhile and looked at several. I hadnt really thought about a Subaru, always thought they got lousy gas mileage. But after reading reviews on them I realized they were up there with the other SUVs and beat most of them. I am hoping mine gets a little better but I have been averaging 26 miles in town driving so its not bad. Havent really had it on the highway enough t know how it will do on trips. Only had the car about a month now so it should get better. I love how big the doors swing out for easy entering or exiting. Believe me, I researched a lot before I decided to buy this car and so far it meets my expectations. Love the bluetooth and my grandkids love having a USB port so they can play their own music when they are with me. I hope to get many years of use out of my Forester which is a base model with a few options added. So far no complaints! I really like how I can see out of all the big windows. For the money, I dont think any of the other small SUVs can beat them.

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  A fun ride! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John - August 23 - 3:33 am

  I have been looking for just the right vehicle that will fit my 66" body, be comfortable, get reasonable gas mileage for a small SUV and be fun to drive at a reasonable price. The Subaru B9 is just that car. I look forward to driving this vehicle each day as it truly is comfortable for a tall person. Although it is a bit lacking in 0-60 acceleration it has more than enough power to make the driving experience fun. Both the interior and exterior are refined and stylish. Some have complained about the front end being ugly but I will bet it will grow on people the longer it is out. I love it!

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  The anti-SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dr. A - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling, solid feel, good mileage. Engine, coupled with manual transmission, provides plenty of zip. Plenty of room for hockey equipment, dog, and kids. I love to drive this car.

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  XT Fun - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By MN - August 21 - 2:30 pm

  I just took delivery of a 2010 XT Limited less than one week ago. I cant wait to drive in the first snowstorm of the year. I am consistently impressed by the acceleration and handling of this vehicle.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Brian N. - August 21 - 12:40 am

  This is the first year of the redesign, and Subaru did a good job making the car feel more "quality." The fit/finish is higher than the previous generation, yet they still managed to pack in a lot of bang-for-the-buck features. This car is great for winter/cold-weather climates due to AWD, heated seats, etc.

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  Great Car - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Fredzilla - August 20 - 3:40 pm

  We just picked up the new Outback and love it. I was afraid that it would feel gutless compared to my WRX, but the increased low end torque makes it feel almost faster off the line. With the increased creature comforts of the interior (leather, heated seats, aux plug in the center console, Homelink, autodim mirror) and the added cargo space, we have absolutely no regrets.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By oc22071 - August 19 - 2:40 pm

  This is my first Subaru purchase after owning mostly German cars. I got the forester to accommodate baby seat in the back and has plenty of room for front passenger even with rear facing baby seat. I would like to have the option of power front passenger seat but was not offered on any trim level.