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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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Scott - July 15 - 2:46 am

  We were looking at small SUVs (CRV, Santa Fe, RAV4) and decided to check out the Outback as well. What a difference! The ride is so much better. Subaru is a much safer and more reliable car than the others we looked at. The exterior is much improved and the interior is very simple. This is our "baby car", so we are happy the car seat is easy to install and the cargo space is awesome. The 170 hp engine isnt great, but is still muc better than the models I listed above. I tested all the models on a nasty hill near our house and the Outback actually performed the best.

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  Back to Subaru))) Very happy. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Max - July 14 - 7:37 pm

  Let me start with saying that I’m a Mazda guy. I owned 8 Mazda in 15 year period. My wife drives 2016 CX-5 GT model and we love that car. I had 2011 CX-9 GT with to many miles, so it was a time to get a new car. Went to Mazda to see what I can get for cheap, like $250-$300 per month lease. Liked the new 2017 CX-9, but it was to expensive. Then my brother told me that Subaru has cheap lease specials. Same day went to see what will I like. I liked the Outback but it was to slow with 2.5i engine option. Outback is much heavier then Forester. So I end it up leasing 2017 Forester because the cheap lease special ($250 per month tax included. $400 down) and the way it drives. This is my second Subaru. The first was 2007 Impresa 2.5i. I loved that car. Drove 95K miles with zero problems, that’s why I decided to get Forester. So far I’m very satisfied. Good acceleration, good MPG for AWD, very comfortable seats. AWD is a big plus. Good handling, very nice and quiet ride. I love all the safety futures, lane assistance, blind spot monitor and break assist. New entertainment system is awesome; 7” touch screen is very easy to use. Backup camera is OK, low quality when it’s dark. The only concern I have is the towing capacity only 1500lb. I have a trailer with 3 dirt bikes on it. Total weight is 1400lb, so I should be OK I hope))) I drove both 2016 and 2017 Forester. 2017 has a better CVT transition (more responsive), less road/wind noise, better interior and looks meaner))). Over all I enjoy driving this car.

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  2018 Subaru Legacy2.5 Sport - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Perry Epstein - July 13 - 11:07 pm

  Awd can’t be beat and has push button start

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  Sold after 19k miles - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Joseph Robeson - July 13 - 11:33 am

  I bought a Crosstrek after moving to Montana from California. I had never driven in heavy snow before, and I wanted to make sure I would get around ok. I decided on the Crosstrek after reviewing all other AWD vehicles in the same price range. What I liked most about this vehicle was its ground clearance and drivability in the snow. I got around without any issues with the OEM all terrain tires. Im sure it would have been amazing with a set of good snow tires. Being that this was the sole purpose of purchase I was happy with it. I also enjoyed its relatively roomy interior, and good size trunk space. The seats were comfortable and ultimately once up to speed the drive was fairly smooth and quiet. When summer came around thats when I discovered it wasnt for me. What I absolutely hated about the vehicle was its lack of power and piss poor mpg. This is ultimately why I decided to sell the car. It was very slow and seemed to shift far too late. I consistently got a combined 23mpg with mostly freeway commuting. The cruise control was also poorly controlled in my opinion. Im used to a smooth consistent acceleration going up hills. This car would just floor it out of no where. The rev limiter would go crazy high, make a bunch of noise, and still the car hardly moved. I also feel like it should have included HID lighting. Overall the Crosstrek is a decent budget AWD multi-terrain vehicle, but needs more power and better lights.

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  somewhat disappointed - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By m - July 12 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my Forester after I had children because of its high safety rating. My previous knowledge of Subarus was that they were reliable. Thankfully, I have not had to find out first hand whether or not it holds up in an accident. However, I have had more than ordinary maintenance headaches. The car now has about 92k miles. Since about 75,000 miles, the check engine light is on almost more than it is off. I have had to replace the alternator, the catalytic converter, have had transmission issues and had a number of minor repairs which add up. My goal is to finish paying it off, and run it into the ground. No more Subarus for me.

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  Great Vehicle. - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Zino Kent - July 11 - 9:11 am

  I was looking to buy a car for about 9 months. I was eyeing for a midsize sedan, an upgrade from the 2005 Civic I had for 13 years. I was searching online, reading reviews, driving through dealership lots on Sundays, asking people around...I wanted something reliable for years to come, with decent fuel economy, nice looking and also can outstand the icy cold weather of my state Minnesota. After 9 months, narrowed it down to two vehicles, and only 2. The 2017 Honda Accord or the 2017 Subaru Legacy. I settled with a Legacy Sport Trim, because of the standard Symmetrical AWD System, which is a huge plus in Minnesotas winter conditions. After two months of driving it around, Im very confident to say the car is nicely built. It drives nice, handles the road amazingly, its quiet, roomy and comfy. I was blown away about the fuel economy 25/34, given the vehicle size, weight and AWD system. I drove to work on a Sunday morning, the roads and freeway empty, slightly down hill commute. I clocked 39.4 MPG in a trip of 11 miles. I wasnt hyper-miling like crazy, I was easy on the gas pedal and maintained a steady speed of 60/62

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  Car Accelerates - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By TheForma - July 11 - 1:06 am

  I purchased my 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited almost a month ago. I have put a little over 200 miles on it since then and have enjoyed every last one of them. The car accelerates beautifully and the shifting is very smooth (especially for a Subie). I traded up from an Imprezza 2.5 TS sport wagon and the hard shifting was one of my complaints. These problems are now non existent however. The shift on the fly levers on the steering wheel are fun to use. Passing cars on the highway and merging on the interstate is a true joy in this car. The interior is very comfortable and the Harmon Kardon sound system has plenty of bump once you tweak it a bit. My only complaint is the bit of body roll.

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  Good car overall - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By OurLadyofPets - July 10 - 2:10 pm

  Good vehicle, no problems other than interior design issues. Im not crazy about the fact that you need to use high octane fuel, I assumed all economy cars used regular - oops! The seat heater toggle switch gets turned on accidentally, not so much a problem in the winter, but when its already warm its difficult to cool a warm seat that you are sitting on. The window switches are awkward; Im forever opening the back windows when my intention is to open the front. The drink holders are placed too far back, the driver has to look away from the road to replace a drink in the holder. The phone charger goes off when the vehicle isnt running; Im not crazy about that idea. Everything else is GREAT.

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  Who Knew Suburu - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By J Lu - July 10 - 10:13 am

  Suburu wasnt even on my carbuying radar until this SUV came along. Fell in love immediately after the test drive: great looks, lots of power, smooth ride, great handling. Easy transition for me from a 93 Toyo4Runner. Packed with features - this is the best SUV to get in the market for its value.

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  1st Subaru..... and probably not last Subaru - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By usmcbigguns - July 9 - 11:14 am

  I have been researching a new car for the last year. And out of all the cars I looked at in this class of car, I always came back to the Legacy. So i pulled the trigger and decided to lease this car instead of buying it since I have never had a Subaru before and I heard they will be upgrading the power train in a couple of years. I have the eyesight system and I can tell you it works. I got distracted and the things start beeping, display blinking and my brakes stopped my car. Already payed for itself! Overall the Legacy is a great value. Got my fully loaded Legacy 2.5 Limited for under $30k. Cant beat that for the features & safety you get.