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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  Buy One! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By catskill lew - July 9 - 2:20 am

  Great car all around but a bit slow up the long hills. But I consistently get about 33 mpg on the 100 mile ride back from the mountains. Had sounds from front brakes but Subaru helped me replace all the brakes after only 25,000 mi. Terrific safer fun driving in the snow storms-car kept nice and steady, passing the less fortunate cars on side of snow banks.

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  2006 B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dwnayl - July 6 - 6:50 pm

  I searched for mid-size SUVs for two months. I drove the Murano, Highlander, and fell in love with the Tribeca. I got the 7 passenger Limited with the leather seats, gps navigation, and sun roof. The interior is beautiful although I am worried that the chrome fittings will scratch. Drives very smooth and very quiet. I get around 21 mpg in town and 25 on the highway. I have had a lot of positive comments on the Tribeca. I love that the 2nd row of seats can be adjusted. I am 64" and I can fit in the back seat. I couldnt be happier with my decision. Plan on getting rear cargo mat and bumper cover. Definitely recommend the Tribeca.

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  Nice Car but Lots of Irritating Features - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By JimB - July 6 - 7:03 am

  This is a nice little car that is designed perfectly for those who live an active life. It hauls skis, hiking equipment, bicycles, etc. very efficiently. The Outback 2.5i drives smoothly on the highway while getting 23-26 mpg (actual mpg with 5-speed manual). If you put four snows on it, the car will go through snow just as if it were on dry pavement. We have driven it through 10 inches with no problems. Snow stability is great and braking is good with the right winter tires. Overall, the car is perfect for our active family. The major problem with the car is the California emissions. Buy your car outside of New England to avoid bucking and surging on the highway.

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  My First Subaru - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By WangDAT - July 6 - 4:46 am

  First thing I noticed when I drove this car home from a SoCal dealership was how quiet the engine was compared to all the Honda Civics Ive owned. Its suprisingly fuel efficient if you stay off the boost, I netted 450 miles on a tank on that trip back home, where I average approximately 70 mph. Gas is now $2.90 for premium in my area, so this was a really pleasant suprise. The motor is pretty laggy though, but once youre in boost, its heaven. The handling is awesome and still offers a pretty good ride. I feel this car has the perfect mix of power, handling, braking, and fuel economy... at any price. My co-worker owns a 2001 Audi S4 and this car feels like a 9/10 version of it.

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  2003 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By rgren - July 6 - 2:00 am

  A great car

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  Glad to own a Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Topher - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I am already anticipating paying my current Forester to purchase the latest iteration! It is a great, dependable vehicle with few flaws.

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  First and last subaru. Their junk - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By bgtpeifer222 - July 5 - 7:30 pm

  I bought my legacy just a few weeks ago. And talk about a big mistake. It has 180,000 miles on it and yes i know thats alot but the dealer clames they will run 280,000 easy. When i bought the car it had its normal subaru noises in it. And just today the rear of my transmission went out of it. No warning no nothing just a loud crack and then the rear of the trans binding. This car is JUNK. first and last one ill ever own.

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  LOVE my Subaru!! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Pastmaster - July 4 - 4:06 am

  The Forester has given me no trouble. Beyond oil changes and regular maintenance, I have had a broken rear window (kids and rocks) and one gasket.

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  Early warning to potential buyers. - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By bendriving - July 1 - 12:45 pm

  Want to warn potential buyers of two issues, either of which makes us regret we got this car. First, the ride is rougher than a Model T rumble seat. Yes, Ive been there. Every road you thought was smooth turns into an uncomfortable roller coaster ride. I dont know what the cars designers were thinking. Second, using a thin pillow on the rock hard passenger seat disables the air bag. The manuals answer is for people who need a pillow to sit in the back seat. So, hopefully not, but if your mate has a medical issue, theyre supposed to ride in the back seat. The 2007 Forester we traded in was a far superior vehicle. Test out the 15 on various roads!

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  subaru forrester 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By ima252459 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  fun car to drive.Im 6ft 6 andi fit in pretty well .Though it is my wifes car i do drive it fairly often . I would recommend it.Car handles well interior in my estimation is pretty quiet.I feel the dash is laid out well.I feel pretty safe in it.car handles well .