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 - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By john klimczak - February 18 - 8:38 am

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  Forester 2.5X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Forester - February 18 - 6:10 am

  Great compact SUV, very happy with overall performance, will buy another Subaru after this. Having owned domestic vehicles over past years I made a great decision buying a Subaru.

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  No Nonsense Performance & Practicality - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By jcgolfer - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is exactly what I had hoped it would be. It is primarily a practical car with enough flair to make it fun and pleasurable to own and drive. The GT version handles well enough to have some sporting fun while the all-wheel drive allows you to drive relatively aggressively in the snow and ice. It is essentially a 12 month, 4-season GT car.

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  Too Many dashboard and radio features left undone - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Declined - February 16 - 12:14 pm

  Unless you are a major programming artist do not even buy the programmables for mileage, fuel consumption and other dashboard hidden features. They use a paddle system to program all these functions. The automation fights back at every attempt to install even simple things like setting the clock. These features should come with solid pre-set features and maybe allow the user to up-grade the feature if he wants. I am so turned off over this I have given up trying to set the functions. This is my sixth purchase of a FORESTER. Because I anticipate they will do the same thing with unfinished automation when more autonomy becomes available this is my last purchase of a FORESTER. Never again!

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  Swiss Army Knife - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By pulse1 - February 14 - 10:24 am

  This car does it all. needed a car that would carry my family, safely, over the blizzard strewn highways surrounding the great lakes. This is the car for the job. Extra niceties include safety, cargo area, people area, a nice interior finish and great highway MPG. I like this car.

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  The Accountants SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By XSpremium - February 13 - 10:53 pm

  Engine break in could be over 10k, since I continue to get higher city mpg. AWD does some bucking on turns, probably speed sensors in auto transmission. Acceleration is adequate for passing, esp. when pushing throttle, but have been experiencing some hesitation that can be handled by letting up on the throttle and re-applying speed. Tend to think it is Evaporative Emission system/valve near fuel tank because is usually only present in hot weather after car has been sitting with engine off. Fit and finish excellent in vehicle, very quiet on bumpy gravel roads with hardly a rattle. Good in snow, but winter tire pattern a must since vehicle tends to understeer. OEM tires no good in snow. Would buy again.

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  Subaru Legacy - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By eoj88 - February 13 - 12:20 pm

  First few years of ownership the car performed as desired. However in the third year of ownership road noise became louder. Car has started to rust in the rear door jams at the seams. The rear quarter panel has developed large rust areas. These days I would expect a car to last more than 5 years before rusting out.

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  Still disappointed after 2 years - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Disappointed in De - February 12 - 12:50 pm

  From the day, I drove it off the lot, it has had squeaks. I have had it in four times and the dealer has never been able to make any improvements. Drivers area is cramped.

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  5 Star Crash Rating, Lower Insurance - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Richard - February 12 - 3:06 am

  Had the Subaru for 10 months, the ride is car like, but you sit higher, with a better command of the road. Put synthetic oil and get 28 city, full time 4 wheel drive is great in all weather. The 5 star crash rating across the board, lowered my insurance $300.00 every 6 months.

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  Best AWD Fuel Economy - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Steven - February 12 - 2:40 am

  I have had nothing but good luck with my 2001 Forester. I live in the Northeast and having a Subaru in the heart of the wintertime is what you need. The handling and performance along with the fuel economy makes the Forester my top pick over all the competition. I looked at the CRV and the RAV-4 and they did not even compare top the Forester. I highly recommend the Forester to anyone who wants a reliable vehicle along with the fuel economy.