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, but sold it after one year - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By danwatson - December 11 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Limited when a job caused me to relocate to Mammoth Lakes, CA. We live at 8000 feet and we got oveer 50 feet of snow. With snow tires, the Forester never let us down. Its great turning radius, relatively high ground clearance and AWD handles the snow well. But, at this elevation, with only a 4 speed automatic, its missing a couple of cylinders. Transmission downshifts regularly on hills. And, it was a little small for my wife and me. Its great around town, but not great as a road car. This was our first Subaru and we traded it on an Outback which fits our needs. And, we traded it in for $2500 less than we paid after 18,000 miles!

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  Best Small SUV-Outback is Better Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  Previously owned four Outbacks. They are a more substantial vehicle with many more standard feature details such as lighted vanity mirrors, bumper cover, cargo tray, cargo cover, fog lights, all weather package, etc, Outback has better seats, quieter ride, better handling, power drivers seat, better interior materials, more solid construction. Outback has a higher sticker price but Forester is about the same when similarly equipped. After 3-years Outback is rattle/squeak free and solid. Forester already has suspension noises and dash rattle over rough surfaces after only 800 miles. Tried all the competitors before buying this one and overall its the best of small SUVs but Outback is better.

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  Excellent all around - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  This is a lot of car for the money. You will be pleased with the performance of the engine, the handling and tight turn circle, heated seats, enormous sunroof, creature comforts, automatic climate control, visibility and other features. The car is fun to drive. No rattles after 3500 miles. CR rated very high (top) in small SUV category. I definitely agree.

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  A different Subaru wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Stan - December 10 - 12:43 pm

  I test drove the Ltd w/ 4 cyl. I was impressed w/ the new look, the pick up, the extra leg room on the 2nd row. However, I had an issue w/ the headrest. It pushes my head forward and gives me an uncomfortable feeling. I was told that once the seat was adjusted correctly, the headrest issue would go away. Overall, I like the car a lot, just hope that Subaru would have a better financing program and/or rebate and/or dealer incentive.

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  good way to build a car - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By chia - December 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is perfect for me yet my dad wihta much expensivecar envies my car now it is relax to drive if you can live witht teh clutch but other wise its fun to hear the boxer engine roar and do some favourite heel toe on sound good back road! i am getting 26 mpg out of this 2.5 liter engine! the gears are short and solid encourage shifting

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Steve - December 8 - 9:53 pm

  I looked at a lot of cars before buying this. I got a great deal at $17,750. $1000 instant rebate for end of year, and another $250 below dealer invoice - negotiated for one of the last 06s. Plenty of power, handles great, AWD is great in snow and on bumpy roads. I always look forward to driving it. Unless you do serious 4 wheeling or tow a boat, an SUV is not only a waste of gas, but MUCH, MUCH less fun to drive. Im so glad to have a car that will do anything I need it to, plus its a blast to drive. If you dont need AWD the Mazda 5 and Matrix are comparable, but for AWD nothing compare to a Subie at the price point. It drives like a $40,000 Audi or BMW, but is MORE reliable.

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  2010 Subaru Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By kiirock - December 7 - 10:06 pm

  I bought my Forester in July 2009 and this is February 18 2010. I personally like the interior and have not had problems with rattling inside the cabin. The radio is very weak and lacks good controls. I am satisfied with the mileage. I do very little city driving, mostly country and highway and I average 24-28 mpg. When I compare how the Foresters drive compares to my wifes Rav4, I prefer the Subaru any day due to the softer seats and better power steering. We have had over 40 inches of snow this winter in eastern KY and the Subaru has impressed me with the AWD on snowy and icy roads. The visibility is great and there is plenty of head room. Also plenty of room in the back.

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  Sleeper - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By fun2drive - December 7 - 4:10 pm

  Most people think of this vehicle as a soccer moms grocery getter. If youre looking to impress people at first sight, then this is not the car for you. This car is very practical. Plenty of room for almost everything including 4 adults. Great visibility and very maneuverable in town due to its small turning radius. Excellent comfort. Cabin layout and seats are perfect. Car is very stable, especially for something so high off the ground. 5speed has relatively short throws and the entire shifting process is very smooth. MPG: worst-18 best-26 city-20 hwy-25 mixed-23 Car is geared low for acceleration. At 70mph youre at 3K rpm. Could use a 6-speed for hwy gas mileage

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  Love my XT! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kim - December 7 - 12:58 pm

  I have purchased 2 Subaru Forester XTs now. I love most everything about them, and hope to keep the newest 2016 for years. The biggest downfalls I have found are the lack of rear air, slow AC cooling, and not very family friendly with babies. Although the car is very safe, the lack of rear air is a huge problem. My 7 month old baby is unable to get cooled off quickly due to his large rear facing car seat blocking the middle vents from reaching him. His car seat has also taken up the majority of the back seat, which has made me consider buying a larger vehicle. His stroller takes up the majority of the trunk area. Although I would love to keep the car for years, it may not be possible.

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  Nice, but many cheap aspects - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Oatmeatstout - December 7 - 9:10 am

  Have had car for 1 month now and overall its a reasonable vehicle. The 2.5l engine seems fine for most uses and the handling is good for a vehicle this size. Interior has many inferior aspects that really detract from enjoying this car. I expect these will be improved in subsequent model years... I wish I had waited. Base stereo system is terrible, and Im not an audiophile. Eyeglass holder is hard plastic and anything placed inside rattles which is annoying.