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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  1st Subaru - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By dmuzyka - August 16 - 2:05 am

  This purchase (2013 Limited with Special Appearance package) was the culmination of 2 years of research (I keep my cars 12-15 years, 200k+ miles). A big change from my mid-size 4WD SUV; Im loving the driveability and handling. Just as roomy inside except not as tall as my old one. No road wandering Ive noticed after 2500 miles including 2 road trips. 2.5 is more than enough for me, although others may want more. The other finalists were Volvo XC70 and Audi Q5, although they cost $$ more and were nicer trimmed of course. The OB feels just as solid on the road. Honda CRV AWD was the only close-price contestant and the OB felt much more solid. I liked the CRVs front storage though

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  amazing - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By xhcxkid - August 16 - 2:00 am

  by far a milestone of accomplishments. between the usefulness of the awd the improved gas mileage and the excellent handling I cant complain about this car

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  My first Subie - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I like the subaru forester-had over a year now only getting 24.3mpg highway. I dont like the cup holders or where the seat warmers are placed. Overall, the car is awesome in the winter-drove through 26+ inches of snow up the a 7% grade with no issues. I should have got the outback just because it looks like its a beast!

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  Bad Choice for Comfort - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a month and from day one had problems with driver seat issue. So far only 700 miles on it because it is too painful to drive. Test drove another car than what I purchased thinking they all were the same. Saleman was real pushy and rushed me into sale. My mistake. Cloth seat is so uncomfortable that I now have major upper and lower back problems that I have to go to physical therapy. Love a car that I cant drive!! Dealership and Subaru refuse to acknowledge the problem. Should have bought the Honda CRV!! Will NEVER buy another Subaru.

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  A great car, ruined by Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By bensti - August 13 - 11:20 pm

  This was my first Subaru. I bought it as a CPO with 19k miles on it. About 1300mi after buying it, the MAF sensor failed, then at 3k miles, the engine spun a rod bearing and failed, got a new engine which was broken in properly and then failed from another cracked piston 5kmi later. Oh, and did I mention that it sat in the shop waiting for Subaru to get off their asses and fix it for over a month each time. On top of that, the transmission has begun to have issues, like it wont go into 1st gear without a horrible grind, the dealer says it is "Not a major problem"! Headlights failed, rear diff failed, clutch failed due to bad work from the dealer, and the car is still broken Buy an Evo

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  Beats Accord & Camry - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Alan - August 13 - 9:58 am

  Had a 2014 Accord Sport, Have a 2012 Camry Se. Both cars are pretty much the same. They feel cheap. Got Legacy Limited. The difference is the All Wheel Drive. Instead the the car being pulled, which stinks, all 4 wheels move and the car is much smoother and feels like a luxury car. Front wheel drive is terrible. It also rides softer than both Camry & Accord. Its a huge difference. The front seats are much more comfortable and theres more room width wise. After driving the Legacy, you will never go back to front wheel drive.

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  Wish I had my outback sport - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Nathan - August 12 - 10:56 pm

  My first Subaru was a 98 impreza outback sport. I loved that car, except the seats. I bought the 01 forester s after my wife hydroplaned and totaled her car. I have put close to 60k miles on the car since I bought it used. In that time I have had to replace the front right wheel bearing and hub, right rear wheel bearing, left rear wheel bearing x 2, both servo boots, knock sensor, catalytic converter, and head gasket seals. The left rear wheel bearing had to be replaced the second time because the dealer apparently used a chisel to remove the bearing and scored the spindle causing it to ware prematurely. On both occasions SOA did reimburse me. I do all sch. maint. & still have prob.

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  Bad Quality buyer beware - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Kevin - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  I have had this Subaru for quite some time and have not driven it over 31,000 miles to date . First of all the rear wheel bearings started sounding like a landing plane, they were replaced under warranty , thank God, but then only 10,000 miles later the same thing , like a growling landing plane , the wheel bearings again , this time guess who is responsible. I contacted Subaru and told them exactly what I think about their poorly designed junk. I wouldnt but another Subaru if they were the only vehicle made. Piece of garbage, if you have to pay over 600.00 every 10,000 miles , you call that reliability ? Not in my book.

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  Our 2208 Ru is a Little Tight - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Barry - August 12 - 3:43 pm

  We had a 1998 Ru Outback that we gave to our son and bought our 2008 Ru in July of 2007. The Ru rides great, has good mileage, 25MPG around town, it also looks great. Our Ru has been very reliable. Only problems so far has been a power steering arm that was leaking when we bought the car new. That was replaced under warranty. We have had an intermittent rattle under the car, especially when cold. Took it to two different Subaru dealers and they could not duplicate the problem. Went to our Subaru dealer in Flagstaff and they finally found the problem, something about the catalytic converter which will be replaced under warranty.

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  I Would Consider Another Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By MaryAnn Smith - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Forester. However, I never thought when buying my car that I should sit in the back. Just to see how I liked the room,etc. Well, my Forester is wonderful except for the back seat.There is no leg room whatsoever. Not even for a small child let alone an adult. My Forester does great with snow, icy conditions, etc. Handles very well on hills. I would buy another Forester again without any hesitation.