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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  The vehicle I was looking for - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ken Myers - July 14 - 11:36 am

  Replaced gas-guzzler 3/4-ton ’05 Chevy pickup with the ’08 Outback. My requirements; better mpg, able to pull motorcycle and its trailer, high ground clearance w/ 4-WD or AWD to traverse the 2-track to my cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, handle winter snow, carry my radio-controlled planes and R/C equipment, ease of front seat access for my 85- year-old mother. Went to test drive an ’09 Forester and while waiting saw the Blue/Silver Metallic ’08 Outback and changed the test drive! The test drive, on poorly maintained paved roads, felt comfortable, and has proven so. There is a very solid feel between the car and the road. Good value. Better than a SUV for me. I like it a lot so far.

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  Best car ever! - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Ron Gerbing - July 14 - 11:34 am

  Take your time to go through the process in making your decision. The Subaru dependability and Forester Touring Model is a great combination! We really like this car!

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  My Best Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ray - July 14 - 12:40 am

  This is my best car buying experience to date. Found my 2006 Subaru Forester XT2.5 on the web. My sales "lady" was the best. Too bad she no longer works for the same dealership. Now I know why Subaru owners are very loyal. Car performs and handles like a race car.

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  Missing my Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By 2001subaru - July 13 - 11:44 am

  Boy do I miss my Subaru! I bought my 2001 Forester about 5 years ago and I do a lot of driving. It has served me well and I was well on my way toward the 300,000 mark (just crested 266,000) when I hit a deer a few days ago. I walked away without a scratch, the windshield didnt break and the bumper is still intact but the rest of the front of the car is totaled! If you could see the pictures you wouldnt believe I didnt get hurt. I had my seat belt on and was cruising along at 55 on the expressway. The huge 8 point buck destroyed the front end of my Forester, but nothing jolted the interior space. Amazing!

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  Like it but I Do Not Love It - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Craig - July 12 - 3:36 pm

  First off I should have bought the turbo. At the time I was concerned about gas and reliability. The turbo takes premium fuel and is usually less reliable. Dont under estimate the importance of FUN. The basic four cylinder does not have enough power to have fun, the acceleration is weak.I also like the aggressive looks of the turbo, the X is bland. If your looking for a basic commuter/hauler the forester is a good car but if you want some performance and luxury get the turbo or look elsewhere. I bought the forester because I needed some cargo space. They gave me a good price for my trade in. My last car was a Audi A4 so its been a hard adjustment, I feel the down grade.

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  ALL THE GOODS - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By STIterppie - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Just an all around beautiful car and totally fun to drive. this car has everything i have wanted in a car.

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  Backing up/low visability - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Joy - July 12 - 7:05 am

  It is hard to see out the side windows to back up. The windows are too small.

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  Wonderful Auto - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By a_bum - July 10 - 9:16 pm

  This is one well built car! Extremely solid feeling and it seems that everywhere you look, it is evident the engineers put a lot of thought into the design. Despite not being a turbo, I havent found myself in a situation where I needed more power than what this naturally aspirated engine puts out. Good low end torque gets you moving pretty quickly. Chose this over a Honda CRV because of the lower risk of rollover and a superior interior.

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  Quality problems - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By asdf - July 10 - 5:33 pm

  I have now had the XT newer version for a little over two years. At 9k miles the engine seized up! I had poor customer service until I called Subarus US headquarters and tried to talk to president to complain about the quality of their cars. In the end; Subaru fixed the car. I have had LED puddle lights short out each winter (one time I actually witnessed smoke!) Now, I need to take back to dealer again with separate electrical problems. I would be satisfied with this car if I didnt have to take to dealer so much. The XT engine is nice, and the cargo space is just right for a small family. The fake color plastic bits by door window switches scratch very easily.

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  An honest car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By walkman - July 10 - 12:20 pm

  This is a totally honest car, anything essential is generously equipped in the base modal. Those not found, they are bells and whistles. The roof rail has 4 bars (most others just have 2 bars, you will know the difference when you carry a bag or mattress on top). My wife feels fully confident and safe in it. Very stable on all kinds of road, no matter in snow, sleet, icy or wet. We enjoyed engines humming sound on the high way when passing big trucks with speed well over 70mph. Thoughtful console design,leaving ample space for all the odds and ends. Downside is battery leak in the 3rd year. In its 5th year there is some wind noise developing at driver side.