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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  09 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Brian - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I really like the looks, utility and AWD nature of this vehicle, although Im disappointed with some key issues Ive had with rattles which started popping up a few weeks after purchase. Dont buy the iPod adapter, not worth the $$$.

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  Decent SUV alternative, but. . . - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By rmay483 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Forester L for about 2 years now. Overall, its a decent vehicle. Handling is very carlike and stable, the interior is reasonably quiet, and the space and layout make it a great camping/outdoor vehicle (which is how we use it). Our main problem has been a faulty oxygen sensor that has been replaced THREE TIMES. Not an expensive fix, but is very irritating. One more and the Lemon Law takes effect. Also the rear hatch shows small rust-colored spots in the paint that the dealer claims are caused by road/brake dust. Ive never seen that in any other vehicle Ive owned. Otherwise its been dependable and useful in snowy Michigan.

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  Good Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hey - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Subaru Outback and Ive had no problems with either one. The car has great features and a good fit and finish. My friends are always amazed with the amount of cargo it can carry. It also does a great job hauling my skis and mountain bikes around.

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  Bad Ride - 2014 Subaru Legacy
  By rtk3 - September 29 - 4:58 am

  I only had this 2014 Legacy 2.5i Premium for only two weeks. Its my first Subaru. It has a lot of good features, but im having a hard time enjoying them. The ride is hard, it seems like you feel every little bumb in the drivers seat. Im very disappointed! Traded a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix with 136,000 miles, it had its issues, but rode great and was still fun to drive. Cant say the same for the Legacy. Ill have to give it some time. Maybe its just me, but I dont think so. I might have to take a lose and try something different. Let me know what you think!

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  A dream car made real - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By bigtrick - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 8 months now. For 7 months, I drove this baby 660 miles almost every weekend between MN and IL. I can say that as competent as this car is as a performance beast, it is also a collected highway cruiser. My gripes would be wind noise (noticeable above 70mph) and long-term comfort of the seats (on a drive from Chicago to Denver and back, the padding on the seat is noticeably flat and uncontoured). Besides that, its an awesome car. So fast its silly, yet spacious and utilitarian. It hauls ass and hauls goods - I fit 3 people, a drum set, and a saxophone in there. In short, I love this car!

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  Very Good except for torque - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By AJ - September 24 - 5:40 am

  The car is generally very good. I got it for an excellent price, even in its first year. I really like the interior design and layout and the great looking and useful hatch bodystyle. The interior generally is nice for the $ but I think the red lighting is juvenile and hard to read. The main problem with the car is the short-stroke engine combined with interia of AWD system makes it a torqueless dog both around town and on the highway. I cant fathom why the engineers would set it up that way. At least the short gearing kind of makes up for it, but then it ends up feeling like it needs a 6th gear. All together it drives and rides pretty well and is comfortable. MPG isnt bad for AWD.

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  17 XT Touring attended finishing school - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - September 23 - 2:16 pm

  After mixed results with the 14 XT (was first year model, suffered major engine wear covered by TSB), I found Subaru had refined it for 17, smoothing out ride (less jiggly/harsh), reducing interior noise (engine quieter, tires less so), and upgrading interior trim and seat colors. Engine/CVT feel more polished, there are fewer rattles in dash and interior. Gains: LED headlights and brake lights, heated steering wheel, better shaped seats, color graphic displays, lighted vanity mirrors, memory seating. Losses: Harmon Kardon sound equalizer degrades to 3 bands rather than 10, Nav only available with Eyesight. A fair bit of chrome and shiny trim can prove distracting in sunlight. XTs nicely responsive on the road, with option to use regular fuel (at cost of 10 - 15% of power/MPG). Odd that torque vectorings only available with Eyesight, and that tailpipes soot up quickly. If you drive icy roads ditch the stock Bridgestones for ones having ice grip. Summary: a very practical, pleasant vehicle.

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  2017 forester xt touring - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By jim - September 22 - 4:50 am

  have not had the forester that long,2 big disappiontments would be seats are very uncomfortable(not enough support and could have more padding) 2nd thing is it does not have wipers on/headlights on feature. most states now require this,it would be a nice feature to have. other than that,i am happy with it so far.

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  Versatile - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By TW - September 21 - 5:53 am

  I value versatility or all else and this car has it in spades. Bought it new, now have 167,000 miles with very few issues. Family trips with 4 kayaks on the top, 4 bikes on the back, 4 people and a 160# dog and loaded to the gills. Enough power and decent gas mileage. I tow with it. I have hauled stone and mulch and top soil. Im a musician and it holds all my equipment and is easy to load and unload. Love the low weight of the flat 4 engine and how it just pulls you through corners. Im up for a new car this year. This one goes to my daughter and I will most likely get another Outback.

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  All Speed, Junk parts - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Sooby Doer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive, but buyer beware. My car is not even a year old but its been to service more times than my older car. Ive had problems with the cheap paint (easily stains), the engine light turning on and fluid leaks.