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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  Love this car! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By shannonehill - April 1 - 7:25 am

  I have had my 2001 Subaru Forester since 2004 and have loved every minute of owning this car. My Subaru is nearing 200k and sadly starting to deteriorate (rust spots, transmission, and suspicious coolant leak) so Im looking for a new car. I would buy another Subaru in a heart beat if I was looking for longevity. I also love having all wheel drive. As long as my tires are in good shape Ive never had any trouble in the snow. Aside from normal maintenance of a high mileage car Ive spent little on my Subaru. My car has also never broken down. I swear the commercials brainwash you but really I love this car and would drive it till the day I die if I could.

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  Buy the Turbo - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By xttouring11 - March 31 - 4:14 am

  The Forester is a practical, reliable, and versatile vehicle. The only problem is that it uses a 170hp engine to power a relatively large vehicle. So, if you are planning on buying one I recommend you buy the turbo charged XT. this will power you up hills with no trouble. The storage space is great, and the panoramic moon roof is incredible.

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  Safe but uncomfortable rear leg room. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Amthony - March 30 - 9:26 pm

  This is a great vehicle, great pick up for a 4cyl. and a great design. The rear seats are uncomfortable as far as the foot placement. Front seat floor racks impede the rear passengers feet rest.

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  Legacy Limited Sedan, 2.5L 4 cylinder - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve05 - March 30 - 6:03 pm

  Car handling with AWD is great. Steering feel also very impressive with good suspension. Car rides solid and is comfortable. 175 HP engine provides sufficient low end torque.

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  Love my new Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jkk1943 - March 30 - 5:48 pm

  I love the versatility of my new outback. It is comfortable, quiet and great for long road trips. I am impressed with the fuel economy I consistently get 27-28 mpg in the city and 29-31 on the road. The seats are comfortable, visability is great and the layout of instrumentation is driver friendly. Have had a minor warranty problem with fault in emission control system. Dashboard lights went on and cruise control was on longer operational. Took it to a dealer and they found and fixed a cramped emission hose. Be sure to lock down gas cap after filling or you will get the same effect.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By scottimus1 - March 30 - 11:10 am

  This is my first Subaru vehicle, and I am very satisfied with the car! It has surpassed my expectations (not an easy thing to do.) It is very comfortable, quiet, and handles better than I expected for a small SUV. The CVT transmission is quick to respond. Performance for the 2.5 litre engine is better than expected. Fuel economy is better than stated by EPA, averaging 27-30 MPG in mostly city driving.

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  I Really Like My Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Charles Cathey - March 30 - 10:06 am

  Traditional AWD Subaru features and handling. Slightly softer suspension than my 2001, but quicker steering ratio, a bit sensitive to driver input, but you get used to it. The BEST EVER in the snow and rain. (I have owned 11 Subarus since 1983). Very good noise isolation and body integrity. 360 degree visibility is excellent.

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  Great Car For Your Money - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By MyCar_GoesFast - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car about 8 months ago now and have not been disapointed. This car is down right fast, yet it is a vehicle that I can still take on my long drives home from school, that is quite enough to hear myself think inside, and is always fun on the go.

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  Subaru Outback Wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By lovefishing - March 30 - 10:00 am

  The Outback is a very reliable and "sensible" vehicle. Third Subaru I have owned - also own(ed) Ford, Isuzu, and GM vehicles. Personally, the AWD and ABS have come in very handy on all of my Subarus, including this most recent purchase. Have avoided several bad situations because the AWD and ABS prevented the accident (this seems more important than how many air bags a vehicle has).

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  The puppy hauler - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By CCI pup carrier - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vechile. After six weeks we traveled over 6,000 miles with only one problem. The first day of our vacation I was rear ended. Minimal damage and the rear hatch worked fine. It is a very stable on the road and off.