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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  Practical - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ann - May 21 - 2:30 pm

  I really like this car. I bought it because the price compared to other similar AWD vehicles was the lowest by far. I needed something that gets around well on snow and that my dog can be comfortable riding in. I have the green color but the interior only came in ivory cloth and when I get in my car after working out I leave sweat marks! The car doesnt get around in the snow as well as my 1999 CR-V but it still gets around. I find the delay in accelerating to pass annoying but not a fatal flaw. The get-up-and-go is the best of any 4 cylinder Ive owned - even my husband commented. The seats are comfortable but really low to the ground. I needed a practical car and this is it.

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  Underpowered but reliable - easy drive - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Neil - May 18 - 3:56 pm

  This car is very reliable. That was part of the reason I bought it in the first place. It will hug any surface and get you out of a tight spot if caught on any loose surface.

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  a keeper - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Kenyatta Whiteside - May 18 - 9:46 am

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  Happy with Purchases - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Pele - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall good value for the price. Needs some improvement in the seats. Handles well, does great in the snow with the all wheel drive. As other comments made the cup holder position....very poor design.

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  Great little car - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By sicsniper911 - May 12 - 7:44 am

  I bought the car new in September of 2012 and thus far it has been a great car. I have nearly 10,000 miles on it already and everyday i still look forward to driving it. It has the 5 speed manual tranny in it and with that it has plenty of get up in go. The cornering on road is great for how big the car is and offroad it is even better. I have plenty of clearance for mild to moderate offroading and plenty of grip as well. Also performs excellent in the snow with no slipping unless i forced the car to do it. Highly recommended to anyone looking to buy.

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  Im Baaacck - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DKK - May 5 - 10:16 pm

  Bought the new style Outback as a company vehicle after having owned 4 GL wagons over the years. What brought me back was the increase in size and just "feeling at home" when I sat in one again. I had been looking at everything from another Acura to a Venza to a Mazda to a Lexus. I dont know. It just felt right. I drove many of the models and finally decided on the 2.5 Limited. The only disappointment is my gas mileage. I have made several trips of 300 to 700 miles and have averaged anywhere from 22.5 (ave. 75-80mph) on the low side to a best of 26.5 (70-75mph). Maybe due to AWD but on my 265hp 2005 Acura TL I get 24 in city and 29-31 on hwy.

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  I want a sunroof and a real armrest - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By jlch - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I want a sunroof and a real armrest. Good, reliable but no frills.

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  Do these things ever break? - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By niclo - May 2 - 1:06 pm

  105k miles and still drives like new! never had a car with this many miles that didnt start to wander around the road or rattle or run bad or something...

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  WINDSHEILD ISSUE - Eye Sight module - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Nancy - May 2 - 8:17 am

  I love my Forester but....my WINDSHEILD cracked for no apparent reason 2 months after purchase. Thankful for warranty covered it. A rock hit the new WINDSHEILD and a small chip. I then reaserched and found out Subaru has WINDSHEILD issues since 2015. I talked to dealer about this information as well and have been informed, the Subarus with Eye Sight have a THINNER glass. Not comforting, I let sales man talk me into having the Eye Sight. The module does block sight a bit as well. My suggestion is to really research the option with Eye Sight from Subaru and if you do purchase it make sure you also get Glass Ins. Coverage on your vehicle insurance policy! I regret Eye Sight all around in my new Forester.

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  Best all-around wagon, but not inspiring - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Nostoc2 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  On a price per feature and per reliability ratings basis, I concluded the LL Bean beat the AWD V-6 Passat and Volvo. The styling, in and out, and the materials quality of the Subaru does not match those competitors, however, so I do not get excited to drive the Outback as I might the Passat, nor do I have the cache that comes with driving a Volvo. But I get more storage space, better foul weather operation (Subarus more sophisticated AWD and higher elevation off the ground), more hi end horsepower and extra luxury features for my money.