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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  Reliable & Fun - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Scott - January 17 - 11:33 am

  I also own a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback which I couldnt be happier with its reliability and handling in the northeast winters. I purchased a new 2007 for my wife for Valentines Day and she loves it. I splurged for every option available including the remote starter and 72 month 100,000 mile warranty and only paid a little more than invoice.

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  PERFECT!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By LetsSTi - January 17 - 10:00 am

  A true sport rally racing family 4-door 5-passenger utility all-purpose vehicle!!!

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  Rattles Be Gone! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Jim D - January 16 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased my OB LTD w/VDC on 4/30/08 and the car was plagued with various rattles coming from several different places. I was totally unhappy with the vehicle. Im happy to say almost a year into owning the vehicle, all the rattles have stopped. Now the vehicle rides like a new car should - tight and quiet. So now Im happy with the purchase and I enjoy driving the vehicle. Maybe the "bugs" had to be worked out.

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  Wow, I Get To Be The First Reviewer - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By the_craw - January 16 - 7:48 pm

  I purchased the Hybrid Touring about a month ago, and have over 1,400 miles on it. For context, I live in the Northeast, and the weather has been brutal pretty much each day since Ive owned it. The car drives really nicely. It is quiet, and the steering has good feedback without being overly stiff. It also has a nice exterior look. Traction has been great. As far as the mileage, it has been disappointing. It has averaged about 27 MPG. Like I said, the weather has been really cold, and it is only 1,400 miles, so that might be holding it back. Even with highway only trips I have not been able to average over 29MPG, and Im not a super fast driver.

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  Former Chevy Owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Lynne - January 15 - 3:13 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Chevy Equinox for a, hopefully, more reliable Subaru Forester. I love that the car isnt fancy, but drives like a decent sedan rather than a truck-like SUV. The visibility is fantastic, and there is more than enough room for 2 car seats in the back. This is meant to be our second vehicle, but I am confident that we wouldnt mind using the Forester for our family car in many situations. Looking forward to leaving the "American car" behind.

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  Fantastic now but - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Baltimoron - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Being a loyal Honda/Toyota family we ventured over to Subaru for offering a safe AWD sedan with good mpg . Only main concern is the history of the CVT with other manufacturers and its reliability factor. Not a believer in extended warranties we became one due to the CVT and purchased it. We have had the Legacy for one week and it is simply FANTASTIC. Solid, roomy, polished and spirited are just to start. Very Germanic feeling. Excellent build quality so far. No rattles or vibrations. For a family sedan handles great. We ordered ours with the HK radio for the blue tooth phone and media hub. Blue tooth works great and very clear and easy to use. Will update if anything changes.

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  Good job overall - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By NTB125 - January 15 - 4:26 am

  Generally speaking I think its an excellent car. Overall quality is very good. Mileage also excellent at low 20s. Great looking car as well. Nothing is perfect but my complaints are minor; such as the rear view mirror being a little in your vision field, no power port and the factory keyless entry not having an auto lock feature. Climate control seems to have a mind of its own and adjusts the fan speed when it wants to. I also have a Forester and nothing here would stop me from buying again.

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  Dont carry your family in this SUV - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By rpanek - January 15 - 1:21 am

  Very unstable SUV when you carry more than two people including yourself. Sways on every turn with speed over 50mph like is ready to overturn. Looks like Corporate Subaru of America dont care about safety of car owners and passengers by dismissing open cases about car safety and works with World Government and Banks on decreasing population. Downshift on sudden acceleration (when you try to pass other car on the freeway) goes a way to low making engine reaching 5K rpm. Has very low quality sound system. Interior finishing quality - less than any other car or SUV, need a lot of improvements.

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  another solid car - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By credto - January 13 - 4:26 am

  This is my third Subaru, our first one and still housed is a 2000 2.5 RS 2- DR, then a 2004 Outback Sport, now our 2007 Forester.

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  Great concept, lacking execution - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Dave - January 12 - 7:26 pm

  With 40k high speed and around town (yes, Home Depot!) driving, I have fallen out of love with the Baja, but still respect it. Love the versatility and carrying capacity (quite amazing really, with some creativity). Handling at higher speeds is very good after replacement of the awful OEM tires. Fold down seats, bed extension, poke through door into bed, all great with signature AWD. With the base 2.5l, acceleration is by appointment only. Tranny seems confused and gets in its own way. Wind noise has been a consistent problem, even after service that helped, some. And at 40k this has had more "little" failures and issues than seems characteristic of Subaru.