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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  Best new car Ive ever owned - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By turborob - November 22 - 10:00 am

  After 10 months and 16K miles, Ive decided that this is the best car Ive ever purchased. So far there have been zero repairs necessary which Ive NEVER experienced with a new car. Its not a race car, but performance is great, handling is very competent and the ride quality is just right, firm but not harsh at all. It is noticably slower in very hot weather. Interior quality seems better than average for a small car, but nothing spectacular. It is also very quiet inside for a small car. Seats and steering wheel are excellent, ergonomics are good.

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  Fast, fun AND practical - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Toddster - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Fast, handles well. Stupid SUV drivers think they can beat me off the line and I love leaving them in the dust. Theres plenty of storage (holds more than my girlfriends Landrover) and the back seats are acceptable too. Dont get that Mini-SUV, get a WRX...

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  Youll need lots of oil - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Joe Krownen Jr. - November 21 - 9:27 pm

  Bought our 2011 forester new. On a long drive in 2014, we heard a ticking sound in the engine. Once home, took it to the dealer. Dealer said it was very low on oil, so they replaced filter and topped it off. We took another long drive and the ticking returned. I had to add three qts of oil. Since that time, it seems I have to check the oil every 1,500 to 2,000 miles and will need to add a quart. The break-in procedures were followed and oil service was accomplished on schedule. All service was performed by the dealer the first two years or so (long drive). We smell burning oil in the garage. There is no oil on the ground or engine. Not sure exactly when it started, but it seems to be getting

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  2006 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5L SPECIAL EDITION - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By aldo - November 21 - 5:16 pm

  Ive only owned Subarus and this is my 4th Subaru. I have to tell you that the 06 Legacy has been my favorite. It is one of the best body designs out there. Handling,quality and fun to drive.

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  Not a MiniVan - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By steveni1234 - November 21 - 12:33 pm

  After test driving CUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Ford, the Subaru was a very pleasant surprise. The engine is very drivable around town and the ride experience is as luxurious as the premium brands. The Tribeca feels more like a car as opposed to the minivan roots of the Toyota Venza and the Ford Edge. Interior room for five is exceptional and rear storage area is huge. Build quality approaches the luxury brands. If you are in the market for a vehicle in this class, test drive them carefully. My experience did not match up with the reviews on this site. It was almost as if the experts were driving different cars!!!

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  Like it so far, beats my former 2012 OB 3.6r - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By RK - November 21 - 4:34 am

  Drive it and you will see what i mean. I traded my 2012 3.6r Outback with a brand spanking 2017 Outback 3.6r. Main reason was the safety aspect of the Eyesight system. I am really impressed about the handling and quietness of the car. This car is its very-well equipped but someone at Subaru need to explain why things like rain sensing windshield wipers are not standard , seat memory does not include outside mirrors, outside mirrors are not folding, remote start does not include seat heater or cooling, automatic sunroof closing functions and a few more. (even my 2015 Ram truck has most of the mentioned functions). minor issues but i think i mentioned it. I honestly can say that no other car was of any interest for my wife and me when we decided to purchase our new OB. My wife and i love this car.

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  I like it... so far - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By jeanniebutt2 - November 20 - 10:50 am

  When you read this review please keep in mind that this is my first v4, awd, suvish car. i bought the forester primarily because i was looking for a small suv that could handle the snow and more rugged terrain, had more cargo room, and was environmentally friendlier (pzev was a big draw). Overall i would say that my experience has been good. The handling is not great although I think that may be because im used to low profile cars and the acceleration isnt great - it tends to stick on some gears. As a lot of other people mentioned, the stereo stinks but i only noticed rattle over speed bumps. im averaging 23 - 25 mpg combined so far.

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  An opinion - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Steve - November 20 - 5:56 am

  I have enjoyed driving this vehicle. Tight construction, firm seats, sport shift is fun to use. To date Ive averaged 18.9 miles p/gal overall driving. We had a recent 300 +/- mile highway trip and we got 22.9 mpg. I would prefer better mileage, especially today, but the vehicle has meet my expectations and Im very pleased with it. This is my first SUV and it is truly easy in, easy out. I had my first winter with this car and it was fantastic in the snow. I would buy another one.

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  Disappointment - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Don B. - November 20 - 3:36 am

  Annoying things with this car. The power window makes a scraping noise when it rains. Poor gas mileage after ecm reprogramming for wvm23 recall. Seat belt doesnt retract quickly and gets stuck in door jam. Serious safety issue, Passenger air bag stays off with passenger in seat. This has been "repaired" 4 times still not working right.

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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By climaxbrew - November 20 - 1:18 am

  wife and I bought this car for our 20th anniversary. We bought it based on consumer reports and the companies image of being safe and reliable. It turns out that this is all hype and BS as this is the worst piece of junk I have ever bought. This car went through oil like crazy. Every 500-1000 miles I had to put 3-4 quarts of oil in. I diligently did this as Subaru tells you that it is normal to burn 1-2 quarts per 1000 miles. The end result was a blown motor on a 3 year old car. Told Subaru america about the problem and they offered no help whatsoever. We had to put a used motor in the car at a cost of over $4000 as a rebuild of the motor would have cost $7000. Beware people.This car is JUNK