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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  Great performance 2.5 liter engine with CVT - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By john_in_tc - November 1 - 9:19 am

  I have only driven 1,000 miles so the engine isnt at peak performance, but I am impressed. I get 28 mpg driving around Traverse City. On two highway trips I got 32 mpg against a wind with the air conditioner on, and 33 on the return on a still day. I was driving at 62 - 64 on two lane roads and 70 - 75 on four lane interstates. When passing on two lane roads the car accelerates from 55 - 85 very quickly. The car is very quiet, and the ride is good for a short wheel base SUV. I find the seats and the driving position very comfortable. The dash displays could be improved. The speedometer is too small, and the information on the display screen is hard to navigate through.

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  Great Car - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By guitarsmth - October 31 - 6:35 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Forester Limited and Im very happy with it so far. Gas mileage has been around the 27 mpg they advertise. You wont win any street races but its more than fast enough for highway driving and lane merges. The ride height is excellent as is the visibility. Build quality feels very good. The Limited trim is a great value. You get a ton of features and a very reliable vehicle for a fairly low price. I cant wait to see how it performs this winter.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jerseytiger - October 31 - 3:50 pm

  Pleased so far with the purchase. First time Subaru owner. Areas of concern with previous years have been addressed with 05 model. Researched all similar vehicles with AWD and found this vehicle to provide most bang for the buck, despite the fact that Subaru does not give them away. The car offers many features for all types of drivers: AWD-comfort-performance-reliability and most importantly-safety.

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  Lemon Legacy GT Wagon? - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jorgeorge - October 31 - 1:46 am

  Recently purchased a new 2005 Legacy GT Wagon mid March of 06, guess it was a holdover from last year. This car has been back to the dealership 5 times, originally for check engine light as well as the cruise light. I also experienced shaking and loss of power each time. June 30, 2006, it went back AGAIN for same problem. I also didnt have the vehicle for approximately 15 days because of a rattle behind the dashboard which turned out to be some kind of cracked foam right behind the firewall. I have as of today sent my certified Lemon Law letter to the company hoping to get them to take back this UNSAFE vehicle. Not sure if I would get a Subaru again. To be continued.

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  2003 Subaru Forester XS premium/leather - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By merliech - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car back in February, just in time for the snow! It handles wonderfully. Also, Im just under 5 feet tall and can see perfectly out of this car. No problems with the car so far. Intend to keep for a long time. Also, had a great experience with the dealership.

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  I Like It! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By EileenW - October 30 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive and (so far) its reliable. Ill let you know what happens at 200,000+ miles.

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  WRX STI - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SubarufanJon - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I wish the price could be a bit more cheaper.And none of you young or older people could afford it only me cus im more into rally then you.

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  Great car for a great value! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Seagal - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I had my "suberari" for 3 years now and I love it! Its great in the snow, on dirt roads and handles great in the rain. The Forester offers the same engine as the Outback for a lot less. A great value all around.

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  Really like the car, but... - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By Paula Witt - October 29 - 2:32 pm

  My first Subaru was a GL10 Turbo, that over heated and blew a head gasket. Had a Ford F150 and Toyota after that. Ive had my 2015 Outback since Nov. Its beautiful inside and out. Handles well. I dont hear any wind noise, even at 85 mph on the toll road. Not being a computer geek, it took me a good amount of time to figure out the electronics. Still havent figured everything out yet. Feels very stable and grounded while driving. Comfortable.

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  Solid performer - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By FuzzyJohn - October 27 - 11:36 pm

  I live on a dirt road and the B9 Tribeca handles washboarding like a champ, feeling little vibration in the body or steering. On paved roads, the ride is smooth and gives minimal feeling of sway at moderate speeds. The look takes getting used to but it grows on you quickly. I enjoy the fact the controls and readouts are simple and easy to use. The seats are comfortable and I dont feel cramped with the amount of room in the front seat area. The rear leg room leaves something to be desired but the seats are deep and can be adjusted to give adequate room for knees. Overall, I believe it is equal to most luxury cars and a big improvement on every SUV and off-road vehicle I have driven.