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 engineering - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By DB - July 28 - 1:59 pm

  The car is well thought out. Tuned for enthusiasts even with the CVT, which is amazingly responsive. Handling is like on rails. Value (fun) for the money is unbeatable

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  Forester - Fun! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Jay Johnson - July 28 - 11:23 am

  The Forester is a fun vehicle. It feels safe and capable, making wet or icy conditions a breeze. Cargo space is abundant, allowing space for necessities and toys. A bicycle will fit inside without removing a wheel. The one we have is my wifes; I want another one for myself.

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  Great Car Often Overlooked - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By SensibleDriver - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have always owned new Subarus since my first Legacy in 1991. It was a L+ edition that was $18k. I drove it thru college and 140k miles. I then purchased an 96 Outback. In Oct.2003 I purchased this L Sped Ed Wagon, one of two 2003s left on the lot. I have been pleased with it! Got it for $19,500! Not much more than my first in 1991, but with many more features. Love the dual sunroofs. Goes in the snow like a tank!

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  The best of the best - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By y2ks2k - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The Sti is the 8th sports/sporty car I have owned. My previous ones were a 2000 S2000, 2001 S2000, 2002 Acura TL type s, etc... I have 5K miles now and use it as my daily driver in Portland.. rain city. This car is perfect in every single possible way. You get well what you pay for. Its just utter bruit power in a livable package. I have not had a single problem, its been as reliable as the 98 civic EX I once owned. Its best described as a car in the class of other $20K- $25K cars in quality with the perf of a $100K car at only an increase of $5K.

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  My experience - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Robert L. Ayers - July 27 - 6:13 am

  I found my 2009 Subaru Forester to be a very good vehicle. It is roomy and easy to get in and out of, I dont have to duck or crawl. I bought my vehicle last June and have 18000 km on it. At 6 ft tall and 250 lbs, I found the Forester a very comfortable fit, as it is larger than the 2008 version. The steering is positive but is not twitchy. The vehicle holds the road well in all seasons. Snow and ice have not been of a problem, even though we had more snow this year than previously. Any time we go anywhere, we have to cross a summit, yet have not had any concerns with the Forester. I researched vehicles on the net and Subaru was the best vehicle, so I bought it.

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  LL Bean Outback - A Great Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By LLBeanFan - July 26 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2001 and loved it from the moment I test drove it. Our family has owned Subarus since 1980, and this one is by far the most comfortable and is an absolute pleasure to drive. Before owning this car, I always felt Subarus were underpowered. The 3.0 litre engine in the LL Bean ended that complaint completely. It is so smooth you will be amazed you are driving a Subaru - very little engine noise and ample power. The car is very smooth and quiet. The seats are supportive although slightly stiff for very long trips. My only minor complaints are the flimsy 2nd cup holder and the awkward dual moonroof.

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  Bluetooth is awful and not safe to operate when driving - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By davidpro - July 25 - 3:07 pm

  The Bluetooth is a joke. Subaru should be embarrassed to have such terrible software in a 2013 model. You cannot upload your phonebook, the controls suck, and its voice recognition barely works right. It constantly makes errors and give you the wrong number. The sales staff at the dealer knew all about the problems and told me a bunch of crap that werent total lies so they could avoid telling me the truth about the system. It makes Subaru look bad. Other than that, the car is great, but its a big disappointment that this flaw exists and that they try to hide it and dont fix it ASAP.

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  Great little car - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By northerner3 - July 25 - 12:35 am

  I have had mine for 6 months now having bought it in the midst of an upper Michigan blizzard. This is a really decent suv. Nice looking exterior. The lifted suspension and larger tires make a difference over the typical Impreza. Very good in snow, deep or packed. The interior is somewhat plain, but to be expected at this price point. Great solid seats with plenty of room for my 62" frame even in the backseat. Common sense controls work well. Limited cargo with the back seat up but a roof rack helps. Others complain about the power. This car is not slow. Its not a race car, but quick enough for traffic. Gas mileage has been great. I am averaging 27 city/highway and 37 highway which is great.

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  Cant wait for snow - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jeff - July 21 - 4:10 am

  I think overall the Tribeca is an excellent crossover. This is our first Subaru, coming from a Toyota Camry then Honda Accord. I feel that the Subaru competes very well in that crowd. Some dont like the exterior styling, but I think it sets the Tribeca apart from the crowd. We get looks from people walking down the street all the time.

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  Just bought it - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By GHJ - July 19 - 5:07 am

  We have only had the car for about 1,000 miles, so some questions dont apply. Overall, we are very happy with the purchase.