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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  Japanese Car Convert - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Keith - March 2 - 5:10 am

  After considering the 2006 Civic, Jetta, Mazda3, and Beetle, I picked this Subaru for its absolute fun to drive qualities. I had more fun than Ive had in a long time zipping around corners in this car. The gas mileage is better than EPA posts; I get 28 and 34 mpg. The transmission is wonderful, and the car looks snazzy and feels durable and well built. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a unique, fun to drive, affordable, and reliable economy car.

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  Fun Subaru - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By John_vree - February 28 - 7:46 pm

  Overall fun car to drive due to 200+ hp. Outstanding in bad weather (Des Moines in January) and lots of acceleration and good handling. We have hauled SUV loads of products from Sams Club, etc, so interior storage is good. I dont get the 20 mpg from a 2005 4-banger. Highway mpg is about 25. Interior legroom for a 62" guy is limited. I guess you cant have it all.

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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Seattle - February 28 - 8:03 am

  As a whole this is a great car. Family of 4. Went from a van to this car and are happy with the room and comfort. What I really like is the exceptional handling, gas mileage and vision available on the 09 Forrester. A big change from the Dodge Van. We currently have a lot of snow in Seattle and I can say this is the best car Ive ever driven in the snow.. it goes anywhere with no issues. My only issues with this car are the stereo. Its cheap and sounds terrible. Looked to replace it which is close to impossible. If you want a good stereo bargain with the dealership before you buy it. Second, it rattles excessively.. makes it sound cheap and is irritating.

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  Fun car but needs improvements! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By djenson - February 28 - 3:16 am

  I live in NCW Washington and drive 30 miles to work and this winter have had many challenges with record snow, fog and ice. I love the all wheel drive and the heated seats. I have had problems with the 36000 warranty and with Subaru following up and fixing a quality control problem.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By luckyowner - February 27 - 10:23 am

  Every day I drive it, I think to myself how lucky I am to have selected a Subaru Forester. It is perfect for the active sports lifestyle I live - a hitch for the bike rack, roof racks for the canoe, fold down to flat cargo area for sleeping when its too wet outside to sleep in the tent. All that and great handling in the snow on the way to the ski resort. I couldnt have asked for more features and at an extremely reasonable price.

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  4th Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Booru - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 4 Subarus starting with a 84 GL Wagon. I have loved every. I looked at other SUVs and at the Outback VDC. Couldnt justify (to myself) the extra cost of the VDC vs. benefits. Liked the LL Bean from the first moment I saw it and sat in it. Agile in city, country, beach, and mountain driving. The H6 has impressive power pared with the smooth transmission makes for a terrific combination.

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  Liken It !!! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By michael - February 26 - 5:33 pm

  It has been a cold and snowy winter so far here in Minnesota,the all wheel drive and heated seats have been a real blessing. The HK sound system is wonderful and the 28 to 30 mpg on the interstate is very easy to take. I am still getting use to the cruse controls on the steering wheel,the one button control on my Toyota Highlander is much more user friendly. The 2010 Outback is bigger and as won some acclaim this year but I think the 08-09s still win the beauty prize,Its a good lookin little wagon!!! Am looking forward to many miles of happy motoring in our "Suby"

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  100K meltdown - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Paul - February 26 - 7:23 am

  Our Forester was golden for 100,000 miles, but within 1K of passing into 6 digits we started to have problems. Most were annoying little things like the clock stopped working, the compass became wildly inaccurate and the low fuel light failed to go on. There were major problems with the front wheels. The paint job seems to easily scratch.

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  Fast and gorgeous Subaru! - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Andi - February 26 - 4:25 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago. I was hesitant to buy a Subaru because they are all over the roads here. I test drive the car, and the dealership treated me very well. After this, I knew that the Legacy V6, was the right car for me! I’m loving this car more every day that I drive it! I make excuses to drive this car as much as possible. Pros: -fast and instant acceleration. -quiet inside even with V6. - absolutely beautiful loaded interior with comfortable seats and pretty blue lights. -infotainment Center is easy to use and has STARLINK . -security system included. -elegant exterior -AWD included. -Subaru is a great company and very customer service orientated. Cons: -Remote start only runs for 15 minutes then shuts off. Haven’t figured out if I can change this. -CarPlay skips on occasion. Both cons are not faults with the vehicle itself, which is why it gets 5 stars.

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  New Car Engine Vibration - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike 5150 - February 25 - 11:53 pm

  I am very concerned about the engine vibration at idle on this car. It is very disconcerting to be sitting in a car with just over 1,000 miles on it and feel the engine vibrate. I called Service and the guy said that the Boxer engines tend to do this due to the alignment of the pistons. A look at the Subaru website says that a characteristic of the Boxster engine is REDUCED engine vibration. I look forward to presenting the Service adviser with this information tomorrow morning. Reliability is a big selling point for Subaru, but I am extremely concerned about mine.