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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  The B9 is fine - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Cliff Wallick - May 1 - 7:06 am

  We found the 2008 Tribeca to be superior in design and performance than any other vehicle in its price range! Its quiet, smooth, roomy and stylish, what more would you want? Did I mention it was also fun? It compares best to Acura and Lexus. Tremendous value!

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  Seconds Thoughts - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Pencilpusher - May 1 - 12:26 am

  Had a 2000 Forester. Got the 2008 with PZEV. Wish I could go back in time. The car idles wildly on start-up, reving up to 2000RPM then down so low it almost shuts off. Told by dealer this is normal. He gave me a copy of a service bulletin saying same. Suggests using gas without ethanol. Good luck finding that in PA. On 90 degree turns vibrates and sounds like going over rumble strips.Told this is normal, seals in rear end need to seat. Car rattles and sounds tinny. Man, wish I had gotten the Nissan Rogue, even though it was $2000 more. The new Forester is built a lot cheaper than the 2000. Most reviews for Forester are very good. Hope mine holds up.

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  Versatility is a quality itself - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Eugenio - April 30 - 11:50 am

  This car is the definition of versatility. You can have a big car, a sedan style drive, a reliable hauler. If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle, it is the best way to go. Yet to see a better way to carry my mountain bike.

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  Very happy! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By M Clarke - April 29 - 6:14 pm

  We have only had our forester for a month and we already have 1500 miles on it. We have driven Hondas and toyotas and feel you cant beat them but loved the features of the forester. So far we are very impressed with the quality of our new Subaru and with Byers Subaru dealership. The salesperson told us to bring our car in as much as we wanted for a car wash. I was pleasantly surprised when they even sprayed off the all weather mats and swept the interior!

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  Great comfortable ride. - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Frank - April 29 - 12:16 pm

  Had this for a couple of months now. Been up the mountain a couple of times, in three big snow storms and still on the icy roads every day. It all handle very well. Gas mileage in the city is not that great, but you cant complain about a 25mpg average from a ski trip, can you? For more power, you definitely need to know the clutchless gear shift option. Its easy and fun too. What more can I say?

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Russ - April 29 - 7:26 am

  I have a love hate relationship with my Outback. It has been into the dealer 9 times in six months. So far problems with the AC cycling every 15 seconds (hot to cold), defective radio, excessive rattles and squeeks in the drivers dash, coolant leaks, and the final straw, a cruise control that wont stay engaged. Performance wise, the car is great. Average 28-29 MPG highway roundtrip from Reno to Oakland and back. Handles great in deep snow and wet roads. Subaru is working the problems but I am about ready to give this one back! Must be the "one" defective Subaru. Would suggest a better stereo as the speakers are marginal at best for long drives.

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  Lovin The Suby! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Waldorf 2008 - April 28 - 5:06 pm

  My husband purchased this car and it has now become his primary work car. I dont think that it is possible to hurt a Suby! It is so well built I have also been informed that I am not allowed to purchase anything but a Subaru for the rest of my life! If you are considering buying one do ti!

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  undocumented shut down mode - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cg - April 27 - 4:26 pm

  At 203 miles, driving 20 mph on residential streets, the transmission stuck in 1st gear with numerous lights on. Undocumented limp home mode? Dealer "service" dept gave me a chat line to call instead of road side assistance. Ridiculous and dangerous non support. 24 hrs in shop and they still dont know what went wrong.

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  It is what it is. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By fitethefututre - April 27 - 12:17 pm

  Manage you expectations. Its a crossover. So it doesnt do anything exceptional. The insides are unremarkable. So is the exterior. We have 2 little kids. So we need lots of space, with two car seats. It has a reasonable amount of space, but we cant fit everyone in--and the dog. I like the head room. Also, it has pep in the city for local driving, but with only a four banger, it is gutless on the highway. Maintenance is OK. Go under the wire for the warranty on the AC and replacing the rotors at 3 mm. 46K miles so far. So if you want something with more room, get a real SUV (We have a Sequoia for long trips). If you want a sports car, get something with more guts.

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  Fast, handles well and comfortable! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Tom - April 27 - 10:28 am

  I have a 2016 3.6R limited and love this vehicle. Disappointed that this car mostly gears towards androids, as it does not work for apples CarPlay and I didnt want to pay 4K for gps. I really hope they update this and accommodate apple devices more. Test drove the V6 Camry and the V6 Subaru is much faster and handles better. However, Mpg is much less than anticipated. After my first two weeks of being a lead-foot, I noticed that the mpg still around 16-18 city and 20-22 highway.