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:

• 

  Forester 2.5xt - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By rdt - March 12 - 2:00 am

  No surprises. The vehicle has performed flawlessly and is a ball to drive as few expect it to run so briskly.

• 

  What a great ride - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Zarfo - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Never owned a Subaru before, always had honda, VW or Dodge. When my 94 Dakota was failing I saw the re design of the Forester, they took a sick pup and made it look good. I insisted on the 5 speed cause the auto trans in the Dakota was poor and I was giving up a V6 to a 4 and I pull a small trailer. Well the Forester does a better job then the Dakota. The handling and comfort are great. Drove 1400 mile to Florida loaded down for vacation with ease and got up to 32 MPG. Ski trip to Vermont should prove its worth in real snow. Im ready to trade in my wifes 02 VW Jetta for another Subaru. Im very happy with my Forester.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By bdpharmacy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Has been a great car for my wife in the snowy WV mountains.

• 

  Reliable all-weather performer - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By ttran - March 11 - 7:10 pm

  Bought mine at the tail end of winter in MN. Wish I bought it earlier! This thing plows snow like a champ, especially with the Blizzaks. Truly a vehicle of choice in the winter. Now that its summer time Im starting to notice the noise. I dont get any wind noise but the engine and road noise is definitely noticeable. Im hoping my next set of tires will solve the road noise but Im not sure what to do about the engine noise. Very buzzy. Handles well but could use more power. I give this a 10 during the winter and a 6.5 for the summer.

• 

  Wonderful car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By vext - March 11 - 5:23 pm

  Bought this as a family car and for my wife. She immediately felt at home, loves how roomy and quiet it is, quite an improvement over previous smaller Legacys. She found the CVT trans easy to use, especially for steep Seattle hills, where it provides more control. She loves the new styling and elegant interior. Im very happy that shes got AWD, ABS, traction control to keep her safe during our monumental winter rains.

• 

  disappointed. - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Ira Blackburn - March 11 - 2:19 pm

  We bought new 2013 Crosstrek knowing its limitations. We have 40,000 miles on the odometer and took it to the dealership to diagnose a noise in the front end. The Dealership diagnosed a broken front strut and a $700 repair. Ive never heard of a car breaking a strut at 40k that wasnt wrecked or abused. Weve gone from loving it to WTF? and hating it.

• 

  2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Jason - March 11 - 10:45 am

  Ive owned cars from nearly every popular make and never wanted a Subaru. I test drove this BEAUTIFUL Legacy 3.6R Limited and instantly fell in love with it. It comes with every bell and whistle Subaru offers and its bullet-fast! I love my car so much I bought a 3.6R Outback 2 months later!

• 

  Subaru Forester X premium - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By maverick - March 11 - 1:40 am

  The car is a winner with great IIHS crash test ratings. For me it was a toss up between a Toyota RAV4 and this . When it comes to winter driving the Forester beats the RAV4 . During extreme driving conditions , the risk of driving is increased and my motive of buying the Forester was for times like these.

• 

  Not as good as they use to be. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By lemonade - March 10 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car thinking it would be as reliable and trouble free as my 95 Legacy. I was wrong! Numerous rattles, squeaks and creaks developed in the dash, console, and front passenger door. The auto transmissionwas rough and jerky shifting. The front end would grind and rattle when pulling into a parking space. Two dealers were unable to fix even a single problem. The dealer also always overfilled the engine by half a quart of oil during oil changes. Lousy service, warranty, and car. NEVER WILL BUY ONE AGAIN!

• 

  Great Value, Reasonable Compromises - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By mj - March 10 - 3:00 am

  Weve had the Subie for about four months now. I am very happy with it. The lackluster acceleration is noticeable, but the trade-off is very good fuel economy with standard fuel (25-29 mpg), I suspect the tranny largely to blame for the slow feeling to the car, and a fifth gear would help mpgs too! The stereo is quite weak, and there is no rest for my elbows on either side when driving this car. That said, the car has generally been delightful. Coming from Volvos I am impressed with the comfort of the driver seat the value (half the price of the XC70) safety gas mileage and reliability. Id strongly recomend this car-but realize that there are compromises made for mpg & low price.