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:

• 

  Love my new Subaru XV - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By stickybutfun - January 9 - 7:19 pm

  Finally got my Orange Subaru last week. Put 700 miles on it already and loving it. Sometimes I dont know what people want when they say it lacks power. We can only go so fast going from point A to point B. I rather pick a car that gets me 30mpg than go 0-60 in 4 secs. Less MPG= More use of natural resources= bad for environment. Lets hope gas prices doesnt go up to $6 then you will see what Im talking about. For those that want more power get a sports car, not a practical family car. Car rides smooth, handles great and most importantly gets great gas mileage for a crossover. So far, it is a great car with great styling.

• 

  Fuel Performance - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By rb211 - January 9 - 11:25 am

  Purchased in October. Was getting 29 mpg on average. The cold weather began in mid December and mileage waned. Now January, Polar Vortex in PA, and the mileage is down to no better than 21. Takes quite a while to warm up...thats ok, I have heated seats. Defrost is ok, but it is just fogged windows I have to cope with - not the frost many of you spoke of. But I turn on the defrost or the heater and in auto, the air conditioner compressor is engaged to regulate the set temp. Cant turn it off. RPM goes up 500. OAT is 8 degrees. Dont need AC, just bring in outside air. Not smart engineering there. Is it because of the CVT, Mr. Engineer? Love the car otherwise.

• 

  Good car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Charles - January 7 - 12:06 pm

  Great car. Only improvements could be more interior lighting when the doors are opened at night and more power under the hood. Otherwise, I would say this car is amazing. It functions well, is incredibly safe (I emerged unscratched in a head on collision), and looks great.

• 

  Exciting Commute - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Alie - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. You cannot beat it with the price. Always wanted a sporty car that is not hard on the city bumps. Found it with this car. The looks is perfect coz it downplays the car yet fun to drive. And also its fun to drive or did I mention that already. Can leave 98% of cars on the road.

• 

  Not a Car for those with Infants - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Tamara - January 3 - 11:00 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle, I did not have a child. With the exception of the headlight and interior lighting systems (mentioned in reviews by others), I was reasonably happy with the car until I had a child. This car does not allow for the infant car seat to be safely placed in the center of the backseat, which is the safest place for the child to ride. Moreover, the front passenger seat had to be pushed so far forward to accommodate the child carrier behind it, that that seat was rendered virtually useless. Although I had hoped to keep my OB for some time, the inconvenience associated with trying to transport an infant in this car will likely cause me to trade it soon.

• 

  Great deal but kinda slow - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By motodude - January 2 - 12:50 am

  I just traded my beloved 05 WRX wagon in due to a foot injury that made shifting the manual trans difficult. I was looking at the 6-cyl 3.0R model, then I drove it... really slow! The 2.5GT was quite a bit faster but still much slower than my WRX. Ah well, the Legacy IS a heavier car and it has an auto trans. I do like the 5-speed auto for what its worth, and the paddle shifters are a cool touch. The SI-Drive feature is a bit gimmicky really, as the three different maps arent too much different. You still need to put your foot down to get good speed with the Sport Sharp mode. Interior quality is top-notch and the ride is smooth and quiet otherwise. Happy to own my second Subie!

• 

  First one, not the last one - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Wendell eisels - December 28 - 12:19 am

• 

  Another Subaru for us! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Erik and Kelley - December 27 - 6:10 pm

  I just took possession of a 2009 Subaru Limited edition (non turbo). The interior space is far superior to my 2001 Subaru Forester. The "fit and finish" are a step up--still a little plastic, though. Engine is adequate to good, with some pep (but not extra- ordinary speed or handling). Nearly bought a Toyota V-6 Rav 4 which drove a little better, but the extra cost (nearly 3000 dollars) and the smaller interior for me (I am over 6 feet tall) made the Subaru the choice. Looking for 8-10 good years from this vehicle, a good choice for a safe, reliable, practical car that drives quite well in the snow and can handle two small kids and one dog. See you in the mountains of West Virginia!

• 

  Good vehicle at the price - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By AJ - December 27 - 3:06 am

  Ive owned this car for a bit over a year now. Heres the short-attention-span review. - Very good engine performance. - Good handling, although the rear suspension could be firmer. - Good brake feel and feedback, easy to modulate. - Great to have a sport wagon with a manual transmission. - Good, but not great seats. At least theyre cloth! (I hate hot/cold, sticky/slippery leather seats). - Awful climate control. With the AC on, it doesnt give you air at one temperature, but pulses alternating HOT and COLD air. - Bad driving position. Lack of a telescoping steering wheel really hurts. - Electronic throttle not ready for prime-time. - 26 mpg hwy, not so hot.

• 

  Great drive, bad mileage - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Amber - December 26 - 12:56 pm

  Love the car, hate the gas mileage. The nav system is awesome! I love the feel of the drive. Love the payout. It feels safe and I dont find any issues with the acceleration. Lots of room. Easy to load two big doggies in the back. Anyone have ideas on how to improve MPG? I have been using the premium gas.