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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  OK Overall, Great in snow! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Higgledy - June 21 - 1:33 am

  After driving this car for 14 months and 36,000 miles I am ready to trade on something more refined. In 36,000 miles I had one major repair--replaced the catalytic converter, covered under warranty. But the thing that bothers me most is the rattles, noise, and harshness that have developed in 14 months.

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  A Dream Ride - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By jazzfocus1 - June 21 - 1:17 am

  I just got it so this will be a preliminary review. So far Im very impressed with this "freshened up" model. Very attractive vehicle, quiet interior, good power. Have only driven one day but am fairly car savvy and know about Subaru since its earlier days. They keep improving on a good thing and dont cheapen their cars like other companies to save money. I saw the car in April at the NY auto show. One of my old cars was up for inspection and I decided to trade in for this puppy. So far, I love it.

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  Big Transition, Big Suprise - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By jrollins12574 - June 20 - 5:36 am

  I traded in my 05 Dodge Durango SLT (w/ Hemi)for my Outback. I was looking for AWD & better gas mileage, 2 weeks later Im very happy with my purchase. The 2.5 L engine has more power than I thought it would and the gas mileage has been averaging around 26 MPG (I live in a rural area with a lot of hills). My Outback handles very well, of course Im comparing it to my old Durango. The Outback has a surprising amount of cargo room & the interior is very comfortable. The All Weather Package is a nice touch - Im looking forward to having heated seats and mirrors this winter. The only thing that seems goofy is that when I first start it up, the car seems to hesitate, but runs fine after warming up.

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  This One Checks All the Boxes - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By jag21979 - June 20 - 12:28 am

  Let me start off by saying that Im thoroughly impressed by the Forester. I moved up from the Legacy to give my family some more room & functionality. I enjoy fishing & camping, & this vehicle can take me there, & do so very efficiently. I dont think the vehicle is sexy & wont turn heads, but its very handsome & clean looking. The interior is simple, yet functional & enjoy the simple straight-forward design and easy to use controls. The Forester is comfortable and roomy, although I wish the seats offered more cushion. Not too many negatives...I wish Subaru would change the way they allow the user to control the A/C, if you own one you know what I mean. Great vehicle, great value!

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  Oil Burner - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By rpg3 - June 19 - 2:37 pm

  Was excited when we bought our 2012 Impreza Hatchback, BUT...we had the car for 25,000 miles and needed to bring it into the dealership 14 times for a check-oil light. Got the run around from the dealership...oil consumption was normal, they were going to change the brand of oil used, maybe the light was defective to just routinely topping it off. Ended up calling a lemon law lawyer who got me a $2500 settlement from Subaru and then I traded the car with equity on my loan. So, I ended up coming out alright, but I feel sorry for whoever ends up with my car or whoever buys the Impreza new. Dont do it

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  Legacy GT a Cut Above - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By lslgal5350 - June 19 - 9:10 am

  I have owned Subarus for several years, mostly WRXs. I finely decided to try a Legacy GT. I am really glad I did. It is a great car, having good power, and more luxury than the WRXs I owned. Subaru has done a great job on the entire design, and functionality of the Legacy GT. I have added a Stage one Cobb Accessport, and it changed an already good performing car into a really GREAT performing car. The added hp/torque from this programmer really changes the entire character of the engine, without cutting the mpg. Its the best $695.00 I ever spent!!

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  Flawless AWD - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Seattle - June 19 - 6:13 am

  This is a great multi purpose car for a young couple or older folks without children and also for you single folks too. For 06 the more powerful engine mated to the automatic is perfect. From a stop this car is a little rocket, and passing at highway speeds is not a problem. This car comes with all the safety features STANDARD! You don’t have to pay extra for side airbags or antilock brakes. And to having a bullet proof AWD system is great. The front seats are fairly comfortable but the back seats are better suited for children. Ride and handling are great for what ever kind of driving you do. And the new projector headlights are awesome for nighttime visibility.

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  WHAT A MONEY PIT!! TOO BAD :( - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By mom0f3 - June 19 - 6:03 am

  Beautiful car, roomy enough for transporting my children. Paint job is still brilliant and the car looks newer than it is. I really considered buying a newer outback, however at 70,000 miles, one thing has broken after another. First the wiper hose, then the wiper motor, head gaskets replaced, water pump and now the transmission is shot. I have put 3K into the car in the past 6 months. Thank goodness the transmission is still under warranty. I just wonder what is next to go. Too bad because I really liked driving my outback.

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  Great Little Arctic Urban Commuter Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By majort - June 18 - 1:16 pm

  The 05 Forester is a long overdue replacement for a 91 Suzuki Sidekick. The Forester is very solid, well-built, responsive and fun to drive. The driving position is excellent and the extra leg room up front is wonderful. The fit and finish seems very fine and so far I have not found any flaws needing correction. Gas mileage is super, even in an all city commuting usage. My Scottish Terrier enjoys the small back seat. The cargo area seems large enough to handle shopping and hualing duties.

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  A+ - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By matar - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I would purchase the Forester again, given the decision over again. Im never buying anything but Subaru!