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:

• 

  2017 Impreza is great buy - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By John Pascarella - May 21 - 11:54 pm

  We bought this car for a soon to be teenage driver so we have all of the safety features available. Before that happens, it will be our backup commuter car (85 mile round trip commute). It is very nice, comfortable ride, cruises easily in Houston traffic at 80-85 (normal speed for Houston), got 40 mpg on highway today. Around town, 29 mpg. Very spacious and quiet. Test drove Honda Civic which was very loud inside and the adaptive cruise control was not as good as the Subaru Impreza. Infotainment is much improved for Subaru (we also have a 2014 Subaru Forester). I think it has more than adequate acceleration to keep up with traffic but it is not a WRX. THe hatch is the best buy, great space on the inside and very good visibility. Check it out!

• 

  Best overall small SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By AndreyM - May 21 - 8:50 pm

  Ive had my Forester for about 1 month. Im very satisfied with my purchase. I love the exterior styling, internal (and cargo) space is great. Leather seats are very comfortable. Handling is precise (feels more like a sports car) and pickup is very decent for a V4 engine. The build feel is solid so far, no rattles of any kind. I get about 22 mpg in mostly town driving with some highway - again no complaints here. I love rear visibility and the size of sunroof - this thing is huge!

• 

  Great Value for the Money - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By greydigger07 - May 21 - 12:40 am

  I purchased the Forester after many months of comparison shopping and test drives and 15,000 miles later, I couldnt be happier with my choice. I get around 27 mpg from mostly highway driving and have the safety and security of AWD to boot! Last winter, Chicago had one of the worst snowstorms in its history. Despite whiteout conditions and huge snow drifts, my Forester got me home and was sure footed and confident the whole time. The car has great outward vision, decent pickup for merging and great handling thanks to its flat four and lower ride height. In my opinion, the Forester is perfect for someone who wants more space but doesnt want to give up the fun of a small car.

• 

  Big investment..looking for big reward. - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By readytodrive - May 20 - 4:27 am

  I bought this car after shopping for two months. I kept coming back to it, I like the clean line look, the great visibility and with the premium enough new gadgets but not to overwhelming. I havent owned the car long...it is a 2014! However, I would suggest to anyone to drive the car both day and night. I HATE the dashboard lighting...it is red. Without 20/20 vision it makes it extremely difficult to see the small icons. Comfort is good but not luxurious. Value was fair. Design is simple and inexpensive hardware. Reliability, visibility and reputation was the selling points. Not getting promised gas mileage yet. On first tank of gas. Look to own this car for long time.

• 

  Snow Gobbler off roader - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By John - May 19 - 9:23 pm

  So far the Outback 3.6R - 5 speed trans Limited w/nav. is a gem. No problems just maint. Ice cold air, MPG avg 26+ - hwy around 30+ smooth ride, quiet engine, snow gobbler and easy to drive. Keeping this car for another 5 years or longer. Have a 2013 Legacy limited 2.5i and it was flawless and just as good. Big front seats, quality leather; the black leather looks as good as it did in 2012. Paint is shiny. Glad I purchased the Outback over the other FWD V6 brands this car cant be compared to other vehicles its in a class of its own. The H6 is so smooth and quiet its a pleasure to drive. What is really fun is the turning radius you can do circles with it...

• 

  8 Yr Review- My lemon is literally falling apart :( - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By truth_b_told - May 17 - 7:24 am

  It has taken me from point A to B and been reliable in that aspect..but Everything Else about it just sucks. Transmission constantly shifts and is starting to slip, Lack of power going through the Rockies, squeaks and rattles galore, horrible wind noise, will barely start in 20 degree weather, paint is chipping away all over the car, plastic interior is flimsy, speakers suck, and the list goes on. It hasnt been terrible, but it hasnt been good. I want to mention I have always garaged the car, maintained it since day one, here in CO we dont use salt on the roads so why the paint issue? It only has 78,000 miles on it. Check Consumer Reports, Im just waiting for head gasket to blow

• 

  Great car!!! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Shaun - May 17 - 3:13 am

  I love this car. I love everything about it. By the look of the back of it, you could easily mistake it for a BMW. It is very fun to drive. It has a ton of speed and takes corners very well. The radio is also very good! It sounds just about as good as a Bose! I would probably say this is the best car you can by for less than $50,000!

• 

  2016 Forester 2.5i - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Karl - May 16 - 5:04 pm

  We have had this Forester for 4 months. We have the base model with a 6 speed manual transmission. Decent acceleration. Good mileage. Comfortable and smooth ride. Good visibility and comfort. So far we are averaging 27.3 mpg with mostly city driving. We love this SUV. It is our first Subaru. Used to own a 2011 Hyundai Tucson - and this Forester is a big step up.

• 

  First time subaru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Marian Mehegan - May 16 - 8:43 am

  Might want to get the larger engine for more pickup

• 

  Replacement for 03 Wrx - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By TT - May 15 - 10:40 pm

  Just got the car so these are just my first impressions. My 03 WRX was stolen so I went with a new 09! Its got more pep and more bells and whistles and is a blast to drive just like my old 03. It is softer for sure but I dont think this takes away from the car in any way. Great buy! Forget the 08, this is a different car by a thousand miles!