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:

• 

  2016 Outback, not my mothers stationwagon. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Joanne Charles - January 24 - 1:58 pm

  Navigation voice control does not work. Navigation maps are not detailed enough. Once an address has been entered to the system, there appears there is not a second screen showing turn by turn directions. To complete the technology this vehicle offers, it could use both front and rear beepers. The cross traffic sensors are good but do not pick up stationary objects and there is no warning in the front, especially for parking or close encounters. Hopefully this SUV will offer a reverse automatic stop and 360degree cameras by the time my leases runs out. Besides the navigation, this is a great vehicle for the money. Especially impressed with eyesight and all the technology that came with a single reasonable package. The V6 motor is strong and both quiet and smooth. I have no regrets replacing my leased 2013 RX350 with this SUV and I especially like the savings.

• 

  great car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By birdman - January 21 - 10:00 am

  have had my forester xs 5 sp. for about a month and have really enjoyed it. It has great pickup and is as fun to drive as my beloved jetta. Climate control is great as well as the heated seats.

• 

  Great Performance, Not a Commuter Car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Amanda - January 20 - 5:20 pm

  Has a comfortable ride, with great power in acceleration (highway especially). Its got guts to it, made for speed, so lead foots beware. Braking takes getting used to, because of AWD. As noted by many magazines, gas mileage is poor (my average is 23 MPG). Interior is simplified nothing fancy. Of all the cars I test drove in this class, for me these race inspired seats are the most comfortable (Im 59). The stock CD/sound system is good and easy to use, also arrangement of speakers are well done. Cant forget handling, the car turns corners amazingly. Steering is nimble.

• 

  Reliable Car - Fun to Drive - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By RMAN - January 20 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned the car for more than 7 years. It drives the same way today as it did when I bought it. I had a few company recalls on the vehicle but no major problems. The car handles great in any condition. AWD really works well in snow. I have received many compliments onthe looks and styling.

• 

  Love my car - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jeannie - January 20 - 1:50 pm

  Love the gas mileage. Love the comfort. Knees and back dont hurt when I drive or ride in the car.

• 

  Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium CVT - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rockyjoe - January 20 - 12:47 pm

  Got the first one in the area last week. After reading the early "expert" reviews, was pleasantly surprised that the car with CVT had plenty of pep and power, handling mountain roads/midrange acceleration with ease. Gas mileage slightly better than advertised, in mixed driving. Very nice build quality and interior materials. Yokohama Geolandar tires are a big plus for snow country! Handles beautifully, and very quiet on road. This is a good-looking, quality car, versatile enough for all-around use on all road surfaces and weather conditions, with very good fuel economy. The heated seats/mirrors complete the package. By far the best, most functional and attractive crossover Ive seen!

• 

  The Best Car Ive ever had !!!!! Period - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By farside7 - January 19 - 1:10 am

  I had a Chrysler 300 Limited Brand new, Chevy Impala brand new, a coup deville and to me this is the best car Ive ever owned, period. The ride is smooth, the vehicle has great power. I put a remote start on It and a trailer hitch. I get about 26 to 27 on the hwy. The interior room is awesome ! Im 510" and 280 pound! I still have plenty of room!

• 

  Impressed - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Pilotdad - January 19 - 12:26 am

  We were looking for an AWD/4WD vehicle to replace our rear wheel drive sedan. We have driven several Hondas over the years and were considering the Crosstour. We really wanted to like it but just didnt. It was comfortable, but didnt handle well and didnt have a lot of power even though it had a V6. Hey, if Im going to give up the gas mileage for the bigger engine, I want some guts in return! We also tried the Venza but were unimpressed. Then we drove the OB. Wow, it was great. Handled well, plenty of zip, nice fit and finish, comfortable, and roomy. Great visibility. High reliability by consumer groups. I can see why Subie owners are so loyal now that I own one! Consider it.

• 

  Versatile! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By DD - January 18 - 11:43 pm

  This car is meant to be driven hard, and its loads of fun when driven hard. I wish the turbo would be more readily available, but whats really great about the car is the value for money - AWD, Turbo, Sporty, and a Wagon. Its a great blend of features I was looking for. Its practical, affordable, and a lot of fun to drive as a sporty car. Its my first new car, and its been rock solid so far. No complaints.

• 

  Loud Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Joe - January 17 - 4:30 pm

  Car is very LOUD at first start-up (cold after sitting overnight). Called Subaru about this. Said this is normal for 2.5i PZEV vehicle? I mean LOUD. It does quiet down after it warms up. When I went for test drive the car had been warmed up by dealer. Same thing when I went to pick-up car from dealer after purchase. I think that they were trying to hide this from me. I was told that only 2 valves are working at a cold start in order to heat up the catalytic converter faster to achieve the partial zero emission vehicle claim? Sounds like a class action suit in the making for premature engine wear in about 2 or 3 years. I would not have bought this car had I known this.