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:

• 

  To Subi or not to Subi, ....... question - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By RBN - January 23 - 3:56 am

  Very well performing station wagon that has a lot of utility. 250 HP is great, smooth transmission makes for a soft ride. 19 mpg is not great but a fair deal for the performance and utility received. Tire pressure sensors are sensitive and alarm the driver somewhat early. In fall and spring when night and daytime temperatures vary more than usual, the warning light goes of frequently. All in all a great car with full time all wheel drive. Ultimate control in every weather. Nothing slips, nothing slides. Great car.

• 

  Not what I expected from Subaru - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Albertlock - January 21 - 6:23 pm

  Apparently, Subaru needed to wait a bit longer before turning out the Forester. This was the first year they made them, and the bugs are still present. No way to fix a failing in the AWD; the wheels intermittently lock at low speeds (this was also a problem on the Legacy wagon) - even Sub experts cant fix it. Many other mechanical failings that disrupted trips. Ive heard subsequent years are much improved and really wish Id known more up front, since Ive been very happy with past Subarus Ive owned.

• 

  Very good, with only minor compaints - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By jerrylevy - January 14 - 9:22 am

  Very spacious for its size, and very comfortable front seats with good leg room in the back and very pleased with gas mileage. Not a bad long distance driving car and four people will be very comfortable for a six hour drive.

• 

  Great car except for smart phone integration! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Lawrence Cohen - January 13 - 7:32 pm

  Used to own a Honda Element but wanted to a more comfortable car with better gas mileage and up to date technology. And I should mention manual transmission. The Forester is the only choice for manual so I went with it. The 2016 Forester delivered on 3 out 4 on my wish list. I really like driving the car and have been averaging close 28 mpg overall with the manual. Love the way it momentarily breaks the car on uphill stops so it makes shifting a total breeze! Now for the major disappoint and Subaru needs to be called out on it! I was looking forward to using the Mirrorlink feature that would allow integration of cell phone apps (like a gps app on the phone) to display and be controlled by the headset displays and controls. BUT the version of Mirrorlink in the car is an old version (1.0) and is incompatible with the versions on smart phones (Mirrorlink 1.1) and you cant downgrade the phones. Subaru customer support has said it would be fixed but its been close to year and now customer support is clueless on it. In the meantime other options are becoming more accepted ... like Android Auto. So its very disappointing the Subaru has done nothing to fix a problem with there software and its looking doubtful they ever will.

• 

  Great Subaru - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Carter - January 11 - 9:23 pm

  Love this car. Right before the major 2009 redesign they were making the nicest Forester they could. Everything about the car feels tight and smooth. I had a 2002 Outback before this car, and this car is much better. The automatic and the 4 cyl. engine feel strong compared to the Outbacks weak, noisy 4 cyl. and jerky manual transmission. The interior feels premium, with just a few hard plastics to distract. Interior like a greenhouse with panoramic sunroof; bright and cheery in beige.

• 

  Forester is a winner - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By seng - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have my forester for over 4 months now and im a happy camper. I am averaging 28.5 mpg for the last 6 times at the gas pump! (granted i drive mostly on the freeway). I love it when it rains... it feels safe and comfortable; I like the intermitant front wiper (can either speed up or slow down) and the rear wiper... excellent visibility. The seat height adjuster is great(driver side only). Its a great ride. Everytime I see another forester on the road, I catch myself marvelling at how great they look!

• 

  Road Noise - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Carter - January 3 - 3:40 am

  First wind, then engine noise make this car a problem on the highway. The wind noise can be fixed with a fairly simple repair (the frameless windows are at fault). The engine noise, however, is a result of the manual gearbox. The fifth gear has to rev high to allow the cruise control to pull the car uphill. As a result the car revs at 3-4000 rpm at highway speeds and makes a real racket. The raspy, unrefined 4 cyl. doesnt help. It is a deal killer. Other than that, pretty good car. Secure on dirt roads and in snow and fun to drive on both. The exterior is distinctive Subaru and the interior is well executed.

• 

  Could be better - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By soulcougher73 - January 3 - 2:50 am

  Ive had my Forester for a year and half now. Overall i like the car. It looks great but there are a few nagging annoyances. The ride can be a bit harsh. This could be due to the OEM tires. Lot of door and dash rattles. Fuel economy is avg at best. I avg 21mpg with about 80% city/20% highway. Stereo and speakers are very weak as well.

• 

  STi Performance with RS Style - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Pitt Boxer - January 3 - 2:36 am

  I previously owned an Intrepid with roughly the same MPG, but nowhere close to the responsiveness, handling or acceleration of the Japanese Monster. Prior to purchasing the STi I did a little research on the Evo MR. For the price and resale value, you just cant beat the Subie. Granted the Evo has a slight advantage in most categories, the Impreza is much more fun on a daily basis and as a daily drive. IMO if you are looking for a strictly track car get the MR, if you plan on having a life outside of direct competition, you better bet the STi takes the win. Subaru has an awesome track record, unlike most of its Japanese-American counterparts.

• 

  Nice Car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Danlo - January 2 - 7:56 am

  I bought my Legacy used with 7000 miles. After 2 months of driving, this car is trouble free. Havent driving on snow yet. This is my first Subaru & I am very happy with this car. Gas mileage is around 25 combined & 34 on highway. Only complains are loud engine noise when cold starts & lack of storage.