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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  Another First Time Subaru owner - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Impressed - November 8 - 10:26 am

  Like another reviewer, wifes car, was driving an STS.Did all the comparisons of driving and reading reviews plus watched a bunch of comparison videos. Nothing comes close to the performance,handling or safety. Compared to the B9 it is a much improved vehicle. If anyone is looking to buy an SUV because of weather considerations, this car will be one of the last to lose integrity.Great AWD and Traction control that really work.

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  Melange - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By pigo - November 6 - 10:51 am

  After being a Subaru owner for the last several year, I may try something different next time around. I still love the way this thing drives, but subaru must stop being slow with bringing current technologies to the customers. Absolutley terrible stereo with no Bluetooth, dedicated I pod , etc......This is the Limited afterall! also sunvisor vanity mirrors with out illumination and no light in glove box!!Cmon! The 4 speed tranny was not a huge concern for me but it again shows Subarus unwillingness to be current. interior materials are not on par with most in the class. If Subaru wants to retain this up till now loyal customer, it must add some class to the fun!!!!

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  Traded after 20k Miles - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By yit - November 6 - 5:50 am

  I loved my Legacy. Bought it used with 70k miles and traded it with 90k, after the windshield wiper motors went out, the back door handle broke, the wheel bearings need replaced, replaced both oxygen sensors, and the catalytic converter (went out around 88k miles, 8k miles after the emissions warranty went out of effect.) It began to be a money pit. Performance was good, the engine has some power between 3k-4k RPM but is hindered by the outdated 4 speed automatic. AWD was a life saver in the snow. Drove it though 11" of snow and didnt get stuck once. MPG was better than EPA estimates, 95% highway driving returned a consistent 28-29 MPG. If it was more reliable, I would still have it!

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  2002 Subaru Legacy L - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By gumbputt - November 5 - 7:56 am

  AWD is great. 110,000 miles replaced head gaskets $1200. 25-28 mpg. Back oxygen sensor out, would cost $100+ just for the part. Wind noise on drivers door correctable only by wedging paper in between gasket and window. Passenger window has be raised and lowered until perfect to cancel wind noise. Has always started. Seats arent overly comfortable for long drives. Overall I would get another one.

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  My first SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Jan - November 4 - 7:26 am

  I purchased my very first new vehicle ever just a couple of days ago and I think it is wonderful. I havent had it long enough to really comment on the gas mileage but my old car only got 15 miles/gal so this is a dream. The SUV handles very well and my children love it. It has plenty of room my husband is a very large man about 350 lb. And he fits in the vehicle just fine. I would recommend them to anyone.

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  17 XT Tourings a refined 14 XT Touring - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - November 1 - 4:15 pm

  For 17, Subarus XT Touring has better sound suppression (though road noises high on coarse roads), nicer interior (especially trim and seats), a smoother ride (less harshness and jiggles) and a few new features (blind spot detection, heated steering wheel, LED tracking headlights). Youll see a white cloud behind when accelerating hard, but the 14 XT did same with no ill effects. 17 engine and CVT have less quirks and steerings slightly quicker. Sadly, the HK sound system degraded to 3 band EQ rather than multiple bands with saveable presets (the manual incorrectly claims otherwise) and searching for FM/AM/XM stations more of a pain due to revised scanning procedures. Keyless entrys handy but may be subject to hacking. Too new to know reliability but has few rattles (a first among my Subies) and its trim fits well (14 had numerous mistakes). MPGs the same as the older 14. Tires remain Bridgstone Duelers which are only so so overall and have lousy ice traction (Get Nokian or Michelin instead!) Definitely a better trip car.

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  2008 Subaru 2.5i - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By nospe811 - October 30 - 6:26 pm

  This is my second Subaru. I love them both. Great cars. This one is a good value for a base car. Lots of standard equipment compared to Honda and Toyota and with AWD it cant be beat. AWD drags fuel economy down a bit but if you ever need it, even once, that penalty is worth the price. This car is roomy, fairly quiet, and is very comfortable.

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  2012 Impreza Sport - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By dead_duck - October 27 - 8:05 pm

  Good car. This is my first NEW CAR so I was looking for it to be perfect. There are a few things that you can not get a feel for when you test drive or search online. Like the fact that being a taller person, it takes a bit of a drive to realize your comfort level would be better with 3 more inches of track on the seat. Also, MPG are NEVER as advertised.

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  Very solid, just a few minor dislikes - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Captain D - October 26 - 9:26 am

  I have 83,000 miles on the clock at this time. Its been very solid and reliable. It drives pretty well. I have found over the years that the suspension does not feel as solid and connected to the road as it used to. The interior noise can be bad when you have passengers. Overall its been a very reliable and solid car.

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  Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Andrea - October 23 - 5:23 pm

  Please test drive on the freeway before you purchase if a lot of road noise or wind noise is bothersome to you. You have to turn up the radio loudly and speak loudly if you drive more than 50 mph because of wind and road noise. Also dont count on this car to get out of the way of a speeding truck coming towards you. NAV system not that reliable. Dont bother paying extra for it. Drives more like a truck than expected. A big truck. Gas mileage is so so for a truck.