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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  Not happy - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By dswiss - November 24 - 5:10 am

  Technically not a lemon, but awfully close to one! In 80,000 miles Ive had a transmission replaced, three catalytic converters, three oxygen sensors, numerous cruise control problems, burning oil smell, creaking windows, etc. Finally got rid of it and found out that the trade-in value is next to nothing. But at least I am happy now!

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  High Miles - a real workhorse - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Chuck - November 21 - 11:33 pm

  I put on 324,000 miles on my 99 Forester and finally have a problem with the transmission. Did a valve job about 290,000 miles. Replacement engines were hard to find. Had some more minor problems along the way but taken care of okay. I would like to replace the transmission but they may also not be easy to find or be reasonable enough.

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  Super Wagon - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By kelpsubie - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive whipped some guys with more traditional sport cars at the red light and mine handles well in the snow too! And its a wagon!

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  Am impressed with the 2.5i - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By dhs1204 - November 19 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the Outback 2.5i after an accident in the snow (hit and run) that left my Prius on the side while I was going 5 mph. I was looking for an AWD wagon for under 30k that could fit my family of three and two mid size dogs. Requirements were simple: I had to be able to sit behind myself, and there needed to be enough headroom so that my head did not hit the roof. Wants were good radio, quiet highway ride, fuel economy and performance. The needs narrowed it down to a few cars, most of which had too high of a center of gravity. Only the outback and forester made the initial cut. I chose the outback limited because it felt like it was designed to be upscale. 2.5i to keep it under 30k

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  MPG ? - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By fracker - November 16 - 7:04 am

  On 2nd tank ,I got 32.2 mpg on a 230 mile trip. My old Honda Civic gets 37+ on the exact same trip and was originally rated at 36 mpg highway like the Impreza. I have no options on my hatcback as I read the weight of the total cruise control package decreases mpg by 22+miles per tank(over 1 mpg). Am puzzled by the cars loss of speed going down hills. I have to gas it to maintain speed where my other vehicles can coast,saving fuel. Strange. Car is good in snow. to get accurate mpg readings it is important to completely fill the tank each time.It takes awhile to get all the air out of this cars tank.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By dtro - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to replace my 98 GTi VR6. I have been pleased with the car so far except that the engine light came on before the car hit 500 miles. Dealership says that its an O2 sensor, and its getting replaced tomorrow. Subaru has a great customer satisfaction rating.

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  I like it more as time goes on - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By HJ Wilke - November 10 - 2:50 am

  I have had this vehicle for over 6 months now. I didnt expect the fun to drive aspect I am experiencing, especially when the going gets wet or tricky. I got rid of the Yokohams it came with and installed Goodyear Triple Treads; what a world of difference, Great audio controls. Erratic A/C, cant find a setting thats comfortable.

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  Outback rattles! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Outback rattles! - November 9 - 7:00 pm

  This car has way too many rattles, ticks and squeaks. Its driving me crazy and this is unacceptable for such a new car. The rattles started one week after my purchase. Ive been a big fan of Subaru for years but not sure Id buy another one after this experience. If youre thinking of buying one, definitely rent one for a couple days first. A new car should be quiet for the first few years. The car looks good but kind of too small for a family. Black leather interior is hot hot hot in the summer months. The huge sunroof is cool. The fat leather wrapped wheel feels nice in the hands.

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  Highly recommended. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Martind - November 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought new due to a dearth or nearly- new Foresters; glad we did now. Love the car. Feels rock-solid and unbreakable. Surprisingly quiet and comfortable with excellent features such as climate control, heated seats, etc. Dealer was very patient (I took my time deciding) and helpful. Handling is confidence-inspiring and new design tasteful. Would definitely recommend the car to anyone who has pets or needs a car with utility and not the price/fuel consumption of the larger SUVs.

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  All around driving enjoyment - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By jim wightman - November 7 - 10:20 am

  I enjoy driving this car. We travel between Canada and Texas twice a year so our driving entails two very long high speed trips and then mostly driving around town. Excellent car for both driving types. Smooth, good cornering, pretty quiet, good gas mileage. Seats could be more comfortable. Front spoiler scrapes easily. As mentioned previously, first gear acceleration is not adequate unless rpm is high prior to clutch engagement. Some sign of early interior wear. First gear jerky at low speed.