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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  so far disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By me2 - November 13 - 12:13 am

  If you are short (53") you may have trouble with the brake pedal - its very soft and high, and if you try to rest your foot on it (like us shorties have to), it starts to brake immediately - very hard on your legs! And just 2600 miles on it, on a long road trip, the cruise control just stopped working, the "cruise control" warning light started blinking, the "traction control OFF" light came on, and the "check engine light" came on - cant bring in until next week - heaven knows what is going on - still had 300 miles to get home with car loaded with kids and gear.

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  Best car ever - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian - November 11 - 11:10 pm

  Test drove the 09 Legacy and was it nice, then test drove the 2010 Legacy and fell in love with it. The overall style is awesome, performance is outstanding and comfort/room is great. Love the awd, especially here in Florida where it rains. Great control on wet pavement. Fuel economy for us, driving back and forth to take our son to school, we average about 30 mpg in city. On hwy, we averaged about 35 mpg. Can not complain.

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  Our 2nd Crosstrek - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Kunkel Family - November 11 - 8:08 pm

  We turned in our 2015 Crosstrek as the lease was coming up on it. We are VERY excited to move into the 2018 updated model. Not only does it look sharper and more aggressive but they made the inside wider and much more comfortable! They made the car much more quiet on the road and refined the steering. The car is fun to drive and feels planted to the road, as do all subarus. Our premium model has the eyesight system which is extremely safe and useful. The technology inside the car is wonderful. Android auto and apple car play are available as hands free phone options and the cars computer system handles them well and very speedy! The interior of the car is far superior than any Subaru I have been inside. Soft touch materials and perfect color choices make you feel like you are in a very refined vehicle.

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  Having Fun!!!! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By curly333333 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I find myself making excuses to drive it. I have done extensive modifications to it to improve horsepower and performance and i still get 25 mpg on the highway. I have never had to have anything fixed.

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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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  After much thought... - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By paul271 - November 10 - 6:17 pm

  I have been looking at Subaru Foresters for about two years. I loved my 2008 Honda CRV but wanted to go with an AWD. Reading reviews of small SUVs on Edmunds and getting into the cars moved me slowly toward the Forester. My search resulted in three finalists, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-5, and 2014 Forester. All are fine choices but the Forester drove so well and with absolutely amazing visibility. Even though the frame sits up high the car has a low center of gravity and very large windows. With the exception of the high (and safe) back head rests, there is no blind spot. Lots of little details suggest great attention to detail in visible and invisible places.

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  Love my car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By becs - November 10 - 8:33 am

  This is my third Subaru. I love it. It handles like a dream. I have a 140 miles round trip commute everyday so I went for the automatic this time. Makes a big difference when stuck in traffic. I get fantastic mileage. 30 on the highway and around 26 about town. Its my favorite car Ive owned so far - even got my favorite color this time - green. The interior is comfortable (leather) and easy to clean. And Ive got a 10yr old boy so Ive cleaned that back sit a number of times - grin. The safety features are great. I do have to agree with another reviewer that the headrests are a bit in the way of the rear view sometimes, but Ive learned to adjust how I look back now. I love this car!

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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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  Chick Magnet - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Russ - November 9 - 8:40 pm

  This useful little truck is a great conversation piece and says a lot about me and the things I do. If you need a big truck, buy a big truck. If you need a fast car, buy a fast car. If you need some of both, but only have room in your driveway for one, get the Baja. It pwns.

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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.