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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  Great Cruiser - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By slivka - June 4 - 5:26 pm

  The car is a great freeway cruiser. The engine is very smooth and quiet. At freeway speeds RPMs are well bellow 3000. Little wind noise does get in (especially around window seals) and rear differential whines a bit at around 70mph, but overall the cabin stays quiet. Soft suspension and raised ground clearance make Outback a comfy ride when the pavement ends. Lazy automatic, on the other hand, kills performance and makes it hard to control the car at slow speeds when “off-roading”.

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  Too much fun!!! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By fred kozic - June 2 - 7:46 am

  Best money I ever spent on a car. Unreal quickness for the money. Had an 87 grand national I just thought was quick. The wrx would blow its doors off. I average 27 miles per gallon and drive 70 miles a day. All wheel drive and 4 doors to carry my kids with ease. Drove in the snow like a champ. I have only one complaint, the audio system needs help. Very weak. If you need a 4 door sports car I highly recommend a test drive.

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  Too quick to judge the first time around - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Gene - May 27 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned my 07 sti limited for over 3 months now. As every day passes I fall in love with her more. It simply amazes me that a 4 cylinder engine can produce this much power. The exhaust note is amazing, braking is awesome and handling is even better. The first week I had my car I had a throttle response issue which is now fixed. There isnt a car on the road that you will back down to when you are behind the wheel of an Sti. They literally pin you to your seat. Off the line they are one of the quickest production cars built in the world. If you are looking for a fun car to drive look no further than the STI!! Simply amazing for the price! Bye bye Porsche. :)

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  good car could be great - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Frank Gerechter - May 18 - 3:00 pm

  The car is solid and practical. Some small complaints. Lumbar support is not great. Could be a bit longer in size. CD player is fair. Power is ok for most conditions. Would I buy another one? Yes, but will look at several other similar models too.

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  My Fiance Forbid Me To Sell This Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Russell Newquist - May 17 - 11:43 am

  Seriously. When I was having money issues and seriously strapped for cash, she wouldnt let me sell it - because she knew how much I LOVE this car! I seriously dont think I ever will, even when I eventually replace it with another car. This little machine is destined for classic status, just like the 60s era Mustangs, Corvettes, and Camaros. There are definite issues with this car (like with any car). The paint is pretty thin and chips too easily, and the interior is nice, but definitely not luxury. Gas mileage is mediocre (although pretty good for a car with this kind of performance). But when you get right down to it, this car is simply a blast to drive.

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  Some good & Lotsa bad - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By ohassen - May 16 - 6:08 pm

  Bought my Legacy w/85k mi on it less than a year ago. If youre looking to buy one, this is what you need to know: The GOOD: AWD offers great stability and makes the car fun to drive, good in snow but wont help you brake better in snow. THE BAD: The AWD system is delicate, no more than 2/32" difference in tire tread depth. Which means if you have 1 bad tire, youll need to get 4 new tires as I have already done. Ive had recurring Alignment issues as did others. Ive had Tire Air leaking issues, as did others. Engine hesitation/misfire seems to be normal even when bought new. Gas mileage is not impressive. Used to get 25-27. Now I get 20-24 since the misfire issue got worse. Never again!!

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  forester feedback - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By margo - May 15 - 1:33 pm

  My 2003 s forester has consistently handled all road conditions at high speed as well as bumper to bumper trafic.

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  Disappointing - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By mike - May 15 - 6:16 am

  This is our 2nd Subaru. Our first Subaru was a tank, we loved it, 100K+ and never had a problem. Unfortunately that was not the case with this car. 30k+ should yield better build quality and better service. Dash rattles and the dealer and Subaru will do nothing. The radio has been replaced twice and still does not work correctly. The homelink mirror failed. The gauge illumination changes by itself. Cruise control fails regularly and the dealership(s) cant find anything. This car could be so much better but now that it is has 39000 miles on it and is out of warranty we are getting rid of it. I dont thing we will ever buy anothe Subaru.

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  love my Crosstrex - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By LD - May 14 - 8:39 am

  Research your vehicle before purchasing it.

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  Seat changes - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By gmlin - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall excellent car!!!! But driver seat low and unable to sit upright with legs down. Caused back problems. There isnt enough room to put pillow without hitting the steering wheel.