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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  Love my grandma car! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By JP - June 26 - 12:49 pm

  I came to the Legacy in a very strange way. I had no interest in buying a middle of the road sedan. I was set on buying either a F-150 or 4-Runner (my previous vehicle). But I had been without a car for nearly 2 months and after looking at the $40k price tag of trucks/suvs, I came to the conclusion Id get a car then later buy a truck as a second vehicle. When selecting a car I typically prefer hatchbacks but dont care for the pokey 2.0 engine in the crosstrek/impreza. I also looked at some other sedans but what I like about Subarus is the large pass through from the trunk to the back seats when folded down. I can fit my bike in easily and it just has tons of cargo room. The interior is also very spacious, and I liked the extra cabin space and room around the driver (remember this is same platform as the outback). For the price of $25k (and I didnt even negotiate as I was exhausted after 2 months of car searching), it came with features more expensive vehicles didnt have (homelink, all-weather car mats, heated seats, awd). I was going to go with the 3.6 limited, but this was just a commuter car so I didnt want to spend another $7k for the bigger engine and leather. Also, I have been pleasantly surprised at the acceleration of the 2.5 engine when paired with the CVT. It is way better than what I remember when driving other peoples Subarus. Not to mention, Im averaging 30mpg with 90% city driving!!!!! So when I say I love my grandma car, I mean it is a 4 cylinder sedan that hauls lots of stuff and gets great gas mileage and is very comfortable in town as well as on the highway. I also looked at the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and VW GLI and VW GTI (which I have previously owned). All those cars have their positives. Overall I liked the space and cargo capacity of this one. I also like the easy/simple LCD display, traditional tachometer/speedometer, and well designed ergonomics. The only downside I have noticed of this vehicle is the CVT transmission can be a little rough when decelerating/going downhill at certain speeds (mostly I notice it right about 35-40 mph going downhill). But other than that, I never really notice that Im driving a CVT. The stock speakers were also terrible (I upgraded mine). A good choices for a sedan if you value spaciousness and cargo capacity. And apparently resale is excellent on these vehicles (as it is with most Japanese brands). Great practical car. You just wont win any fun awards with it.

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  Never Again - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Rachael - June 24 - 10:03 am

  I bought my Subaru with 40k miles on it 2 years ago, and this January it became a MONEY PIT...had a strong fuel smell and had dealer tighten plugs two times...the smell continued. I had my 60,000 tune up. Still smelled it. Found out my coolant was leaking, so I went in twice to have them put something in the car that would seal any leaks from the inside. Didnt work. Replaced my head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, the whole bit. NOW, Im burning 1 quart of oil every two weeks, and replaced 2 wheel bearings. Heated windshield broke windshield both winters. Seats uncomfortable for long trips. LOVE THE CARGO SPACE!

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  Previous Owner Returns to Subaru - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Barry Segars - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My first turn in the test drive, the car read my mind. I became amazed to be turning just by thinking it. The car seems that responsive! The brakes, all 4 wheels, stop fast & smooth. Listen during the test drive. You can converseas clearly as if you were communicating face to face {very quiet ride!}. The acceleration is good if youre trying to keep out of trouble but this isnt your car if youre appreciate a zippy response. I get 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the Interstate. The seatbelt fits like a dream. The stereo claims to be 40 watts but it performs like 20. The easy access storage areas are still stupid as they were in 1995.

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  Sublime Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Subfan - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After extensively researching and driving several crossover vehicles, the Outback seemed the logical choice. (Others considered: Nissan Murano, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Toyota Highlander.) I bought the top-of-the-line VDC model, and paid slightly under dealers invoice (whatever that means, given dealer holdback and other strategems). I needed a modest amount of cargo capacity and good handling of mountain roads; purchasing something larger just didnt seem necessary. Im very pleased with the result--fine handling, power, and visibility; a smooth, quiet ride; and an interior that matches that of more expensive vehicles.

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  Great Buy - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By SuperPOXy8 - June 22 - 1:59 am

  This car is living up to its potetntials.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By JohnCA - June 21 - 11:33 pm

  Well, this is my experience: We bought our 2007 Tribeca new from the dealer in 2007 - since then? Well it consumes more than a quart of oil a month. Also, for the second time since weve owned it it needed the timing chain serviced (first was under warranty, thank God). This time I had done the oil change in May, in July it was down 4 quarts! Amazing, and this time there was no factory warranty to back it up. Do yourself a favor and get something else.

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  Love my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Peaches - June 20 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Forester. I average 25 mpg in city driving. My complaints are: I cant find it in the parking lot as readily as my old car, which was mica blue and stood out as opposed to my navy blue; and the front seat is not as comfortable as I would prefer on long trips (500+ miles one way). Took out backseat headrests as they blocked my rear vision somewhat. Overall am extremely pleased with my Forester. Highly recommend it.

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  Still lovin this rocket! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Which Subaru Be U? - June 20 - 10:00 am

  After 4 months this street legal rocket-ship is still the best escape I can recommend to those who want safety, power and AWD fun for a daily driver or a weekend warrior! No regrets in adding this power monster to my growing Subaru fleet (the 5th Subaru Ive owned); it compliments my 2005 Legacy GT sedan perfectly. Looking forward to taking this beast to NJ MotorSports in the spring for a track weekend; it separates itself from the pack in that it handles superbly, power is smooth and turbo spools-up quick; the adjustable torque and limited-slip features are also excellent. Ride quality is tight and extreme - it goes where you point it - what more could you want from a performance car?

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  Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Subie Nubie - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This car has plenty of interior room, especially without the sunroof. A very capable, comfortable cruiser. I find it strange that the body side molding is a dealer installed option. I am still waiting for the molding to be installed, as it has been back ordered for several weeks. This car has a lot of grip, although the suspension is a bit floaty. The rear suspension often bounces again after each bump.

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  Best Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Jake - June 18 - 12:03 am

  The Bajas supple blend of sport and utility is superior. I went from a full size F-150 to the Baja and it has made life so much easier.