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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  Disappointing Experience - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jason Tylers - June 7 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car new and loved it at first. Within the first year the sunroof malfunctioned and would take several attempts to close. End of year 1 door lock broke. Year two car began leaking in the rain. End of year two engine light came on and car has spent more time in the shop than on the road. Subaru has not been able to fix the problem. At this point I am forced to consider legal options. I will never buy another Subaru again.

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  vOOM IN MY sUBARU - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By grace osborne - June 7 - 11:33 am

  TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND RATTLE IN REAR AXLE

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  LET IT SNOW! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Kansas Granny - June 6 - 3:49 am

  Ive had my new car for less than two weeks and am still learning how everything works. I would advise to set your radio stations and temperature before you drive because in the daylight it is impossible to see any digital readouts on the dash (at least it is for me). One thing I dont like is that there is practically no adjustment on raising the steering wheel, which makes it much too close to my body because I am short and overweight. I believe it would be fairer to give a review after driving the car for a few months. On a positive note, after picking up my car and driving 40 miles home, the mpg showed "34". I cant give a combined mpg because I have not had to refuel. I will also say that this is not a luxury car as far as ride goes. If the road is rough, you can feel and hear the car on the road as it passes over expanders or whatever they are. I do believe that this car will do well for me as my ten year-old granddaughter has already offered either of her parents cars in a trade deal.

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  So far, so good, except 4 airbag sensor - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Gene R. - June 5 - 8:16 am

  We purchased an 08 Outback 2.5i. The car feels solid, drives well, and is adequate in interior comfort. The cars engine power is adequate, but not impressive. We enjoy the handling of the car the most, but havent tested it in snow/ice conditions yet. Weve been averaging around 26-27 mpg hwy, which is impressive considering the full time AWD. A knock against the car is that weve had an issue with the passenger side airbag sensor. It turns on and off intermittently. We were told its a safety design issue for small children. My wife is approx 54" 110 pounds and doesnt always set off the sensor. We find this odd, and are researching the issue further.

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  Amazing car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By 05STi - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a 02 WRX, this is an amazing car. I cannot believe the difference between my Stage 1 WRX and the STi. The torque delivery, overall smoothness and minimal turbo lag, make me a happy person. The suspension is much tighter than the WRX, but that is totally expected. I also hear of some people saying the seats are too hard..give me a break! The shifter, transmission and brakes shine compared to my WRX. The throws are much shorter and the gearing seems to complement the whole package with a nice brake setup too. Dont get me wrong, I think the WRX is an awesome car and Ill miss mine, but the STi is filling the void with no problems :)

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  Best Subie Ever - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Old Boy from Boston - June 4 - 10:00 am

  My fourth Subie, also had Audi A4 and Pathfinder. This is probably the best car on Americas roads. Fast, high, safe, great handling, much improved interior and exterior. Cruises down the highway, a delight on twisty hills, superb moderate off-road. Monotone is very sharp looking, a stealth Subie with much of the over badgeing gone. Unconfusing controls. Girlfriend loves the dual climate controls. Awesome sunroof. New 5speed auto transmission is much smoother. The six flies. Very safe feeling. Best car out there.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Baroness - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After spending 5 years researching a replacement car--this was our number 1 choice. The car is outstanding in almost every respect. It is at once: a family wagon; a fun sports car; and a great small SUV. All at a fair price-- for the money it is the most car you can buy in this category.

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  Fantastic Ride - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By RedRocketWRX - June 2 - 6:26 pm

  The WRX is extremely mod-friendly and a little goes a long way. Something as simple as redoing the air intake helps turbo spool-up and smooths out acceleration over the whole power band. I am very impressed with its performance across the board....acceleration, handling, and response are excellent. Front seats are well-bolstered and comfortable. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. AWD is fantastic in the snow. Small annoyances -- lack of useful cupholders (but this is not a car for sippin lattes while you drive!); low-end torque (fixable with mods); and clutch chatter (a known problem); 1st gear synchronizer seems to be "fragile". I think Im spoiled.

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  2002 Legacy GT - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Haydn - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I drive about 5500 miles per month. My Legacy GT has performed well overall. Highway mileage exceeds 31 MPG with the manual transmission. The cabin is very quiet; wind noise minimal. The engine is somewhat underpowered; however the handling and control are exceptional with the AWD. Fit, finish and value are exceptional for a vehicle priced under $25K.

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  it kicks - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By dlac - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for about a month and a half now and still not used to its power. Once the turbo kicks, youll be glad the seat back is nice and comfortable. And the bucket seats are needed through insane turns. only had a couple problems. There was a national shortage, so it took several weeks to recieve a spoiler. also i got the lojack/alarm combo option and had problems with alarm from day one. in cold weather didnt want to activate or deative. Dealer didnt want anything to do with repair. Took 2 visits from lojack to finally get it fixed. supposidly the lojack alarm was the same as subarus, so beware. otherwise the car is perfect.