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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  Wind noise - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By DavisJ - September 7 - 10:00 am

  When I first took delivery of my 03 Forester, there was terrible wind noise while driving on the highway. BUT, after a while this went away. Perhaps the moldings formed to the door frames. But if you are one who is suffering from this problem. Hang in there - it should go away.

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  LL Bean after one year - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Chuck B - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The LL Bean has done very well. Have put alot of miles in one year and not one problem. It handles the rough stuff well and feels solid on the hyway. It is not flashy but a very comfortable vehicle to drive short and long distances as well. Would make the same choice again and we looked at the Camry, Accord and Passat.

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  Great Value - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By snscat - September 2 - 5:33 am

  Just purchased several days ago so here are my first impressions. It has a surprising amount of power for a four cylinder. The manual transmission feels easier to shift than the Impreza. The seats are very adjustable and comfortable. The stereo is pretty good for a factory unit with no upgrades. Mileage so far has been surprisingly good. The car is very smooth and handles great. Quiet ride even at highway speeds. The sound of the engine takes a little getting used to, but it grows on you. The trunk is pretty large and has a pass through for narrow objects. The car features a full assortment of airbags. In all, this is a great car with a lot of nice features for a reasonable price.

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  After one year - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave - September 1 - 4:23 pm

  Have had the car for one year now. Very pleased with build quality and overall design. Recently completed a 500 mile trip. Averaged 37.6 mpg! That was at 70 miles per hour with the air conditioning on. I believe Subaru offers the best combination of room, comfort, quality, and economy in the sedan class with the added benefit of all wheel drive.

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  Go Fast Stealth Mode - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By springsubie - September 1 - 11:16 am

  This is what the WRX STI should be. Awesome performance without attracting unwanted attention. Mine is Urban Grey, #371/800, and it blends in with other cars. The acceleration is terrific once the turbo gets to full boost at 4,000 RPMs. And the handling is equally inspiring causing you to challenge every corner. The downside is incredibly high insurance cost even if you are 40+ with a clean driving record.

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  Legacy Wagon a very useful car - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By salligator - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Legacy wagon as a snow car since I go to work on very twisty, hilly roads that are icy and frequently covered in more than 12 inches of snow. I never even noticed the snow or rain. The car also carried my Samoyed dog in the back with its dog gate. I could get large objects like doors with the door frame into the car completely inside the car. It always ran, started and it could fo 95 without any problems on the highway. It also had fantastic resale value. I paid 19.5 and after 3 years I received 13.5 with a slightly damaged bumper.

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  Fun to drive but noisy interior - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 1 - 7:33 am

  Good handling and braking performance. Good cornering and center of gravity with high ground clearance. Noisy interior and rear hatch door rattling (even after several dealer attempts to repair).

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  Impreza 2.5RS - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By JW - August 29 - 1:26 am

  6 years, 82k miles and not a dime in it other than gas, oil and tires. Still gets over 30 mpg freeway, around town is a little low due to the AWD, upper teens/low 20s depending on how you drive. Getting 25 on the average tank. Reliable, punchy, AWD is amazing on the snow.

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  I like the car but the all weather floor mats are - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By James - August 28 - 6:05 am

  2017 Forester 2.0 XT- I purchased the all weather floor mats from the dealer but they are too small so the mud/snow gets all over my carpeting. I had to purchase the Weather tech mats to replace the dealer mats. The car does have too much road noise, and had a bad case of turbo lag. The car has satellite radio but it only shows the station number you are dialed to and not the station name (like my BMW does). Who remembers what music/news is on 200 different stations?

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  Sad Face! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By thinkingintext - August 28 - 2:38 am

  This is my first Subaru. I traded a 2011 Jetta Wagon TDI for it. I traded because I wanted an AWD for weather situations, and mountains. I knew it would have lower gas mileage. However, I was not expecting such a vast difference in fuel mileage. I am now angry almost daily, as I watch the gas meter drop before my eyes. I clearly have made a terrible mistake. The gas consumption of this car is disgusting. I want my TDI back (sad face).