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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  Best of the Best - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Adam - May 7 - 7:26 pm

  Wow! Drove it 347 miles non stop from dealer driveway to my driveway, virtually all @ 70 or 75 MPH and averaged 28.2 MPG and still had more than a quarter of a tank left. A little more than five hours: the seat was great; no fatigue, great support. Vehicle is quiet, tight and fun to drive. The 3.6R is a great engine.

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  Great car! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By davennc - May 6 - 5:08 pm

  Ive had my XV Crosstrek hybrid for two months now and have been extremely happy with it. Ive been getting 35 mpg around town and about 38mpg hwy, which is double than my 2003 Baja. Comfortable ride, minimal road noise, a lot of get up and go from a stand still, & the CVT transmission has been smooth. Ive had several people (including a police officer pull up to me) to ask me about the car- "I didnt know Subaru made a hydrid." If youre looking for Prius like mileage, than buy a Prius; Although you wont have the awesome AWD of a Subaru, headroom, legroom, cargo carrying ability, nor will your Prius be able to get out of its own way in a sticky traffic situation.

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  240K Great car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By John - May 4 - 5:16 am

  Bought ours used with 90k. After normal maintenance (Battery, 1 CV joint, brakes) and another 140K it is at its end. Engine seal leak, transmission is slipping. Has been a great car for hauling 4 dogs to park, great in the snow and rain.

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  Love my new car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By GaMi - May 4 - 2:00 am

  In one week I have become a Subaru convert. I love this car. It is a quick, smooth, solid ride. The AWD makes you feel pinned to the road and the handling on simple on and off ramps and turns is a joy. I had wanted the WRX and at first thought I settled for less but after the first 500 miles Im satisfied with the performance. The 165 horse and 166 torque is fully adequate for my needs. Test drove the auto transmission, do not waste your time with it, get the 5 spd manual.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Pete Tannini - May 4 - 1:06 am

  I owned a 2002 Subaru Outback and was not satisfied with its slow pick up and faulty clutch. I decided to give the GT a try and have never looked back. Its quick and handles great for a wagon. Love the 17" wheels.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Jake - May 3 - 5:40 pm

  I have about 1900 miles on this car. The leather is beautiful. The driving performance is outstanding! Wonderful car for highway and city driving. Great maneuverability. Good sound system, not great radio reception. Excellent acceleration/horsepower. Gave up thoughts of the the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Wanted a smaller drivers car. This is it!

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  SWEET RIDE - FAST AND FURIOUS LEGACY GT - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By DS - May 3 - 3:26 pm

  This car is so fun to drive, youll find any excuse to get out of the house. I have always hated winter driving, but I have never had so much fun as I have had this last month driving in terrible winter conditions. This car is a serious machine. Get rid of the lousy stock all-seasons and youre set for high performance. I have read articles comparing it to the Acura TSX. I test drove both cars, but there was no comparison. The TSX has a nice interior, but the Legacy... smiles ear to ear every time I got out of it. FYI - on the 5 speed manual, there is zero turbo lag. Makes the even the WRX seem sluggish off the line

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  Smooth but rattles - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Subie2010 - May 3 - 1:30 pm

  The Forester 2.5X base model is a good value and is a decent and quiet AWD wagon on the road. I upgraded the base model with leather and installed my own hood protector, mud guards, and bumper guard. Im still breaking in the engine at < 800 miles so mileage is all over, between 22 and 28 mpg. I owned a 2001 Forester S (loved that Subie) and changed to my 2.5X. The jury is still out as I need more time behind the wheel. The annoying and loud rattles in the rear of the vehicle is putting a damper on what should be an enjoyable driving experience with this Subaru. Some loading on the floor seem to quiet the rattles a little. Ill have the dealer try to fix the rattles next week.

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  Rock & Roll - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By maxp - May 3 - 10:00 am

  What a Car. I looked at the S4, 330xi, and 300is. This car is top of the heap. It takes a while (month or so) to get used to the turbo and lag. But, once you know how to keep the rpms above 3500, hang on. Make sure to put snow tires on stock wheels and buy some 17" or 18" for summer fun. I worked the extra wheels into the deal. The dealer got them from Tire Rack and put snows on the stock wheels. I had to wait 2 weeks, but worth it. I bought my wife a WRX wagon last month. That should say it all.

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  Interior design needs improvement - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Franklin Marra - May 3 - 2:46 am

  Drivers Seat Too Low! Test drove a manual front seat car but bought a power adjust seat. The seat does NOT go up high enough to see over the hood. In my area you need to look down at the pavement to spot potholes. I sit on a cushion to improve my view. Speedometer Stupid! The speedometer goes up to 150 mph. What are these designers idiots. The distance between 60 and 80 mph is one and a half inches. Which is the difference between getting a speeding ticket or not. Bad Spot For Tripometer. To set the tripometer you have to reach inside the steering wheel to press the reset button. When following Mapquest directions (ex. go 1.5 miles) this gets to be a problem.