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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  FUN TO DRIVE - RELIABLE - UGLY DUCKLING - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By SLICO - October 28 - 2:00 am

  LITTLE SPITFIRE, FULL OF ENERGY.

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  BOXER GOES WILD - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By KEVIN - October 27 - 2:56 am

  I was looking for an 05 used but #1, I couldnt find one locally and #2, was concerned with previous treatment such a car might receive. So I had pretty much given up the idea. Then I test drove a used 06. WOW I just could not believe what I was doing with this car. My family has owned Subes for 20 years and none of them were any thing like this. I just could not contain my enthusiasm. I drove past the dealership twice before the salesman made me turn in, it was 3 hours later though. We couldnt agree on price so I was left yearning for that smile the STi plastered on my face. Then I bought a new black STi. As my wife says "I love my car"

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  2013 Forester - Practical and Reliable.... - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By sus77 - October 27 - 1:20 am

  Ive had my 2013 Subaru Forester since February 2013 after my 1999 Subaru Legacy quit running. I use non ethanol gasoline and Im averaging between 27-29.2 MPG since I purchased the car. It has plenty of room and enough acceleration for normal & daily driving. I am still disappointed Subaru does not offer a limited / leather model with a 5 speed transmission. I decided to buy a 2013 over a 2014 because I do not trust the long term drive ability of the new CVT transmission yet!

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  Transmission and/or fuel delivery problem - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By lillie12 - October 26 - 9:48 pm

  After shifting into drive, the transmission waits a beat (about 1 long second) and then shifts. When the car is in drive, the fuel delivery and/or timing surges periodically. Both make for a jerky drive. The gas pedal is VERY touchy. The gas pedal must be pressed very lightly at first, so as not to give passengers whiplash on start-up from a stop. For short drivers (5-54") the headrest can be uncomfortable. Instead of a flat surface, it bulges out and tips forward, pushing the drivers head into a chin downward position. It is not tilt adjustable. Eyesight is helpful, however, it once stopped the car on a highway when the car in front moved left to make a left turn.

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  Suburu Delivers Again - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cwcrawford - October 24 - 6:06 am

  My wife and I are thrilled with our 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTD edition. Fit and finish are excellent, road noise minimal. The CVT transmission functions smoothly, minimizing engine noise on acceleration. Amenities are numerous and well placed. Road feel is positive and responsive despite Subarus best efforts to point the ride more like a car than a truck. Thats a plus for me -- Ive moved beyond bouncing. Bottom line, this car delivers what it promises.

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  2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XS - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 99excell - October 23 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this new 22 months ago and have approximately 43,000 miles on it. I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle, which is more than I can say for the new domestic models I have bought over the last thirty years. I average about 27.5 MPG and my annual maintenance costs run about $300. I service it regularly with Mobile 1 synthetic motor oil and have all other maintenance performed by the dealer. I take comfort in the knowledge that it is one of the safest and most reliable vehicles out there and fully expect to replace it, someday, with another one.

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  A true drivers car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Stephen - October 23 - 9:50 pm

  This is a car for anybody who loves driving and wants some performance to go along with utility. At this price, I do not know of any other car that provides this kind of performance and handling with 4 doors and all-wheel drive. This car puts you in a special community too: other WRX drivers on the road ALWAYS smile and wave at me! How many other Japanese sedans have that kind of following?

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  Best for the price - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike - October 23 - 9:06 pm

  I got mine more than year ago. So far very pleased by the price/quality/value. I averaged ~22mpg (~6000 city + ~3000 highway) and Im OK with that considering AWD, 2.5 engine and automatic transmission. I got Dark Gray Metallic colored car with dark interior. So far no mechanical problems - Ive changed only oil and air filters. I believe that the engine is great and allows some fun on the road but could get better performance with manual transmission. Unfortunately my wife prefers automatic so we got less fun.

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  Its got some faults - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jimincinci2 - October 23 - 4:49 pm

  Stereo in the LTD is plagued by poor bass and speakers set in cheap plastic door panels. Gas mileage is average at best despite advertised claims. I get 24 mpg during mostly highway travel. Wind noise is horrendous at 70 mph. One recall on trailer hitch and battery died for unknown reason at 10K miles. Could use a trip computer to track mpg. And for petes sake, add more interior color options. I got the fawn and it shows dirt big time.

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  Best Four Wheel Drive Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By John - October 23 - 3:03 pm

  The Legacy is without doubt the best four wheel drive sedan available when cost and quality are main considerations. Im impressed with everything about the car, from the comfortable but firm well bolstered seats to the crisp handling. The car seems tight as a drum, with a smooth engine that feeds off regular gasoline. While the consumption is lower than my previous car, Im averaging between 25-26 on mixed local and highway driving. Im eager to see how the car handles in snowy conditions, but based on comments from friends, I expect it will do well. Price, quality, unique engine configuration and awd make this car a great choice.