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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  My First Subie - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By stsai - May 30 - 12:16 am

  Great car, reliable, handles corners like a sedan, excellent cargo room. Sometimes wish it was a little faster. I am getting more around 21-22 mpg but I do climb a steep hill to go to work every week day. Seats were a little hard for long road trips so we re-upholstered the leather seats with 3 inches of memory foam and it has made a huge difference. Rear door speakers are laughable. Drive smooth, never had a problem. Huge moonroof.

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  Just a really well built car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By TW - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 2006, just hit 60,000 miles. Still love the car. Its been reliable, drives well, good interior size. It really is a perfect sports sedan. 4 adults can fit comfortably, the interior is simple but well put together. The car offers a very good power & handling. Its just an absolute joy to drive. I love how small it is on the outside, yet you do not feel cramped inside at all, especially compared against IS250, CTS..etc.

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  Wish for WRX Suspension - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By Kirk - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the car for a month but I am really enjoying it with one glaring exception. Turn in and body roll are real issues. My plain jane 09 Honda Civic handles much better and it has understeer! I wish Subaru would have used the WRX suspension on this model. Rallitek sway bars are on order.

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  Main reason to buy it was a bust - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Amy Crowley - May 27 - 8:03 am

  I was driving a 2014 forester and needed better mileage due to my job. Forester had an average mpg of 25. Legacy mileage is presented at 26/36. I just drove 1000 miles, 800 on highway and my mpg is avg 29. Not the increase I was hoping for.

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  First Subaru - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By subie2099 - May 27 - 7:35 am

  This is my first subaru and first AWD car. I live in new england and i bought this car to be primarily a winter car in the snow since i have a backup corolla for summer drives on the cheap. So far we really like the car since it saved our rear ends from the brutal winter of 2011. Literally i could drive the car out of the two feet snow and salt bank in front of the driveway left by the snow plows. Then call the snow removal guy to come and clean the driveway while i am at work. Like others said the inside however is cheap plastic, not enough heat, square coffee cup holders, non adjustable passenger seats nned improvement. However i only paid $20,500 w alloy out the door and i am v frugal!

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  First time Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By chip - May 25 - 6:23 pm

  This is my first Subaru after a string of Hondas and I am generally pleased after 2 1/2 years and 38,000 mi. of ownership. Its a lot of fun to drive and, other than the problems with the headlights and windshield, has been quite reliable.

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  Pull over posers - this is the real deal - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By pl2 - May 23 - 9:50 am

  Were still under the 1000 mi. break-in so no speed records yet, but even with mild acceleration, you can feel that this little wagon has a dirty little secret that is eluded to only by the big air scoop on the hood (which really works by the way - this is no poser!). Supposedly this is a 7 sec. To 60. Not terribly fast, but nice to have in a wagon when you need it. The interior is well designed and comfortable. The engine with the turbo is noisy! You are constantly reminded that its there! Drives very well and smooth - handles good and does not feel like a cumbersome SUV. Great turning radius, which I am really beginning to appreciate. Nice stereo. Overall a very surprising car!

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  2005 Subaru WRX STi - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By AcidRat - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power range and handling. I have a neck injury that is somewhat aggravated if Im in the car for more than two hours. The car attracts more attention than I had counted on but the majority is positive. I used to drive 5- 10 mph over the speed limit, I now go at the limit or 5 mph under. The noise level is livable. Ergonomics are excellent. Im 63, 190# and I have no problem getting in or out of the car. There are several seating positions that I find comfortable. The back seat is big enough for two adults. The paint is very hard which makes it scratch easily, the trunk is spacious, gas mileage is about 20 mpg.

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  2005 AWD 2.5i wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By magin - May 20 - 12:23 pm

  Fun to drive, comfortable, nice lines, looks good. Base motor has adequate power. Lights are bright at night, good visabilty.

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  A great overall car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By subarudavis - May 15 - 8:42 pm

  I remember reading that the Subaru Outback is good at everything but great at nothing before I bought one a year ago. This is very accurate except in terms of reliability and mud handling. Being from northern California I do not experience snow but I can attest to its mud ability, which is excellent (be sure to turn traction control off). I have pulled Sea Doo boats and Yamaha Jet Skis with ease, surprising for a 4 cylinder, but it was competent as long as the load wasnt over 2500lbs. Ride and comfort could not be better (it beats my 2000 BMW 328i by a long shot). I could not wish for a better car, only thing are a few rattles and squeaks which I hate and its exterior looks suck.