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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  Perfect pass - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By SpeedyPetey14 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Driving the STI is an unmatched experience, especially. l compared to the Impreza w/o turbo. I previously owned an Impreza Outback Sport and always craved something more, the STI gave me that and then some. The SI drive and center differential settings are a great way to "customize" your driving experience every time you jump in. Its truly a Rocky Mountain toy.

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  my third subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steve - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  I now have approx 35k miles in15 months. Decent average mpg, approx 25.5 overall. Too many rattles, particularly around moon roof sliding lid. Tires holding up real well so far. Radio "so so"

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  2006 Forester X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By subtex - June 1 - 5:20 am

  I traded in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee for the Forester. It was getting a little tired and I wanted something that would get better fuel economy and still have some off road capability. I wasnt disappointed in these 2 respects. The highway mileage is outstanding (31.6 on a recent trip) and the Forester is astonishing off road in deep sand and even climbing sand hills that we have out here in west Texas. It does however have a couple of annoying problems with the drivetrain management as mentioned in other Forester reviews. Those are the engine revving very high on cold starts and the drivetrain jerk at low speeds. Also the engine has a distinct lack of low end power in my opinion.

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  Great car for tall people - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By lala09 - May 30 - 9:37 pm

  This is the first Subaru Ive ever purchased. My husband is 67" and when we saw the legroom of 43" we did not believe it would ever work;however he has plenty of leg room and head room (more than Tahoe, Yukon, Sequoia, etc) with way better gas mileage. The gas mileage is right on target of 24.6 mpg with all mountain driving (very curvy with lots of hills). The 4 cylinder is plenty enough power. We also live on a very steep dirt road and does very well. Have not gotten any snow yet, so not sure how will handle. Very impressed with features in "base model". 2nd row passengers (2- 3 year olds) have plenty room and love the cup holder between them.

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  Good for the money - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By kw_co - May 30 - 8:47 pm

  I have the 6 speed manual and got about 30 mpg on the highway with average speed of 75 mph. Put 3500 miles on it in the first two weeks (road trip). Drove down the Pacific Highway (CA 1) and it handled pretty well. It was a little underpowered going up steep hills in the Rockies (had to change down to 4th), but thats not why I bought it, as I will do 99.99% of my driving on the flat. It did OK in San Francisco though, with a lower speed limit in 2nd. Its mainly intended as a runabout which will get me through the odd snow day. It serves that purpose extremely well.

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  OK car, not great but good - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By JTP - May 29 - 11:16 pm

  I typically put around 225,000 on my cars before I let them go. Some limp in (escort), make it like champs (prelude), this one is somewhere in between. Not many problems, but the ones I had were odd. Catalytic converter at 50 K mi, head gasket at 150 K, oil pump shortly thereafter. Windshield keeps breaking, seemingly by itself. Fog lamps are expensive and break a lot. I gave up and drive with them broken. I like this car and would consider another one because it is a kick to drive. But our legacy outback is a much, much better car. Edmunds says it gets 21, but I typically get 26, a little less with city alone. 28 if I am gentle.

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  2002 Outback H6 Sedan after 16000 miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By influxSoft - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The new 6 cylinder 212hp engine is smooth and quiet I drive a LOT of miles... over 16K in the first 6 months and living in New England with out snow and ice... I can honestly say nothing compares... The AWD with its continuously variable transfer clutch and a limited-slip rear differential gives plenty of confidence on snow and ice (you may find it almost boring... its just that good... youll hardly think its slippery) Good standard sound system with comfortable interior. Gas mil is fair. Pls be aware the prem gas is recommended but not required. I considered purchasing the VW passat 4motion... but for $4K less this is a fine car.

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  WRX: believe the hype - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By xbox - May 24 - 10:00 am

  227 HP is more horsepower than a 1990 Mustang GT. All wheel drive means you get to use all of it too. Its outstanding in the snow, and a blast to drive. It will go faster than 95% of the population wants to go, period. It has a nice lumpy cam, and performance parts abound to allow you to personalize it. I think it might be the best performance bargain out there. If you dont like OPEC, buy an Acura RSX. But if you dont mind 20 mpg, live in the snowbelt, and want anonymous high zoot, reliable performance, go get one.

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  A great car-that has some minor issues. - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Suzam - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Added hieght of the Outback is a plus, not as high as an SUV but only slightly lower than a minivans line-of-sight. Short skirted pistons can sometimes rap when cold but quiet down after warming up to operating temperature in this horizontally opposed 4 cyl. Expect low 20s for local driving MPG. Not bad considering AWD.

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  A safe vehicle, fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bayview6 - May 23 - 11:56 pm

  Just got back from a 3000+ mile road trip. The Forester cruises easily at 75+ mph and the seats and interior cabin are comfortable. Good reserve power for passing on 2 lane country roads. Plenty of cargo space. Good handling and brakes. Average mpg was 25 would be higher if I slowed down to 60 mph. Im glad I bought the vehicle. I havent driven it in really bad weather yet so Im waiting for winter to arrive.