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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  2005 GT Legacy Limited - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By eric - September 8 - 8:53 pm

  I bought a 2005 GT Limited in April. I got a very good deal because I paid cash. I love this car except for the gas mileage. Around town, the car gets a lousy 10 mpg and thats without kicking in the turbo. On the highway, it gets better, e.g., 23 mpg. I dont feel that Subaru is truthful about the gas mileage.

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  Harsh reviews - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By P - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I dont know about the turbo model, but the non-turbo base was 19k out the door. With that considered, any minor defect this ok with me if it get fixed under warranty. Car has been good, great handling, plows through snow and rain and the design is nice. Engine power is pretty weak but at 28 mpg average (with AWD mind you) is a pretty good trade off. Some of the minor issues with mine. Some kick panels in the interior were not assembled correctly and I had to fix them myself, dash rattle, and 2 wheel bearings went bad under warranty. Other than that not a single problem. Shade tree mechanics will find the car easy to work on, brakes, oil, plugs all easy to service.

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  I finally "get" the Subaru commercials.. - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Kat - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Wow. After spending MONTHS test driving and flipping back and forth between the Honda Accord EX-L & Toyota Camry, I decided that I wasnt really in love with either of them and looked for something "more". I definitely found it in my Subaru GT. All the options... leather, sunroof, turbo, bluetooth, etc. plus Subaru safety & reliability. Tons of leg room in the front AND back, and interior quality is outstanding. The leather is better quality than our Acura! Trunk is large, but the opening is narrow... getting our stroller in & out can be tricky.

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  An SUV that wont break your bank - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Subaru66 - September 6 - 10:00 am

  After my sister test drove the Legacy, i was impressed and had to have one. Needed the space of the Outback, so traded my 10 Altima. Great Seats, backup camera. Gas mileage from MD to FL was 29 MPG at 70+ mph. I dont drive a true city, but getting 23-24 in and around, good for a car that weights 3500 lbs. I have about 2500 miles on it now. Got the Black, yea, i know, FL, hot, humid hard water, but it looks sharp. Car floats into turns, guess due to the weight and the tires. Wonder if a set of Mich. will resolve this?

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  An honest Car! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By clobrun - September 5 - 2:11 pm

  Before I bought my Forester 2.5XT, I did a lot of research and tried many vehicles of the same type. Driving the Subaru for the first time was an interesting experience. The vehicle did exactly what the maker said it would do. Nothing more, nothing less. There were no surprises. I love my Forester a whole lot. It is great on the road and has plenty of power. You are not overwhelmed by the gadgetry. It is plain but very efficient. It has everything I need. I feel secure in it. In all, it does not disappoint. It gives you exactly what it says it will give. An honest all around vehicle.

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  1st time subaru owner - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By s Kaiser - September 5 - 11:57 am

  if you are going to use the roof rack, there are a couple of options for the rails. be sure to look at each type for the one that best suits your needs. check out the tires. not sure if a particular model always has this same tire brand but worth checking it out depending on your driving conditions you are most concerned about.

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  once you owned one - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By sherry - September 4 - 2:26 pm

  I have had great experience with my subarus I feel VERY comfortable, and/confident with the handleing and performance of these cars. I had a 96 subaru, traded it for the 2005 I never had any problems during the time with the 96. Was never in the shop for anything!! Maintenance Free, other than 3,ooo mi.oil changes and I did have the timing belts changes @60,000 for maintenance, it was a gem! So I knew that my new car was going to be another Subaru

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  I love it! I love it! I love it! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By ejgauthier - September 3 - 11:13 pm

  What can I say,still smitten after 5 years! Peppy, reliable, safe, still looks like new with this black leather with white exterior. Big windows make the big sky bigger. BIG sunroof turns my Subie into a convertible. Comfy inside, pleny of room too. Love the sporty driving appeal with low center of gravity yet high clearance. Its the perfect car for the mountains and highways where Canadian winters go on and on and on! Did I mention I loved my SUV(Subie Utility Vehicle).

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  GREAT SEDAN - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By dfw outback - September 2 - 2:53 pm

  this car does it all. I love to drive it when my wife finally allows me to have the keys... we have two children and have taken some family trips with plenty of room for everyone. great car.

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  My first Subaru, very impressed. - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By comiskeybum - September 1 - 1:16 pm

  This is my first Subaru and my first AWD vehicle. I have driven other AWD cars before from Ford on test drives but nothing beats Subarus AWD system.There are youtube videos showing why this is and why their system is head and shoulders better than others. -Gas Mileage: I will report back on this again after more miles are put on it. But right now driving around the city running errands I average 26.7 MPG. Well within the advertised range. -Powertrain: I am shocked at how fast this vehicle accelerates off the line. Because of the CVT transmission it is able to perform like V6 powered cars I have owned in the past. Plenty of power. Much more than our 2010 Chevy Equinox.