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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  It does it all - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Nighty - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car does everything I need at this point in my life. It has four doors, all wheel drive, and a good size trunk. But the best thing is the unbelievable power from this "family car". Buy one...you wont be dissapointed!

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  Once a Subie Owner always a Subie Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SusieQJones - August 26 - 11:03 am

  Just recently handed over my 97 Legacy GT Wagon over to the kid. Except for a scratch or two that baby was pristine. So going to an Outback, especially the new body was a big change at first. The car felt "huge" to me. But now after driving it for the last two months Im really loving feel of luxury in and out. Though I dont feel it handles quite as good as my Legacy (being its lower center of gravity), but I havent really taken it on a Mountain trip yet. Im really enjoying the comfortable ride and how you dont feel the gear change and really digging those heated seats! And being a bit higher in the car is a nice advantage in the world of all SUVs these days.

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  Cant Beat It - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Jander013 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Two Words..... THE BEST!!! Have already "played" with the engine by adding new exhaust from the turbo back, cold air intake, 18" rims, and clear tailights. Went from 227 HP to 324 HP. Cost was under $2,000

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By DCB - August 25 - 2:56 pm

  So glad a waited for the 09s. This car is safe, very quick, pretty solidly built, awd, fun to drive/look at, manual, comfortable even on 7 hour drives, and considering all this, it gets pretty good mileage. As some people have noted, Car and Driver rated this 0-60 mph in 47, while Road and Track did it in 5.1 These numbers are competitive with cars more than twice the price. I get 23 mpg around town, and 27/28 on the highway @ 70. I have gotten a lot of compliments, especially about the Dark Grey Metallic color. There are audio/performance upgrades in the future, but this car is phenomenal already. I recommend it to everyone! Take one for a drive if you are remotely considering one.

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  Surpasses the Acura Lemon I used to own - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By jag - August 24 - 8:13 pm

  A fine car with only marginal drawbacks. The H4 engine has the smoothness of a 6-cylinder. City gas mileage for an AWD is respectable 23-24 mpg with A/C on. Remarkable stability of ride, excellent braking and handling. Comfortable seating. Good range of features in this model although such a car should include radio controls on steering wheel (one of my bigger complaints-if this were included car would compete quite well with so-called entry-level luxury models). Sound system is not the best when compared to other brands but overall adequate; satellite radio antenna is placed awkwardly but glad to have it just the same (along with ipod jack. I just enjoy being in this car.

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  What a great toy! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Robber - August 23 - 2:23 am

  After 7k of driving I am still to see 28mpg. Actual between 20 and 26. A couple of instances of gas pedal abuse will drop it to 20. Normal travel is 140 M of hwy each day. Speeds between 70 and 75 = 26. 80+ < 24Seats and suspension are great for cornering and performance driving, but have a negative impact after 10hrs of constant driving (pain begins at 4hrs).An extremely positive car to drive. Great feedback via controls. Great breaking. Have found a tendency to understeer under heavy braking. Tends to oversteer under gas. This works great to tighten a turn up when pushing it. Paid just over 23K-

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  amazing handling and great power - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By John - August 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car for my Dad. I wanted the AWD feature for him. But after I drove it to work one day. I fell in love with the car. It got incredible grip and agility. I put the smile on my face when I drive it. My house on a mountain and my drive is quite steep. Every time it snows my Nissan Maxima cant go up the driveway. My wife has an Audi A6; it can go up the driveway fine but it does not have the handling of the Impreza. Im going to get myself a WRX soon! I love this Impreza. I like the new project headlights.

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  Great car for a great price - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Ric - August 22 - 5:34 am

  I tested the new Camry, Accord, and Sonata before deciding to purchase the Subaru Legacy. There were many reasons that included overall value, safety, performance, and reliability. In addition, the Harmon-Kardon sound system is superior to all of the other offerings. While I am still breaking the car in, I am getting better MPG than I anticipated, and the safety features give me great security while on the roadway where no one is paying attention anymore. I was told that the base 2.5 engine was not very energetic, but I have not found that to be the case. The base engine is very peppy and I have no problems merging into traffic in the DC metro area.

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  10,000 Mile Update - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By mermac55 - August 21 - 7:03 pm

  My husband and I agree that we like the Forester better now than when we bought it. The road handling is extremely competent and the brakes are incredible. There are no rattles and every door closes solidly. Interior design presents many reconfiguration possibilities for cargo hauling. It is my 42 mile round trip commuter and I look forward to it every day. It was a pleasure to drive in all weather this winter and has such an efficient heating system, I rarely used the heated seats! With this early spring weather, I love the sunroof (as does the dog). The passenger does sit a little low, but with so many adjustments to the driver seat, its impossible not to be comfortable! We love it!

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  I love this car! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Patty - August 21 - 6:13 pm

  I rented an Outback when I was working in Idaho last winter, and I really liked the way it handled. I needed a new car because my brothers old Honda was getting to be too old. And I just wanted something new. In fact, I test drove a 2004 Outback, but the dealer had a 2001 Outback LL Bean edition with a larger engine and lots of extras for the same price as the new 2004. Im sure I paid too much cause I bought it immediately and I didnt know whether they would even deal on a used car, but Ive never regretted buying it. I own a 1984 Porsche 944 that I didnt even drive last summer because I was still in love with my Subaru Outback. I drive a lot for work, and Im very happy with this car.