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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  Love it! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By wesy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 98 Volvo S70T5A for the 04 XT PP. The XT wallows less around curves and has less lag. The XT just wants to go. The auto is well matched with the engine. Its a blast to drive and has tons of utility that my Volvo didnt have. Another plus is that the insurance is just a touch more than I was paying on my 6 year old Volvo! Go figure. I gave up a touch of luxury for way more grins!

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  First 500 - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By brekdown - October 31 - 4:09 am

  I will come back to update in a few months but I wanted to get my initial ownership impressions out there. Pros: Engine/Turbo - makes a car this large really fun to drive Transmission - High torque CVT with SI modes is best CVT Ive driven. Not as fun as VW/Audis dual clutch DSG, but still very good. Interior Room/Space - Car feels much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Exterior Styling - Ive had three unrelated people tell me that the cars profile reminds them of a Porsche Cayenne - Ill take it! Cons: Sunroof: Rattles like crazy when open and doesnt have a tilt function. Seats: Not uncomfortable but not good either, even with the sport side bolsters

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  1998 Subaru Forester - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By ml secrest - October 29 - 6:26 am

  In 1998 I was looking for something safe, reliable, small, but still enough room for all my stuff. The Forester has met all my expectations. The only problem was keeping the front end in line. Investing in a good set of tires and being careful not to run into curbs has solved the problem.

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  Comfortable and affordable - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Ty - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Subaru, and Im impressed so far. The ride is a near perfect blend of road feel and impact isolation. Not even major potholes transfer into the car as harsh impacts. The steering and brakes are almost perfectly weighted, though I had hoped for more road feel and feedback from a Subaru. They got most of the interior details right (the steering wheel buttons light up!), but some cost cutting is definitely visible. I think they did it in the right places, its certainly forgivable in exchange for AWD and an engine that makes 30 more HP than competitors do. Overall it drives very nicely for a sub-20K car is getting 5-6 MPG more than my CR-V that had the same MPG rating.

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  Dont believe the EPA ratings - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By llcj727 - October 28 - 1:18 am

  I totaled a 2010 Yaris in a rainstorm in early June. Its EPA ratings were 28/35. I was looking to find a car with similar ratings, but also wanted a little better styling. I drove a Civic, Accord, and the Impreza. I liked the feel of the Impreza and assumed the EPA sticker (28/36) would lead me to a overall better car. I drive very conservatively and my Yaris gave me 36-38 mpg everywhere. I have driven my Impreza the same and the best I have yet to yield is 28.6. I have 2800 miles on the car so far. The dealership claims it gets better after 4-5k miles. I doubt it. I feel the EPA stickers on these cars should be lowered in order to not mislead consumers looking for a certain fuel economy.

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  Our ninth Subaru. We take them to 175000 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gorbes - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a barrel load of fun to drive. It is a real "sleeper"and this one has surprised many a kid in his lowered Honda with subwoofers. It has excellent grip on the Nova Scotia dirt roads we drive; the brakes are truly astounding and have kept us on two occasions from making venison with the bumpers. It has only one problem, in common with its fellow turbo Subies - turbo lag. Saab relegated it to the automotive history pile a few years ago.

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  Air Conditioning Problems!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pitstaff10 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car and fun to drive, as long as its not hot outside. Only 300 miles on car and has been in for repair already. Comfort takes a ding on this one due to the newly designed AC cycles constantly every 20-30 seconds between cold and warm making for an annoying sensation. Outside temp at 82 and inside still not all that cold. Subaru America says thats just the way it is designed and will have to live with it. Ive had better AC in cars 20 years old!! Beware of this "new" design!! Gas mileage seems to be great but can be uncomfortable to drive in hot environments, so much for a great commuting vehicle.

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  STi: An engaging drivers car - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Jamie - October 24 - 5:14 am

  If you want a car that will engage you and keep you interested, this is the car for you. The strong performance and responsive handling make it fun and involving to drive. It does not isolate you from the driving experience, you can hear all the widgets working. Some might see that as an excuse for poor NVH, but thats a part of the experience. While some may consider the drivetrain un-evolved, the long history means a diverse aftermarket and deep knowledge base about every facet of the car. Its also a Swiss army knife of a car that can do practical daily duties in all conditions, (though somewhat less so since they took away the integrated roof racks and the hatchback options). However, it is not the car for people who are looking for the most refined experience, latest and greatest electronic gadgets, best raw performance or best gas mileage. This is my 3rd Subaru, so I guess Ive drunk the cool-aid. Buy it before the EJ engine goes away.

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  2.5TSsedan-somewhat disappointing - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By wallyv - October 21 - 2:13 pm

  We have about 10,000 miles on the 2.5TS and are pleased with the appearance, handling and the AWD. The performance is only average as the HP is not adequate for the weight of the car and the AWD. We also purchased a new Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and it has much better performance with the same power. We have some problems with the Subaru that the dealer says are normal,after short trips the car gives off a strong rotten egg odor from the exhaust (catalytic converter), we are also getting very poor gas milage with the car, about 14 miles to the gallon.we would not consider buying another subaru as the dealer is not willing to help us with our problem.

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  Wanna love it, but - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Not quite love - October 20 - 3:10 am

  Have put 8,500 miles since Jan and am happy with overall quality. Mileage averages 24 mpg mixed city/hwy. Have gotten 32 mpg at 65 mph and 27 at 75 mph. Loved the AWD in winter, handles great on ice. Back seat passengers always comment on comfort and room. But the drivers seat is not good for me. Sore back since I bought it. I want to love this car, but the backache doesnt let me.