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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  Everything I expected and more. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Pete - April 25 - 12:36 pm

  This is my third Subaru because, theyre reliable, safe, versatile and somewhat fun to drive. In the winter, I just love strolling past numerous cars & SUVs that cant handle slippery roads. The Limited edition is fun on exit ramps at 55 mph. Those tires stick like glue. Accelerate instead of braking and see how fast you can go. The car will go faster in the corners than youre willing to go. Oh yeah, I love the side curtain air bags being there, just in case. 30 mpg Hwy in summer time, about 27 mpg hwy in winter. The wagon is bigger than friends mini SUVs, fits a lot of stuff. 116K so far, no big problems. Do your own brake jobs, their easy to do and cheap, $55 for all 4 wheels.

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  My Colorado Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By RonK - April 23 - 10:00 am

  After moving to Colorado recently, I parted with my 2002 Jeep Wrangler to seek a more cost-efficient source of transportation that would also do well in the Rockies. After driving SUVs over the past ten years, I settled on my first "car" in a decade. It was a Subaru Outback Sport Wagon, and I drove it for a year and loved it. It carried my dog , bikes, snowboards, and camping gear all year with aplomb in all manner of weather. A raise in my salary coincided with a WRX test drive, and back I went to the dealership. What I got was the same, solid Subaru Boxer- powered vehicle with 25%+ more power, and incredible handling. Fantastic car!

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  First Legacy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By kat95 - April 22 - 9:00 pm

  My first Subaru was a 1995 Impreza coupe which I loved dearly. For practicality I had to get the Legacy so hubby would be a bit more comfortable. I have had the Legacy one week and have not quite warmed up to it. Time will tell if its reliable. I can say that Subaru in general makes a good car. I live in snow country and can attest to the AWD; I couldnt picture driving anything else.

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  What a bargain - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Subaruba - April 22 - 4:33 am

  It is amazing to me that people do not know about this car. Comfortable, good looks, great price. I got an incredible 2 year lease. Outstanding reliability with my previous subaru. Very smooth manual, easy shifting. If you want the best performance from this engine, get the manual.

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  RIP at 261,000 miles - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By MileHighMotorist - April 20 - 11:03 pm

  Dead due to a broken timing belt at 261,000 original miles (entirely my fault: I only only replaced the timing belt twice & I ignored the squealing belt for a week before it broke). Remarkably good condition at death, considering what Id put it through over the years -- who knows how many miles Id have gotten if Id checked out that squealing belt? Only two serious flaws in my opinion: The clutch cable snapped TWICE during ownership (once during a blizzard!), and too little ground clearance, particularly in front (an old Toyota Tercel EZ Id previously owned was actually much better on rough backroads than the Subaru). Overall this car is a solid winner, though, despite a few complaints.

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  2003 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dan Stosuy - April 18 - 4:50 pm

  Generally happy with the comfort, driveability, economy, and utility of the vehicle. However, three complaints in order of severity: 1- In the winter, once the cabin has warmed to the selected temperature, the climate control system blows cold air on your face and hands, and super heated air on your feet. Subaru has not acknowledged that this is a problem. 2- Wind noise around the drivers window, and 3- the tires wear fast, have poor snow traction, and are noisy. Also, their size results in a speedometer and odometer error of nearly two percent. Think about that when your warranty runs out 700 miles before it should.

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  Good off-road vehicle - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By San Diego customer - April 18 - 9:09 am

  Interested in Premium w.5i 4-cyl cloth seat covers. Would have liked the 18" wheel for off-road versus 17" and more power/ torque which comes in the higher trim with leather. For long road trips, the seats would be a bit confining and tight. I am a small frame but on long drives I like to have room to move around unhindered. The. Takes are squishy; takes several more seconds to stop. I like the second row seating and the size able cargo area. The car needs to fit your needs. Drove it twice. Did not purchase.

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  Just a 2.5RS... nothing special - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Just a girl w/2.5RS - April 17 - 6:56 am

  I really do LOVE my car. Its fun to drive, it got me through my first real winter (snow, ice, slush) in a new place, and its never had any problems due to regular wear and tear (regular maint. is done). Though not a WRX, acceleration is just fine for highway driving. I used to take my car through a very deserted canyon road with tight turns on the weekends and it begged for more.

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  2002 WRX 2.0 Turbo Sedan 5spd - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By OffRoadCritic - April 15 - 10:00 am

  One word sums up the way I feel about this car, "awesome". This is truly a drivers car, you have to understand how to drive a car of this stature to truly appreciate its abilities. The car does have its drawbacks though, the interior seems cheap, but it is well laid out. Subaru seems to invest the majority of your $25,000 into the powertrain, and the suspension. I really like the ability to spin the tail end of this car around when flying through hairpin offroad turns. Subaru claims to have designed the AWD and the balance of this car for that purpose. You cannot understand what a great suspension this car has when only driving on the paved roads, go offroad to see why this car was built.

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  2004 Subaru Forester "Burt" - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By brooklynjoel - April 13 - 4:08 am

  I bought my Forester X "Burt" used in July 2011 from a Subaru Dealer in Rockland County, NY with 107K miles on it. I now have 120K miles on it. It has proven to be a reliable and surprisingly comfortable vehicle. I average about 18 mpg in the city, and around 28 mpg on the highway. This car is one of the most "honest" cars Ive ever owned. It just works without fuss or fanfare, and feels solid. I Have done nothing but oil changes, a differential and tranny fluid change, tire rotations, and inspections for maintenance, and Burt goes like a top! I hope to buy a new 2014 Subaru Forester based on my experience with this one, and I am one of the most "brand unloyal" owners out there!