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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  Very well designed and reliable, but some poor MPGs - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By rickallen - October 1 - 4:12 pm

  I leased a 2014 2.5i Touring with Eyesight back in October and have now driven it 3,000+ miles, 2000 on a road trip. Its my 2nd Subaru, and Im impressed by the amount of boxes they can tick for interior space, design, capability, etc. Im a 64" guy so space and comfort are big points for me. My only complaint with this and our last Subaru (same powertrain, 2.5 w CVT) is the MPG. Both of my Subarus were rated at 24/32. Our Legacy came in at 26 average across the 32,000 miles we drove it last year. Thus far with the Forester were at 23. On the highway going the speed limit, Im not able to break 27 with either car. Going below 60 is the only way which is dangerous for me and others

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  Great Car - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By SG - October 1 - 12:19 pm

  I have had the car for a couple for a couple of months. It feels great to drive and the ride quality is smooth. I personally love the design; it looks very modern. The safety features are awesome and are well worth the money. The base seats are relatively comfortable and are not causing problems so far. The only small issues I have are technology concerned. The touch screen is not as responsive as I would like and there can be glitches at times. The base speakers are not great, but I guess you were concerned about that, you could just get premium speakers with a higher trim level. Overall, this car is the perfect balance between a sedan and an suv. You are definitely getting the bang for your buck.

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  love this car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jano - October 1 - 6:06 am

  I could sell Subarus if I ever needed a job. This car drives like melted butter in smooth performance. It is a fine highway vehicle in mountains as well as long TX stretches. The solidity & quiet drive are something I appreciate most after driving a Ford Explorer, priced about the same. I would like to have a keyless remote that would allow access were I to lock keys inside; other than that, I have no complaints about this vehicle. I am a tried & true Subaru fan. The gas mileage will have to improve on all vehicles in this country. Subaru will most likely help to lead the way here, but Im getting 18-24 currently.

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  My first Subaru, Love it! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Patrick - September 30 - 7:56 pm

  I must say that Im quite impressed. Of course I did a TON of research before settling on the Subaru Impreza for my purchase, so I expected the impression I have. It is fun to drive, peppy, handles like a dream, great in inclement weather. Controls for stereo, cruise and other features are comfortable and easy to use. Very roomy back seat (compared to my previous car anyway). I really like the styling as well. A couple small complaints: The steering wheel support from the center to the bottom of the wheel.. I like to put my hand there! The center storage console could be bigger and padded for your elbow. Theres a little more road noise than Id like to have... thats about it! :)

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  Not as good as 2006? - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Leszek - September 30 - 7:10 pm

  This is a replacement of my 2005 Impreza Sport (manual). Some things are better, some are worse. Better instrumentation overall (but where are some gauges that used to be there – “idiot lights” are for idiots). I like the engine, it seems to be a bit more responsive, but the rest of the “sport” designation is not as good: greater roll (not as firm suspension? Higher center of gravity?), the seats are too comfortable: for “wide” people. The bucket seats are sized to fit much bigger person and don’t embrace as tightly. When combining that with increased roll in turns, the feeling of “tight control” is not there. Gearbox, while smooth could use different ratios and one more gear.

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  Something wrong with the Transmission - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By biz_buzz - September 29 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my 201 Subaru legacy 2.5L premium CVT auto tranny three months ago. I have previously owned a 2010 Subaru Forester and I love it. Legacy.. not so much. The car is comfortable, nice looking and fun to drive but it appears to have some sort of transmission problem. It jerkes a little when I hit the brakes (somewhat like the ABS kickign-in on icy road but not so severe). Its mild and lasts for like a second and it happens more when I have the AC on. The dealer says its normal with this model of Legacy. I called Subaru, and got the same answer. I really feel like i bought a lemon! I really wish I hadnt purchased this car. I mean it is a brand new car!!

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  Five Star Car! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Nikki R. - September 29 - 7:18 am

  I absolutely love my new Subaru Forester. I will be driving this car until I just cant drive it anymore. Ive been shopping for a crossover SUV for about a month now. I bought my Forester two days ago after much hesitancy. EVERYONE in the state of Oregon drives a Subaru and I didnt want to be just another Subaru driver. Sometimes its fun to stand out! But now that Ive owned one, I totally get the hype. The car handles well, its fun to drive and so far it has been good on gas. Ive done mainly city driving and its been between 25 - 30 mpg. There are a lot of choices in the world of crossover SUVs, and I feel as though I drove most of them. This one (for me) had the best driving experience and the best value by far. The mid-trim level (Premium) gets you a lot (heated seats, a beautiful moonroof) and Im happy that I stepped up to it. If youre in the throes of crossover suv car selection like I was for a month, give the Forester a try. Some like it, some dont but the quality, value and driving experience are really top notch.

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  SUV or Race Car?? - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By forest law - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I went from an 02 WRX Wagon to this for the extra room and features. It has a nice soft ride, interior is nice and the performance if even better than the WRX. This car has Blazing acceleration! Just as fast as a Porsche Boxter S and a 350Z, believe it! There is no turbo lag like the WRX, it sppols right up and continues to pull all the way to redline. This is a mountain biker and skiers dream car. heated seats are nice too and the climate control system is well designed

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  WRX Wagon 2004 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JimDeBois - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My son bought a 2002 WRX and I fell in love. I needed the Wagon so I bought the WRX Wagon with the 5 speed manual. I love it!

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  47 going on 19 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By discolew - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I didn’t need a new car. I stewed over it for a couple of weeks. But, I convinced myself that I wasn’t getting any younger and besides, the Sti is a great family car. I almost bought an Evo but I felt more comfortable with the larger Sti engine. This car ROCKS! I get an adrenaline rush every time I drive it. This car looks great and has top of the line factory performance. Buyer beware…this is a performance car with a rough ride and road noise. If you are looking for a performance LUXURY car, look else- ware.