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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  Rugged, agile, attractive and a bargain - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By John - August 18 - 7:03 am

  We bought this car after a whole year of online research and test drives. Completely satisfied after a month of ownership. We needed a safe car for our 5-year-old twins, and the Legacy is definitely that. Its also a real pleasure to drive. The overall impression is that its extremely solid, but also very agile (not an easy combination). Steering is just about perfect -- responsive and precise. The engine is smooth and has good torque. Visibility is great. Simple, no hassle driving and parking. Interior design is very handsome and oozes quality. Not a large car, but big enough for a family of 4. Superior value for the money. Ill post again after driving in winter conditions.

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  2015 WRX CVT - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By rvolney - August 17 - 7:42 pm

  Traded in my 2008 wrx, manual for the 2015 CVT. Wanted an automatic, was delighted to hear the new WRX was in auto, even if a CVT. Love it. Boring in regular mode, fantastic in sport #. Use it mostly in the middle performance mode for everyday driving. Lots of road noise, very still suspension. Razor sharp steering Ive never come across before. Paddle shifters good, only use it to do a race start. Crappy navi, good stereo with Harman option. Very good cornering, brakes a bit stiff to push but work well.

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  Head gasket at 75k - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Tyler Flanagan - August 17 - 4:43 am

  Stay away. My head gasket went at 75k miles and the repair is $2500. This is one of many Subaru makes and years with head gasket issues.

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  In a heartbeat - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Tebester - August 16 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Subaru. From the beginning there have been no significant problems. The check engine light has come on a few times due to the gas cap not being tight. From time to time the gas gauge reading is off, but it pretty quickly resumes a normal reading. It gets 26 mph on the freeway doing 75. There have been no fit and finish problems. I avoid dealers like the plague. Change oil every 3000 miles myself and have replaced the filters when needed. I just love this car and wouldnt hesitate to buy another after the reliability Ive seen so far in almost four years.

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  Own Subaru since 1974 - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Michel - August 15 - 8:06 pm

  I lived in Canada, It is my third Subaru, The first was an Impreza bought in 1994. Bought another one (Impreza) in 2004. Subies are good cars and this one is the best.

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  Great value - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Sam - August 15 - 4:05 pm

  I have the 2016 Legacy 4cyl Limited for 5 months with ~3500 miles on it. Something to share for folks who might consider this car: 1) excellent road holding - it was very stable and handled turns smoothly in the mountain roads of Blue Ridge pkwy; 2) quiet cabin - first few weeks it sounded loud when starting up but after about 1000 miles break-in it is now very quiet; 3) fuel economy - from DC to NC 280 miles it was 35 MPG with 1/3 in heavy traffic; 4) Adaptive cruise control - rarely need to hit the gas or break, the car does it for you and automatically follows the car in front; 5) poor map operation - confusing and redundant; you need hit five times to "Go Home" everytime; my $100 Garmin just needs one hit; 6) no backup beeping but camera works just fine. Overall I give this car a four and half star.

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  Sports sedan for the family man - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Jorge - August 15 - 12:45 pm

  This is my second WRX and overall I am very satisfied. Acceleration is very strong for a 4 cylinder, 0-60 in the mid 5s, Considering its all wheel drive its lightweight and agile. The turbo kicks in early, but falls on its face at higher RPMS. The aftermarket is very large so making more power is easy if you so desire. I have full bolt ons and can hit 40 mpg on the highway, 35 mixed. Shifting into second gear smoothly can be a bit tricky, but there are aftermarket remedies as well. Subaru did a great job updating the interior over the previous generation, but the factory sound system is still lacking. The car is comfortable enough to daily, and still capable to aggressively drive down back roads. The seats are comfortable and supportive. Interior space is good, I dont ever feel cramped. Plenty of trunk space, at least for my needs. Im not too big on gadges or electronics, but the blue tooth takes a bit long to connect. After owning the car for over a year, no unscheduled maintenance, just regular oil changes and tire rotations and shes good to go! This is the definition of an affordable sports sedan for the family man.

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  Very Dependable and Fun to Drive! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By clickworthy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  As a former owner of a Jeep Cherokee for 7 years, I have been in heaven with my Forester. It takes curves very well and grips the road very well. Very small blind spots. Steering wheel feels comfortable and the electric windows and mirrors work well. Side air bags and good crash test rating are reassuring. I can honestly say I enjoy driving to work in the morning.

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  New AWD and Turbo Fan!!! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Tcable131 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 4x4 V8 regular cab truck to this XT 5spd because my family is growing and couldnt be happier. I continue to be amazed with the power and traction in the rain. Its like the roads arent wet at all. The space is great and the mileage is acceptable for the performance you are getting. I cant wait to drive in the snow and try it out. It would be hard to go back to 2wd or part time 4wd again. I have about 2,300 miles at this time.

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  04 Outback - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By tcsmutball - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Terrific vehicle. Better than the 97 addition. Better ride than Toyota Highlander. more features in Subaru.