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 my Rex - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Thedog - October 21 - 10:06 am

  I chose my black WRX wagon over an Acura RSX-S. I am glad I did. This car is fast, handles great, drives well, and has been a reliable work horse. I only wish I had hills, curves, and snow to drive it in.

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  Pleased - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Sonny - October 17 - 3:13 am

  This vehicle has just been fantastic. I love the handling, and since the 30,000 mile service I love it even better. Subaru has taken exceptional care of this vehicle and at 34,000, I will be extending the warranty, until they make a 6-speed tranny, then Ill move up to that model.

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  Wonderful car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Ownedlotsofcars - October 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon used in 2006. It has been sensational, reliable, fun to drive, easy to handle, just a fine automobile. Things Ive had to repair: cooling system has a minute leak somewhere that was stopped with additive; moon roof stopped popping up but the sun roof (yes its a double moon/sun roof!) works just fine, so the moon roof pop up hardware just needs to be re- engaged. Im going to have to replace the head gasket soon, but Im putting it off and putting up with the small leak stain I have in my garage. For a used car, though, its hard to imagine a better buy. Im a pretty assertive drive. I drive the crap out of this thing and it has never let me down.

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  Canadian Opinion - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Nigel Collins - October 13 - 12:36 am

  I previously owned a 98 Forester and a 2001 Outback so I chose to come back to Subaru mainly for the AWD system. I know gas mileage will improve over the first 5000 kilometers, and with warmer temperatures in the spring. Since buying the Outback Ive added a tape/film chip guard from Ziebart to help reduce gravel rash on the hood, the arm rest extension, winter mats, and had a dark tint film added to the front part of the sunroof to reduce glare when driving. The build quality appears far better than my earlier purchases, and the fold down feature for the back seat is much more user friendly.The interior materials seem to be of a higher quality with no issues around fit or finish.

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  My First and Last - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry - October 11 - 12:03 pm

  By 68k, replaced wiper interrupt unit, power steering pump, alternator, steering rack, and motor mounts. My first Subaru, purchased with 46k miles, and it will be my last. Very expensive to maintain.

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  Electrical drain - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tom E - October 10 - 4:19 pm

  No modern car should leave you stranded. After purchasing a brand new 2016 Outback Limited - the battery is completely drained in 13 days (with not using the vehicle). Dealer reports this is "normal!" WT_?!? That is NOT normal. I would have given higher ratings across the board had it not been for this crucial issue. You cannot park at the airport and go for a 2 week trip without getting stranded. Given this situation, if you buy one of these, also buy a 10mm wrench so you can disconnect the negative battery connection when you plan to take a trip. ... this is my wifes car, had it been mine I would have returned it - this is unacceptable.

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  5th Subi - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By leebo4 - October 7 - 9:25 am

  This is my 5th subi and 1st Legacy. In the past, it was either the Forester or the Outback and they were/are very solid cars. Not very pretty to look at but very practicle and comfortable. This Legacy is a different than the rest. More conscious toward younger and new users. Bit more techie and more sporty. In some sense this is a good thing, but for me this ride is hard to get use to. It is firm...like 90 BMW firm. On a smooth surfaces all is well, but on uneven roads, it gets busy, really busy. Unfortunately, where I live, there are not too many buttery roads. I will have to wait and see how my body will adapt to the car. Honestly, I see back ache returning.

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  This Car Kicks - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Andy - September 26 - 5:56 am

  Well designed vehicle! Lots of power, not a v8 so some turbo lag if u dontrev the engine. Grocery getter below 3krpm,but once u hit 4-5k this baby takesoff! The AWD system is terrific! I live in Michigan & during winter Im passing 4X4pickups/suvs on the hwy @60 mph whilethey are doing 25 waiting for the plowtruck to arrive .The Subie is truly amazing in the snow, Id say it handles just as well in bad weather as it does during a clear, dry day. Price shot up from $21-28kthough :-( but only a Mustang GT can giveu similar/better 0-60 for the $ but w/o AWD handling or Subarus bulletproof reliability. Nothing can match its performance or value for the $!

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  Our first Subaru MIGHT not be our last... - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By TIE - September 25 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the car two weeks and 1200 miles ago - still breaking it in, so to speak, but here are a few observations: (1) Excellent fuel economy. Dont abuse it and youll get excellent mileage. Using the paddle shifters go a long way towards accomplishing this as the CVT logic sometimes seems to search for the right gear. Dont let it guess - do it yourself. On a recent rural 35-mile trip, the MPG computer showed 37 mpg!! Ive also compared actual mpg calculated as miles/gallons being only about 1 mpg lower than the computer. (2) Excellent road handling. This thing is a blast to drive out of a corner - give it some power coming out of a corner and you can feel the rear wheels push you out. Those used to rear wheel drive wont be impressed but if youre used to front wheel drive youll immediately notice the difference. The lower center of gravity due to the flat four (boxer) engine design is also noticeable - car has minimal body roll compared to my old Accord. (3) Decent acceleration. Its no rocket but I have yet to be wanting for power, although off-the-line seems a bit hesitant (more a fault of the CVT than engine). Shifting from reverse to drive also seems to take a long fraction of a second - again, blame the CVT. I should note, however, that this CVT is the best Ive driven (Altima, Accord, several hybrids...). It does a good job mimicing a traditional 6-speed auto, especially when you put the foot down. (4) Wind and road noise. Yikes, this is an improved noise level over previous gens? Really? Wind noise is noticeable over 35 mph. Road noise is also noticeable but thats probably due to the substandard Goodyear OEM tires. Im hoping an upgrade will fix that and I hope that the dealer will find a problem with the weatherstripping around the windows. (5) Questionable seat comfort. It took me a while to get a good, comfortable drivers position. There are still times that the seat seems overly hard. Im hoping that, like my previous Honda, the seats will eventually break in and feel better. So... if the car "breaks in" nicely and these little niggles are taken care of, this is an excellent car.

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  Love this car - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By subi! - September 24 - 6:00 am

  I have had this car for several years and I love it. It is the best car on snow, can tow a small trailer, and I get almost 30mpg! Sure it looks a little square, but I like the way it looks. It has been the perfect car for me and my dog to get to the mountains.