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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  500 miles and counting - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By coneycone - May 26 - 12:43 am

  So far so good! Moved into the SUBI world from a pontiac grand prix gtp. I love the AWD, the overall looks, internal and external! Could use a wee bit more power, but all in all, you really cant beat the price for a brand new 4 door sedan! I bought a 2008 Pearl White Legacy 2.5i se. Sharp car, rides awesome, could use some better gas mileage, but i give this car a 8.5 outta 10!!

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  Not a happy Subaru owner - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Subaru Sufferer - May 25 - 8:18 pm

  I bought this car hoping for years of good service. The first clue should have been the expensive “official Subaru” extra mechanical warranty. The car clatters when it starts, rides rough, has wind and road noise issues, came with defective foam in rear arm rest, seat, and the cloth is terrible- horrible to keep clean. Oh and have already gotten to replace all four tires since they were to old to just buy one when it lost a tire due to a stick- it broke a cord in the low budget factory tire. As far as support from Subaru? Forget about it. This is a train wreck of depreciation to boot, so I will get to hate on this car for years! I hate this car!

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  Subaru fast and comfortable - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - May 25 - 2:29 pm

  I tried the Acura RDX infinity suv. Ford edge,honda crv

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  Youd be smart to own one - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gary - May 25 - 5:13 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru. Ask anyone whos owned one and you know why we come back - they dont "break in" until they hit 100,000 miles. I traded my 99 Forester for the 05 LLBean (Pacific blue = outstanding color) because I loved the body style, power & multiple upgrades inside & out. Safety wise, Im very happy with design and integrity plus side impact/curtain airbags which make this a car that rivals the overstated Volvo. Power is exceptional. Moving from the Forester, very capable/nimble ride w/165 horses, to 250 is unbelievable. It hugs turns better with no lean in turning & braking w/life saving acceleration. Also, Im getting up to 22 mpg on DC beltway driving which will improve.

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  My Suby - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By pea619 - May 25 - 4:50 am

  This is the greatest car I have purchased thus far. It is my 4th Subaru, I presently also have a 2006 325i, which I love, but this car is even better than it. It really has everything you could want - AWD, traction control and stability control(in the base model). What other car can give you all that and still be adorable, affordable and have the "cars that drive great after 300000 miles" Subaru name.

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  Solid car--not splashy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By slydog39 - May 25 - 1:28 am

  I bought this Forester used several months ago. I have driven 8500 miles. Here are a few observations: It is obvious the car is well built and, if maintained, will be around a long time. The mileage is fair. Hwy is 26.2 City is 21.5 The all wheel drive gives a nice feel in tight turns and in wet weather. The engine has some pep, but I do not use it as a sports car. The interior is somewhat spartan or utilitarian. It will not be mistaken for a luxury car. It is all functional. The seats are comfortable, but not for extremenly long travels.

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  Fun and practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By lamtrc - May 23 - 11:00 pm

  200hp+ cars nowadays are a dime for a dozen, but not many get it all in one package. The WRX Wagon is compact enough for city dwellers, yet it can swallow a couple extra pieces of luggage or that big-screen tv. Please try that with the new Civic Si. AWD for extra traction in rain or light snow. Roof-rack for a kayak or ski trip. It is no M5 or Corvette, but performance and handling are superb for the price. Cant find anything else like that for $25,000. Unless you are into brands, forget about that 325xi wagon and get the WRX. Then, put the money that you just save in a mutual fund account. One big drawback for young buyers is high insurance costs.

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  2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Stephan - May 23 - 8:46 am

  I bought this car brand-new in September 2008 to replace my 2005 Impreza RS wagon. I love the looks of the new car versus the old - it was long due for a ground-up remodel and they (IMHO) got it right. Upgrading to the outback sport was a no-brainer considering what the package gives you; roof-rack, larger 17" alloy wheels, a far better stereo, 4 wheel disc brakes, upgraded suspension and the very slick VDC. Oh, and you get to say Outback even though its also an Impreza. :) So Subaru calls it a wagon. Why? It doesnt look or smell or taste like a wagon. With the seats up & even with a mild trip to the market, it cant even stuff like a wagon. Call it what it is. A great little 5 door!

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  Overrated car. - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By mperillo - May 22 - 6:31 pm

  I had the 2010 Subaru Legacy and it was a great car so I got the 2013 Legacy. Big mistake. They changed the suspension and now the car has a harsh, noisy, jittery ride. From a great car to a lousy one. I get 17 mpg city, 34 highway. There is no noticeable improvement in handling nor any improvement in mpg. OEM tires are not good. Theyre noisy and neutralize any benefit you get from an awd vehicle. Subaru lost me as a returning customer. Will not buy/lease one again.

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  Wonderful value! - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By drj13 - May 22 - 2:22 pm

  I took a look at the Outback at the suggestion of a friend. I was lukewarm on buying since I was very happy with my CRV. Took the Outback for a test ride and liked it for a number of reasons. So I decided to make an offer to the salesperson along with what I wanted for my trade in. He disappeared for a few minutes and came back and said "okay". At that moment I changed from just looking to really buying.