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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  AFTER 21000 MILES - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By BOB - April 7 - 3:43 pm

  I actually have a 2002 wrx wagon. Thought you might like the impressions from someone whos had one awile...This is an excellent car. I have had no repairs, just scheduled maintenance. Two minor recalls. Clutch feel isnt the best. Some shudder, especially at cold engine temps. Everything else is fine.

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  New Purchase Satisfaction - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By worldcitizen - March 30 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased an Outback for my older son eleven years go and he is still driving it with 180,000+ miles and a growing family so I decided I would do the same for our younger son. I recently purchased an Outback 2.5i Limited and I am very impressed. The quality of the car is excellent and we are averaging 27 mpg in combined driving during the break-in period. I am expecting the same reliability we had with our previous Subaru and anticipate a similar ownership experience.

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  Okay small hatchback, too little road clearance - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Fred Fly - March 30 - 2:26 pm

  This is an okay car for the money. I wish it had a longer warranty like Kia or Hyundai, but I wont know whether thats going to be an issue for a couple of more years. The only thing wrong with it is that it is way too low to the ground. It bottoms out when I back out of my driveway, and is not happy with rutted dirt roads, which I sometimes need to drive on. In that regard, the Crosstrek is a better bet, although its a lot more money: about $1500 per inch of clearance.

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  Safe vehicle for your family and confident in less then desirable weather! - 2014 Subaru Impreza
  By wx4gps - March 30 - 11:34 am

  This is my 2nd Subaru, with owning a fuel efficient Prius C in between so I has been spoiled by AWD and high fuel efficiency in the past, so I wanted to find something that combined the best of both worlds. When I came looking back at Subaru they said this was the highest MPH AWD vehicle, but I was kinda burned by the head gasket issues of my Earlier 2002 Forester at 90K. However with this being a smaller redesigned engine, and reviewing comments on earlier years of this generation. my only concern was oil consumption some had experienced. I gently broke my vehicle in, and I have had no problems in this department! and if you keep it on open roads at 55-65 mph cruise you will do 36+mpg

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  Sure is Pretty - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Sure is Pretty - March 27 - 4:43 am

  I have owned my Forester for 1 week now. This is my 4th Subaru and my 2nd Forester (1998). It might be too soon to pass judgment but so far I really enjoy my new car. The fact that I could mix and match all the accessories was a nice plus. Reading your comments for the 2009 Forester prior to purchase was very helpful.

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  Enjoy the Ride - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By CJ - March 27 - 3:10 am

  Overall Im happy with it. Decent MPG for an all wheel drive SUV without sacrificing to much in the power department. Grips the road (dirt and pavement) well! I cant wait to test her out in the snow this winter.

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  Never had a Subaru but now i am hooked - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By jennifer judge - March 23 - 11:55 pm

  The 2016 Subaru Forester purchase was a last minute decision. We had always gone with Toyota or Mazda..but we are thrilled with the purchase and the price. Great safety features, tons of room, in both front and back seat. Love the new look of this car also. My only disappointment was the lack of blind spot sensor. That said it is so easy (unlike the mazda x5) to see everywhere on both sides. Love the auto break if necessary and the alert if you change lanes accidentally and LOVE that it tells you when the car in front of you has moved forward. Great great car which is a big as an SUV. oh..also drives like a charm.

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  Love It! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Nick - March 22 - 3:16 am

  Im really happy with my 2001 Subaru Legacy L. Ive had it for 2 1/2 years and so far (knock on wood) no problems. Im bringing it in for the 90,000 tune up, so well see how it does. I love the way it handles, it really sticks to the road. Gets great gas mileage on long trips across the country. Ive had to replace the anti-knock sensor after the check engine light came on. About a $300 job. The Subaru service department is a lot more friendlier and efficient than in the past.

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  Best car for the money - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave Schwartz - March 19 - 1:26 am

  I have owned Hondas, Toyotas, and several other foreign and domestic cars. The Subaru is by far the most dependable, best handling and Superior in bad weather to any car I have driven. I have a hard time believing some of the negative reviews Ive read on the Internet. Either some people have never driven in the rain or a snow storm or they work for another car company. Do yourself a favor and just ask anyone who owns a Subaru what they think and Im sure youll get a very positive reply.

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  i love my RS - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By kilgore trout - March 18 - 10:00 am

  its no sti, but for 20grand, i cant think of a better car, flat out accelaration isnt its strongest suit (though ive waisted a jetta 1.8t off the line) but but its great for tossing around the twisties, the steering is respincive and the shifter feels accurate, though a little gates. the suspension is tight without being punishing