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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  Will buy another one!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Will buy another one - November 3 - 3:03 am

  Ive driven this car in Michigan in all conditions and it wont quit. Had it packed to the ceiling with camping stuff, band equipment etc, it all fits! What a great car in the winter. I previously owned a Wrangler, and believe it or not, the Subaru is miles ahead in the winter. The only time I got stuck was when the plow covered it with 5 feet of snow. Mechanical problems: Replaced all brakes, a couple headlight bulbs, and wheel bearings in rear. This was a pain only because the shop did not know what the car was... do we order impreza or outback parts? I couldnt answer this for them. I believe the impreza parts worked, but not 100% on that. Overall great car, just wish I had a turbo!

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  Quality Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Dirk A. Elder - November 2 - 10:00 am

  The car is very fun to drive. On long trips space is a little cramped. Car has ran almost flawlessly except for a check engine light that turned out to be a false code. The dealer could not reset it (Shortline Subaru in Aurora, CO) and I had to wait two weeks for a technician for the reset. There is some wind noise when traveling above 70 mph. Car drives perfect in bad weather. Car feels bogged down at low rpms and I find myself revving the engine at stop lights. I am very happy with the car but I miss my Impala SS.

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  Nice car - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Dorothy Thayer - October 30 - 5:33 am

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  Nice car, but uncomfortable seats - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Katharine - October 28 - 10:13 pm

  This is my first Subaru, and I bought it because I moved to the Pocono Mountains in PA, and lots of my neighbors recommended it. I did read that the seats were uncomfortable, and they ARE! Short drives are okay, but after about an hour, my back and bottom start to hurt. Cant something be done to make these seats more comfortable? I love everything else about the car.

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  I love it. I seriously Love it - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By agphoto - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I needed a wagon. Im a photographer. But I didnt want a large wagon, when I checked out the new WRX wagon I was very impressed by the engine upgrades. I like the 04/05 body style better, but the new style grows on you very fast. The performance is fantastic, acceleration is incredible. and the handling superb ( would benefit from front/rear sway bars and possibly lowering springs). Overall, I wouldnt give this car up for anything. Its perfect in my eyes.

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  Truck replacement - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Bryan1280 - October 25 - 7:50 am

  I was looking for a car to replace my truck so I got the Subaru and a utility trailer. The Subaru with AWD is much better than my truck in 4WD in the snow. The Subaru gets 24-27MPH the truck got 17-18. They are equal speed. I can tow up to 1500 pounds including the weight of the trailer which is all that I need for house hold chores and toy (ATV/Dirtbike) hauling. The mechanics of this car are solid. I am not easy on it and nothing has failed me. I even went 80,000 before replacing the brakes and 50,000 before the tires. This car handles so well in the snow that it is not even fun.

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  Good Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Harry - October 23 - 1:23 am

  Great little car , runs very strong, funto drive. On the downside, paint is thin, chips easily. Stock brakes and clutchare only fair. AWD good in northeast. Great for the money !

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  Great Value for the Money - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By OhioGuy - October 22 - 6:35 am

  My first Outback with the 3.6 liter engine. Drove it back to back with an Acura RDX. Why I chose the Outback: 1. super smooth engine, 2. superior AWD system, 3. surprisingly good CVT transmission to the degree that it drives like a normal automatic transmission, 4. better cargo capacity, 5. superior outward visibility from the drivers seat, 6. less expensive to insure, and 7. at 510 and 180lbs, it just fits me well. Unless you are predisposed to measure your self worth by a hood badge or brand of vehicle, you will not regret buying this car. I would recommend however that you ditch the standard Bridgestone tires as they are mediocre. I replaced the Bridgestone tires with a set of Michelin Premier LTX tires, and the difference in grip, handling and road noise was significant.

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  WRX STi still a contender - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By vallor - October 21 - 2:00 pm

  Ive been driving this beast since February. The all-wheel drive both improves handling, as well as more stable footing in snow and ice...nice, if you cross the Sierras sometimes in the winter, as I do. This machine is rally-inspired, and it shows. It took a little while to get used to the rear wing -- but you know, Im seeing other auto manufacturers adding big rectangular wings to their offerings, too...so its suddenly "trendsetting", heh. Finally, I cant stress enough the value of having performance tires on this vehicle -- almost always, it is its tires that are the performance bottleneck. Ive shod my STi with Kumho ASX, which seemed good compromise for performance and winter driving.

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  The Affordable Supercar - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By RallyX - October 20 - 1:43 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years now, and I can honestly say there is no other car in the 30k-45k price range I would rather have. Being in the drivers seat is pure bliss, and the road will bow to your every whim. The turbo engine keeps driving exhilarating, and requires some skill to unleash fully. Interior is spartan but sufficient. Exterior screams "fear me". Fuel economy has been around 22 mpg mixed, which is excellent for such a ferocious car. Have not had a single mechanical issue yet. Take warning: 1. The ride is brutal 2. Car thieves will try to jack your car (3 attempts on my car already!)