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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  Great SUV - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By doug_g - June 27 - 11:49 am

  We have a 2102 which so far has been bulletproof, and the 2014 is a huge improvement. Much better handling, peppier, and much better fuel mileage than the 2012.

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  Last of the cool body styles - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By chris - June 23 - 9:13 pm

  I have had an 02, 05, and an 05 STI, and the 07 is the best. STI ride is punishing, this provides a good balance. good daily driver, with the new 2.5L engine, VVT, and lower RPM torque and HP, feels faster than previous years, and dont have to wind up the motor for the power at low ends. mpg- with a stick, you can coast, i average 24-25 mpg combined.

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  So far so good - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Phil - June 23 - 12:36 pm

  Bought my Impreza in May after putting over 190,000 miles on my 2000 Volkswagen Golf. I feel that the Impreza offered the best for the money compared to the other cars in its class. It may not get the best fuel mileage but makes up for it, in my opinion, by offering AWD. I drive pretty conservatively and have averaged 28 mpg in 11,100 miles. While the tactile quality of the interior may not match that of my VW, the overall design and ergonomics are very good. The Subaru dealership experience that Ive had so far, for oil changes, has been very good. Wonderful car.

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  MAD-MANS FACTS - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By chad medeiros - June 23 - 2:00 am

  A bit SLOW & Sluggest at 1st. but opened up FINALLY after 14000. So drive it like you stole it so it can open up for you!!!!!

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  OK Overall, Great in snow! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Higgledy - June 21 - 1:33 am

  After driving this car for 14 months and 36,000 miles I am ready to trade on something more refined. In 36,000 miles I had one major repair--replaced the catalytic converter, covered under warranty. But the thing that bothers me most is the rattles, noise, and harshness that have developed in 14 months.

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  This One Checks All the Boxes - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By jag21979 - June 20 - 12:28 am

  Let me start off by saying that Im thoroughly impressed by the Forester. I moved up from the Legacy to give my family some more room & functionality. I enjoy fishing & camping, & this vehicle can take me there, & do so very efficiently. I dont think the vehicle is sexy & wont turn heads, but its very handsome & clean looking. The interior is simple, yet functional & enjoy the simple straight-forward design and easy to use controls. The Forester is comfortable and roomy, although I wish the seats offered more cushion. Not too many negatives...I wish Subaru would change the way they allow the user to control the A/C, if you own one you know what I mean. Great vehicle, great value!

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  Scoobydoo - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By sweetbee - June 14 - 8:20 pm

  So far I have not expericenced anything that I would complain about except the mileage. I drive 80 miles round trip to work everyday and I am only averaging about 21 mpg.

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  1 year later - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By mrstjk - June 14 - 5:14 pm

  wrote a review 8/10 after 1 mth ownership, gas smell was a mouse who had eaten the gas line! fixed-no repeats. 5/11-leaking from rear shoulder harness after a few days rain. seal on sunroof pulled loose & drain not connected. okay until this week - again leaking. two days in shop and they cannot recreate leak. my concern is about mold/mildew/rust in future. thinking about getting rid of it if dealer or Subaru wont do something. otherwise, I do love the Forester. great in snow/handles well/has improved to 22-23 MPG, mixed so not too bad. little "rough" til it warms up but after that, is quiet. seems to hold value in resale - at least at dealer.

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  A good time - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nidwaldner - June 14 - 2:37 am

  Just sold my 2.5 after 84,000 miles for $9000 trade-in. It was dependable. Never broke down. It was perfect for hiking, camping and snowboarding trips. It got me to work when most of Seattle shut down after snow. Went through 8 headlight bulbs (3 under warranty) and 2 rear wheel bearings (warranty). OEM tires not great so upgraded when originals worn and bought snow tires for the winter months. Total cost (depreciation and wear & tear) over 6 years was 26.2 cents/mile, which I think is good. I averaged about 23mpg in mixed driving. Now have 2011, which provides more interior space for my growing family.

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  Its all about the mileage - 2014 Subaru Impreza
  By alzada - June 12 - 1:50 am

  Car only has 3000 miles [not broken in yet!] and Im getting 27-29 mpg city, 34 highway [85/15%] - using math, not dash computer. Doing posted speed; cruise control whenever possible; no jack-rabbiting. Cant wait until its broken in!! Didnt want the biggest car, the fastest car, the most impressive car. Wanted reliable, safe, nimble and GREAT gas mileage and my Impreza delivers on all counts. Gets me to my destination with no worries about road/weather conditions. Nimble steering; low profile not bothered much by high winds. Ride comfort is acceptable. Main complaint is the red dash lite - really? What idiot OKd that?? Bluetooth great, radio could be better but have had much worse.