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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  Good car for the price. - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By K Rangst - January 27 - 6:58 pm

  Traded my 2016 for the new 2017. Has many new features but the same old outdated navigation system. When going out o the area I use my old Garmin which can be updated for free.

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  Snow? What Snow? - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Diggn the Ride - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Outback Sport Manual just as the weather changed from dry rainless weeks to rainy days and slick roads here in the east. It gives a great feeling of the road and handles better in inclimate weather than the 1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R that I previously owned. The first snow of the year I saw more Subaru owners on the road than SUV owners. Yeah Subaru!! Fun to drive in all kinds of weather. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

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  2016 Outback, not my mothers stationwagon. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Joanne Charles - January 24 - 1:58 pm

  Navigation voice control does not work. Navigation maps are not detailed enough. Once an address has been entered to the system, there appears there is not a second screen showing turn by turn directions. To complete the technology this vehicle offers, it could use both front and rear beepers. The cross traffic sensors are good but do not pick up stationary objects and there is no warning in the front, especially for parking or close encounters. Hopefully this SUV will offer a reverse automatic stop and 360degree cameras by the time my leases runs out. Besides the navigation, this is a great vehicle for the money. Especially impressed with eyesight and all the technology that came with a single reasonable package. The V6 motor is strong and both quiet and smooth. I have no regrets replacing my leased 2013 RX350 with this SUV and I especially like the savings.

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  great car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By birdman - January 21 - 10:00 am

  have had my forester xs 5 sp. for about a month and have really enjoyed it. It has great pickup and is as fun to drive as my beloved jetta. Climate control is great as well as the heated seats.

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  Great Performance, Not a Commuter Car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Amanda - January 20 - 5:20 pm

  Has a comfortable ride, with great power in acceleration (highway especially). Its got guts to it, made for speed, so lead foots beware. Braking takes getting used to, because of AWD. As noted by many magazines, gas mileage is poor (my average is 23 MPG). Interior is simplified nothing fancy. Of all the cars I test drove in this class, for me these race inspired seats are the most comfortable (Im 59). The stock CD/sound system is good and easy to use, also arrangement of speakers are well done. Cant forget handling, the car turns corners amazingly. Steering is nimble.

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  Versatile! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By DD - January 18 - 11:43 pm

  This car is meant to be driven hard, and its loads of fun when driven hard. I wish the turbo would be more readily available, but whats really great about the car is the value for money - AWD, Turbo, Sporty, and a Wagon. Its a great blend of features I was looking for. Its practical, affordable, and a lot of fun to drive as a sporty car. Its my first new car, and its been rock solid so far. No complaints.

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  Loud Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Joe - January 17 - 4:30 pm

  Car is very LOUD at first start-up (cold after sitting overnight). Called Subaru about this. Said this is normal for 2.5i PZEV vehicle? I mean LOUD. It does quiet down after it warms up. When I went for test drive the car had been warmed up by dealer. Same thing when I went to pick-up car from dealer after purchase. I think that they were trying to hide this from me. I was told that only 2 valves are working at a cold start in order to heat up the catalytic converter faster to achieve the partial zero emission vehicle claim? Sounds like a class action suit in the making for premature engine wear in about 2 or 3 years. I would not have bought this car had I known this.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Woodbyrne - January 16 - 1:00 am

  Got this used with 63k miles on it after losing my 2006 Vibe in a car accident. So far I am enjoying my purchase. My biggest gripe is that the back seat does not fold down but that was not enough to be a deal breaker for me. I just hate putting a trunk-mounted bike rack on the car. But it is a solid car. Very little road noise. Very good acceleration. Decent on gas but I knew it would not be great with the AWD. I would buy a Subaru again in a heartbeat but I am still nervous from buying it from a used car lot and not a Subaru dealer. Wish me luck.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By AZ - January 13 - 11:36 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. 167000 miles and no troubles, do all the maintenance myself. Very easy to change oil, plugs, belts, and fuel and air filters. I have hauled a variety of things - trencher, lumber, eight 5 gallon paint buckets - very versatile vehicle. Feels like a car but has some truck utility. Get average of 27mpg. Drive 6 miles of dirt road every day and it is still holding up - all neighbors have had to replace their cars but my Subaru keeps going and going.

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  2005 Outback LL Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sailaway3662 - January 13 - 1:33 am

  We love this car. I has excellent build quality and the boxer engine is very powerful. The AWD is great in the snow; we take it skiing and it is very sure footed. The wagon is great and we can load just about anything on it with some planning. My only complaint is that it averages 18 MPG town/freeway. If you keep it to 70 MPH or below you can average 24 MPG on the freeway. We live in Southern Cal. and often exceed that. Would definitely recommend it.