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:

• 

  Nice car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike P. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I opted for the Limited edition prior to purchase after reading complaints about seat comfort (and because I prefer leather). My Legacy is comfortable, has great handling, and is fun to drive. This is my first Subaru after years of Toyota vehicles. I love the AWD, and I will not be going back.

• 

  2.5 GT Impreza/ Outstanding - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Juan - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this outstanding and very fast car. It is fun to drive and I enjoy leaving other more expensive sports cars behind me when they sneak up on me in the fast lane. I laugh when I press down on the gas peddle and just see them fade away in my mirrors. Also my 2.5 GT has the 4- Speed Auto/SPORTSHIFT Transmission. So I just put it in drive and enjoy it!

• 

  Overall performance - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Perry, S. California - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I enjoyed the car and fun to drive. Waited for while before I write this review. I love stereo system and nav. Dislike: firm seat,not enough storage, engine power ok,not as quiet inside the car, the steering wheel is firm for me - so far I do not have any major issue but rattle in front driver side at higher speed. Brought attention to dealer, cannot resolve the issue.

• 

  Bling,Bling - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By bobsled - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Second Subaru, What a great design, interior room is like a caddy.First legacy had a 4 cylinder, all around good car, but the 6 cylinder is super. mileage is around 25 driving around NE part of the country(up and down). All components seem to have high quality and assembly is superb. Paddle shifters are kind of useless and get in the way of your hands if driving on long trip. Before purchasing looked at ford, chevy,and dodge. Subaru was a little more in price but quality surpasses the others.

• 

  Subaru 3.6R Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Cerrus - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice car. It is a tad loud and handles a bit rough. But for a car with some get up and go its nice. The limited editions are nice. At the dealership we went to they came standard with navigation, home link, self adjusting rear view. Upgraded sound, xm radio,heated seats(you get the pic), Compared to its German competitors I feel with Subarus reliability it will out last, with less cost over time. My wife had an Audi A-4 a few years back, she had so many maintenance issues, I certainly wasnt going to look towards another Audi. When she brought up the Subaru Legacy I was all ears. I owned a Subaru over 10 years ago and loved it. Its a great car for the price.

• 

  Truly A Practical SUV - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By dave128 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Im 65" and fit rather nicely with the seat lowered fully. Pre-2009 models were not as roomy. I actually fit in the back seat fairly well. More comfortable than my 07 Accord. Visibility is great. Averaging 22 mpg the first week. The interior is very functional. The AC is definitely NOT weak. I drive in a rather hilly region and the Forester handles the roads with ease. Turbo would have been real overkill (as well as a higher insurance premium).

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Nick - January 17 - 11:26 pm

  This is a great car. The only problem is the gas mileage, so I bought the manual and with some careful driving I can stay at 26 MPG, even in the city. Interior plastic feels cheap, but is study enough. For its engine size and weight it performs well enough though not exemplary. The Nissan Altima was a better ride but lacked electronic stability control (called VDC in the Subarus). Performance package is a must-have, it replaces the rear brake drums with safer discs. Also adds in-wheel radio controls and a six-CD in-dash changer. Shocks are pretty good. Tight fit for rear passengers. Corners very well.

• 

  Is it time to give up? - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By CG - January 17 - 7:16 pm

  Purchased this 6 cyl. used at 60,000 miles; it now has 125,000. The engine is so much better- smoother - than in my previous 4 cyl Outback. I had hoped to run it to 150,000 or so-- it depends on how much ongoing repairs cost. An ongoing maintenance issue is that the brake discs- esp. front- have worn out fast and the rotors warp -- somewhere I heard that they were undersized for the weight/size of the engine. This year I have to replace the muffler and a rusted out rear suspension piece - pricey repairs that I hope keep it on the road another year or two. Ive been able to go almost anywhere, in any weather, on rough roads or the highway-- its been a fine car.

• 

  Tribeca, As Close To Perfect..... - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Sol Hornberger - January 17 - 2:36 pm

  The Tribeca is as close to perfect a car can get. It drives like a car. It has the room of an suv. It has the interior of a luxury car. The Tribeca has everything you want in a car and left out everything that you dont want in a car. I have to drive 1 hour each way to work and it is really comfortable. I did have a Cherokee Sport. My back hurt everyday and now it doesnt. This car is SWEEEEEEET!

• 

  best value of a car I have ever purchased!!! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Dewey Turbeville - January 17 - 6:01 am

  Purchase by True car!!!