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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  Best of all...its reliable! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By scott B - February 13 - 11:06 pm

  Not everyone needs AWD. If you do, youd be hard-pressed to find a car that does AWD better than Subaru. I drive 40,000 miles a year, sometimes in snowy conditions, so I feel the AWD is important to have. The Subaru fuel economy combined with the Subaru reputation for engine longevity make this car appropriate for such high mileage. Its just a plus that it is so comfortable. My traveling partner has a BMW 330, and we both agree the Legacy is more comfortable...so much so that we never take the BMW on business trips. 31 mpg at 78 mph is very good for an automatic AWD...better than I would have guessed...and better than advertised. After 250,000 miles, Ill probably buy another one!

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  First Nine Months have been Great ! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Joe - February 13 - 11:53 am

  I liked this car from the start, though I was looking for something more sporty. My interior needs centered around my family of four. The Legacy has plenty of room. Subarus are still iron clad reliable (we owned a 95 Impreza - and loved it). The east coast blizzards of 2010 put this baby to the test and she passed easily. I utilized the shift paddles throughout. In normal weather, I opt for the CVT and I can attest to the improved economy in this mode.

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  Subaru review - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Rich a - February 12 - 10:33 am

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  Amazing. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By u2fan - February 12 - 2:00 am

  We test drove every different model of Subaru on the lot, and this particular one twice. Amazing. We were not even in the market for this price range, but could not pass this car up! The moonroof, heated seats and leather just make it perfect. I mean, of course we were going to buy a Subaru, I am just glad we took the time to find this one, the Forester XS Premium.

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  Read this for an unbiased opinion! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By LoganC1 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Had my WRX for 4 months now & have about 10K miles. I live in the midwest w/ weather conditions of ice, snow, rain, 90 degree heat, etc. I also drive an average of about 85 miles a day, so I know how comfortable it is. Let me say that this is the best car in any given situation. Its got power, relability, handling, looks (not only my opinion). Ive had various women tell me how great my car looks, so whoever says it looks ugly is just jealous they dont have one. Ive let all my friends drive it, and all said they love it.

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  Fun and Practical - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Scooby_Racer - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The ultimate in compromise vechiles, take the kids to school in no time at all. Fun and sporty to drive, while still comfortable for everyday commuting. You can even slap some luggage racks on and its a great vacation cruiser.

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  Love my outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Geoffrey Miles - February 8 - 4:46 am

  I love my new 2017 outback. So far this is the best car I have ever owned. It is a great value. I think it is nicer than much more expensive cars. I would not change a single thing about the car.

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  Satisfied Subaru Owner - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By z1080 - February 5 - 9:06 pm

  Great car, symmetrical all wheel drive is a must for winter driving. The center console is simple and easy to use. Sound system is good (although Ill be purchasing subwoofers soon.) Its definitely a car you will get your moneys worth out of. So far Ive been averaging 19.6 mpg in the city. The 17in. rims, independent suspension, and 8.4 inches or ground clearance is a definite plus.

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  Head Gaskets Replaced - 100% Warranty - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By suesailor - February 4 - 6:16 am

  My 01 Legacy Outback Sedan was just diagnosed with leaking head gaskets when I had the oil changed. The car has 87k miles and is almost 9 yrs old. So I took it to my Subaru dealer in San Rafael, CA. They confirmed the head gasket problem, called Subaru headquarters, who agreed to a 100% parts and labor to install new head gaskets!! While they had the engine out they installed a timing belt ($84) and 2 drive belts ($35). I am ecstatic that they would warranty my 9-year old Subaru. Way to go! And it only took 3-1/2 days to fix.

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  Everything I Wanted In Car - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By pepperdog13 - February 3 - 6:32 am

  I was looking for a new car that had excellent safety ratings, excellent reliability, plenty of room for my family (especially good legroom in the back), good fuel efficiency (at least 30 mpg highway), comfortable seats, was a joy to drive/ride in for my long commute, nice interior with satellite radio/bluetooth, iPod hookup, and had AWD to help me drive on snow covered roads in the winter. I am happy to say that the Subaru Legacy nailed each one of my requirements. Not only it is a top safety pick but it was the best AWD system out there. I enjoy driving it. It is roomy. The 10 way power drivers seat is very comfortable and heated thanks to the All Weather Package.