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 surprise - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By phillip - December 10 - 3:10 am

  I made the right choice when buying this car, drove solid from the dealership, love the fact this is awd, cant find a car awd in its class for the price, interior I really like some have not like thee seat material, I feel there right on, surprisingly good acceleration, and shifts, love the fact this is a rally inspired car, this car will be in the family for a long time .

• 

  no regrets with this puppy! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Impressive - December 7 - 10:00 am

  multi-purpose and split personality are the two best words that describe this long awaited car from subaru! a low 14 second car at stock trim, and still able to go through 12 inches of snow! this car is compact which makes it very nimble to drive. once you go awd, you wont be going back! this car packs a powerful punch in a stealthy perspective. cops wont be looking out for a wrx. this is a tight car, and very responsive. no clunks or squeaks like the domestics. gas mileage will vary greatly depending on your driving style. i can get 23+ mpg on my weekly commute if i stay off WOT.

• 

  Final pick - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DLS - December 6 - 12:03 pm

  Sorry, will pick up Tribeca in 2 days. Just arrived on showroom floor today - but did take a 1 hour test drive. For 2 months have looked at Mercedes C & E, BMW 5, Audi A4&6, MDX, RX330, and Volvo XC70. MDX getting mixed reviews and low mileage for 45K. RX330 is plush with nice features but again 45K with Navigation. Mercedes, BMW and Audi getting mediocre marks from CR on reliability. FINALLY found a car with the right features and performance for the right price. This car is as quiet as the RX330. Zero road noise and a whisper of wind noise at 70 mph. Hwy MPG = mid-20s. Excellent radio, Nav, AWD, loaded with safety features and (hopefully) Subarus good rep. Car is tight, responsive and solid.

• 

  Great so far! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Ed - December 6 - 3:00 am

  I have been driving the 2.5i Limited AWD Sedan for about two weeks now, and I am quite happy. Very smooth drive. Power is adequate enough for me to merge quickly into any traffic - uphill too. Great value for the buck - was able to get $1700 below invoice (due to $1500 manufacturer incentive). Limited version offers a great interior that is similar to a Lexus that I once drove. No regrets at all so far.

• 

  Wow - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By TC - December 5 - 10:48 am

  Weve had our 2018 Crosstrek Limited for about two weeks, we love it! Traded in a 2015 truck to downsize a bit but didnt want to lose the outdoor adventure options that trucks provide. I can already tell we made an excellent choice. It was surprisingly hard to find an available 18 Crosstrek in any trim level in the PHX area that either wasnt reserved or already purchased. Also wasnt intending on a fully loaded Limited, but this was what came up so....oh well, guess were getting a Limited! I had a completely trashed old Subaru in college with at least 200,000 miles on it, rusted floor and body falling apart, but that thing started up every morning and drove strong for the whole time I had it. Drove it to the junkyard after graduation, still running strong. Always impressed with that little car, this Crosstrek is lightyears beyond and I have no doubt it will drive for a very long time. Excellent design, love the refreshened interior and gauges, seats are wonderful, back seat seems roomy and comfy. Eyesight and all the driver support systems are so well thought out and better than some of my colleagues vehicles that cost twice as much. Harmon Kardon sound system is superb, a/c system works fantastic. Drives very easy, quiet and smooth. Doors open wide, back storage very adequate, the back hatch area floor is a bit shallower than I expected, but not a detriment. It might seem that way because of the 8+ inches of ground clearance, it puts the back bumper higher than other brands, not a problem though. Back seats fold almost flat. Interior fit and finish is very strong, way better than other brands with similar models. The first 2 tanks of gas were averaging 30.5 mpg with mixed driving, loving that! Our truck was lucky to average 19. If I had to gripe about anything so far is getting used to the a/c and app controls and all of the menu options, but that is hardly a complaint. The Bluetooth seems to work well, Apple CarPlay is pretty good, it seems like the music pauses for a split second every once in awhile, maybe my USB cord is getting old, or a CarPlay software update in the future might solve that. Overall so very happy with the Crosstrek. We are leasing but I wouldnt hesitate to purchase this at lease end if it continues to impress, residual value on the Crosstrek is higher than any comparable Toyota and Honda. Count us as huge Subaru fans

• 

  Fun to drive Practical Car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Rick - December 5 - 8:06 am

  My wife has a Forester and Ive had other Subarus in the past. My son still drives my old 94 Legacy. My new 09 Outback is the best car Ive ever owned. I waited until Subarus spring event with $2K rebate + 2.9% to buy. The Outback seems quieter and more powerful than my wifes 07 Forester, although both have the same 2.5 engine. The handling is very secure, and its fun to drive with its tight steering. This car inspires confidence on the road. Varying my speed during the break-in period, I have managed to get 28.3 calculated mpg on my first two tanks. It will probably be better when I am not varying speed & I think that is very good fuel economy for an AWD vehicle.

• 

  Initial reaction - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Rodmo1 - December 4 - 7:50 am

  I only bought the car about ten days ago so it is much too early to comment on the reliability or long term comfort level of the interior. However, so far I really like the car. It is fun to drive and performs very well. As everyone else has already said the backseats are very small but I will always be sitting in the drivers seat so what does it matter? This is my first car. I have always owned trucks before but with the cost of gasoline and me living half way up a mountain I needed an efficient AWD. The Subaru fit the bill. My only fill up so far has resulted in 25.97 MPG which I imagine will only get better come engine break- in and non winter blend gas. Great car for the money!

• 

  Impression after 1600 miles - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By New Subi Driver - December 3 - 3:26 am

  We wanted a smaller suv to replace the aging Explorer. It has sufficient power even with the 4-speed auto. Its extremely comfortable. It should have a power seat for the front passenger but doesnt. Has had several rattles from the get go. The radio is not as good as the Explorer. On the interstate you could be running 80 before you realize it. Its that quiet. It has ample room for our purposes and should make a good vehicle for traveling. So far were not sorry we purchased it.

• 

  2002 australian yellow wrx - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By caryl - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I own a yellow wrx. My older son researched and bought a new dark blue/black wrx 2002. I went to co-sign his loan and spotted a yellow one in the front of the lot. Needless to say i bought one for me within a two week period.I bought it used at 12,000 miles. I also bought the extended warranty I replaced the turbo @at 17,000 miles. The previous owner must have enjoyed driving it. I also was the first in my area to have a fuel leak which puzzled the service people at first. Since then three others have been in with it. I received excellent service from the Colonial Service.

• 

  what an amazing car! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By alexking - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I had an VW GTi before this and an Audi S4 before that and this car is simply amazing. It has effortless pace, wonderful build quality, plenty of gizmos, its thrilling to drive and people always ask about it. i did a big road trip in it and the seats were a little harsh after a while but that is my only qualm. dont hesitate, if you are enthusiast - buy one!