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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  Subaru Legacy Limited Edition - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Janneth Bethea - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving my Subaru Legacy Limited Edition. During the winter months, I never worried about getting stranded or having car trouble. This car is extremely reliable and very affordable. Its in a class by itself. Many of my friends are not familiar with the Subaru. We they see me they think its a Volvo, Saab or one of the expensive sedans. Yes, I love the comfort and the sleek look of my car. I highly recommended this well kept secreat.

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  Just read. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By a_m - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Well. I would highly recommend this car. I’m sure you have read other details and review so I won’t bore you with the common basics. The bottom line is it’s fun, fast, and it sticks to the road like glue. I imagine you are looking for what’s wrong with it: well, the interior could be improved but it does hold up well. The clutch chatters at times during the first two or three shifts (intermittent) but is fine there after. That’s it. Go buy one.

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  The drag strip will clear any doubt. - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By elliot - September 29 - 6:56 am

  Rev it up to 7K RPM, dump the clutch and everybody will have to play catch up including some modified cars. I had my doubts of its performance, but a trip to the local drag strip took care of it. I was highly impressed (13.4) of its performance for an unmodified car. It outperformed Evo, GTO, Mustang, Firebird, mod 350z, mod cobalt SS and several others; couldnt ask for more.

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  They are right! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By golfcrazy - September 28 - 9:43 am

  Consumers Report is correct in giving this vehicle high praise. I dont think this car can be beat for the money. Our other vehicle is a 2003 Honda CR-V, and this car rides much better, and it is also much quieter on the road. I checked the mileage on my first tank and received 27.5 which I consider quite good for an all wheel drive vehicle. The car is comfortable, and well thought out. Frankly I dont understand some of the negative remarks Ive read about this car on this site, but if you notice most of them are on the base models. For me this thing is great.

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  Annual Update - 09 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By BikerGuy - September 27 - 4:03 pm

  I did a review here when I first purchased my 09 Forester. Ive now owned the vehicle for 1 year/11,000 miles, so here is an update. I still really enjoy this car! The AWD was so amazing in the Pacific NW storms this winter, that I bought another Forester for my girlfriend. Only major disappointment is with the thickness/quality of the exterior sheetmetal/paint. It seems to be lower quality & less durable than other SUVs Ive owned. My early production model had undersized plastic film fender protectors, so paint chipped and fenders now need to be repaired & repainted.

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  The Right Decision - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By PDB - September 27 - 6:43 am

  Weve had our 3.6 Limited Outback for three weeks now and couldnt be happier. The ride is solid and quiet, and the suspension is compliant yet conveys sufficient road feel to keep the driver involved. The fit and finish of the interior are first rate: the buttons and dials are uncomplicated and intuitive, and the seats are well designed, comfortable and provide plenty of support. The 3.6 liter engine supplies ample power for a car this size, and it has a refinement I didnt expect. Subaru has built a well-thought-out car which has certainly resonated with us and raised the bar for this category.

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  Love this Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru Convert - September 26 - 6:43 pm

  I researched all of the good gas mileage SUVs and test drove the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, Honda CRV, and Toyota RAV4. The Subaru Forester was my favorite. I have 2000 miles on it so far and I am extremely pleased. The Turbo is very fast with no lag on the highway and some lag from standing stops. The ride is smooth and the handling is car like. Cargo storage is great with many different tie down options. The interior controls are very simple. The gas mileage is better than I thought. I am getting 27 mpg on the highway with speeds 65 MPH or under. The gas mileage goes down to 24 mpg at highway speeds of 75 mph. I love the tight turning circle. Very little road noise

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  Real World Performance - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Dr Dave - September 26 - 5:50 pm

  As a forty something that wants practicality, fun, style, and drives regularly on the winter worn mountains of North Idaho, the Subaru Legacy GT about perfectly fits the bill. I regularly drive a 40 mile commute up an interstate mountain pass, then take the old highway, (now partly gravel, mostly partly broken pavement, with wonderful banks and curves). The GT handles the interstate curves smoothly and quickly, extremely stable. On gravel and rough pavement, my Playstation Gran Turismo experience is transformed into real life. Absolutely tight body and chassis, and so far no reliability problems.

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  Another satisfied customer - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Phil - September 26 - 6:46 am

  This is my second WRX. My previous was an 05 wagon. Went into the dealership one day for regular maintenance and walked out with my 09 WRX. The salesman didnt have to work too hard. This is by far loads better than my 05 and that one was very fun to drive. For the price this car has it all. Ive got almost 4k on it and not one bad thing I can say. MPG is the same if not better than my 05 that was smaller displacement and less power. Ive been averaging 23mpg combined city/highway, with a heavy foot at times, and around 29-30 highway. If you are even thinking about getting one you will not be disappointed. You cant go wrong.

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  Best in class - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - September 25 - 11:58 pm

  Tried the honda crv which has engine vibration at idle. Tried the rav 4 which was more expensive, cheap paper thin leather seats, and an annoying lip on the lower side of front passenger side. Rav 4 did have a super smooth transmission. The Forester had a quiet engine, a semi smooth transmission, and superior cabin noise insulating properties in which road sounds were muted and you can have a conversation inside without raising your voice. They are priced below competition, so not too much price reduction due to high demand and low supply.