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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  fooled - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By A.V. - October 18 - 10:46 am

  I bought this car brand new seven years ago thinking that since it was a Subaru I wouldnt have to worry about a major repair bill until well after it hit 100,000 mi....I was wrong. This car only has 86,000 mi. on it and the cylinder head gasket is leaking. Cost estimate for repair is $920 to repair the one, and if I want to replace both the estimate is around $1700. Shortly after I bought the car, Subaru had a recall on it to fix something in the transmission. So much for the Subaru reputation for building a reliable car. Another irritation is the heater, it gets my right foot nice and toasty but leaves my left foot cold. On the positive side; it is a comfortable ride.

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  Update since purchase - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By tayl23 - October 18 - 6:00 am

  Since my last review 11/27, my wife has put 3400 miles on her car. I drive it from time to time and have to say Im impressed with the car. I enjoy driving it and feel it has a lot of pick up with the boxster engine. The car feels very tight and the steering wheel is excellent in terms of its thickness and feel. We had trouble finding a car seat that did not angle so far back, but found a Britax that fits perfectly. We have had a couple of snow storms and the car has handled great. Very happy with the purchase so far and would recommend.

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  Best of the best! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Robert - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a real car, not like those other non powerful engine, thank you for briging the WRX to the US.

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  Fast Fun and Practical - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Keith Thurston - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Very quick, handles great, fun to drive, yet practical enough that I can use it for work. This car does what you want it to, want to go fast and take some turns agressively? No problem, want to settle down and set the cruise (you wont)and listen to the killer sound system? Go ahead and you will be suprised at the ride and lack of road noise. It handles the daily commute grind as well as your favorite twisty road.

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  Outback 3.6R Limited...falling in love...fast! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Brit - October 15 - 3:07 pm

  It was time to give up the 12 year old daily driver (Jaguar x-type awd with manual transmission - LOVED this car, just did not want to part with it). Needed an all wheel drive car that could fit the family and all of our stuff. Test drove the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Audi Q5, a couple of Mercedes 4matic vehicles, and my wife has been driving Volvo for over a decade. Each time I drove one those previously mentioned brands there was something that I didnt like, but assured myself that I would get over it. Did a ton of research and kept coming away with the thought that getting over something when paying for a $45,000+ car just did not make sense. On a whim I decided to include Subaru on the last "luxury brand" internet searches...then decided to walk the lot of the local Subaru dealership. So thankful I did! As soon as we left on the first test drive of a 2017 Outback 3.6R Limited I was hooked. Unlike the other brands, there was nothing I did not like. No beeps, no over-technology, the interior trim and leather is Mercedes 350-level-nice, the visibility and sight lines are great, the sound system is awesome and the seats are comfortable. Then, we got to driving...I like to drive...and while its a big vehicle, it does not drive like a big vehicle. It has an unexpected 4 corner balance to it and, really nice, dare I say "fun" power band. I took the thing through its paces and didnt want the test drive to end. Went home to "digest" and then went back that night to drive it again...and then bought that very vehicle two days later. Stunned how much I like it...dare I say...love..this wagon? SUV? Cross-over? Dont care what you call it...other than possibly the best, most underrated and unexpected value I have ever come across. To be fair, this is the 3.6R with the bigger wheels. Drove the 2.5 before purchasing just to be sure (some reviews say there is not a big difference unless you are towing...dont believe it, drive them both...), and lets just say the power level of the 2.5 was not my cup of tea. Also, I am not a "technology" guy - all I wanted was Bluetooth and a sunroof - the Limited had both...and while the "Eye-sight" system seems like a great idea, I am anti-beeps and boops coming from the car while I am driving, thus no need for that either.

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  Tahoe travels - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Debbie Marquez - October 15 - 3:32 am

  Just got back from Tahoe and the safety features are great . The lane assit helps on the curvy mountain roads. If you want more power up mountain roads get the 3.6 engine . Rides smoothly 👍🏽

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  Great Value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By artb - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This high end model Forester was equipped with several extras, all of which were installed properly and on time. The car was fully serviced before delivery and performed beautifully even in sub zero weather. The vehicle has several improvements over older model Foresters but retains the key features--reliability and good overall gas mileage (currently averaging 27 mpg). Very quiet, low wind noise, good steering feel, and good arrangement of instruments and controls. One of the best all aro

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  Replaced Audi A6 2.7T Quatro - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Joe Greenwood - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for AWD to use in snow country, replacing Audi. The Forrester was head and shoulders above any other AWD/Compact SUV we researched. Exceptional value, scary acceleration, quality interior and most attractive exterior on the market. No spare on the back is a big plus. We had never considered Subaru and kinda put them in the Saab/Volvo category; quirky but functional. Weve had Audi/Mustang GT/Taurus SHO/Triumph Spitfire/67 Vette, and the Forrester is more fun than them all. Only one negative - gas tank too small - or maybe I gotta quit playing street-racer. One other drawback, now Im lusting for a WRX-STi.

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  The best car I have ever owned. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By lowman99 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This has to be one of the best cars on the market today, but also one of the most understated. The safety is unmatched in its class, and the all- wheel drive is amazing. On a recent ski trip into the mountains, while everyone was pulled over to the side of the road putting on chains, I just cruised right past them. While 4x4 F- 150 with chains were spinning out in front of me, I just glided over the snow. Extremely reliable- no problems whatsoever.

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  The little truck that can - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By BajaFan - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I was originally looking to buy a Honda Element for its cargo abilities, but I was really drawn to the look of the Baja. The Baja is extremely comfortable and loaded with features. I drive the vehicle to and from work most of the time, but It holds my family comfortably. For home use, the Baja works great. I can go to the home inprovement center and get everything I need into the Bajas cargo area by using the pass through area. When I need to carry larger loads, I tow a 8x10 trailer with little effort. I love this little truck...and I get more than 20mpg everywhere I go..beat that.