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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  stay away from turbos - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By dougiej - August 26 - 1:14 pm

  ought at 45,000, now have 77,000. have replaced turbo, gas tank, power steering pump, transaxle, rack and pinion on right side, head gasket leak, #3 cylinder coil and spark plug, and now the timing chain kit needs replacing ?

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  Once a Subie Owner always a Subie Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SusieQJones - August 26 - 11:03 am

  Just recently handed over my 97 Legacy GT Wagon over to the kid. Except for a scratch or two that baby was pristine. So going to an Outback, especially the new body was a big change at first. The car felt "huge" to me. But now after driving it for the last two months Im really loving feel of luxury in and out. Though I dont feel it handles quite as good as my Legacy (being its lower center of gravity), but I havent really taken it on a Mountain trip yet. Im really enjoying the comfortable ride and how you dont feel the gear change and really digging those heated seats! And being a bit higher in the car is a nice advantage in the world of all SUVs these days.

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  Not a bad vehicle - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By BertWhiz - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Not familiar with the Subaru line, I was initially skeptical of purchasing a Forester. However, the more I drive it, the more suprised I am at how well it handles. What attracted me was the AWD, sunroof, and better gas mileage (I traded a 2002 Trailblazer for it as the Chevy didnt have any of those things), and the only thing I can complain about the Forester is, it isnt as roomy and has a firmer suspension. Other than that, this subaru was an excellent decision. The construction and paint is of high quality. The interior is quiet. The engine has plenty of horsepower. And there is plenty of convenience with controls, etc.

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  Good Choice - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By wja - August 26 - 10:00 am

  2002 model purchased new 11/2001.Love the little SUV except for seat comfort on any trip over 400 miles. Seats are too stiff, but then I was used to a Buick. Very good looking. visability rear and rear sides are very good and rear cargo area with seats folded down is larger compared to the Toyota RAV4 and comparable Honda. Great on mileage, responsive and holds the road well. Dealer service is exellent. I would rate this vehicle 10 overall if the front seats were more comfortable. A very good value for the price!

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  Cant Beat It - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Jander013 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Two Words..... THE BEST!!! Have already "played" with the engine by adding new exhaust from the turbo back, cold air intake, 18" rims, and clear tailights. Went from 227 HP to 324 HP. Cost was under $2,000

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  Believe the reviews - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By GENRX - August 26 - 10:00 am

  The WRX performs like a sedan that should cost a lot more. Its fun to drive but takes a little work and planning ahead to keep the RPMs primed for maximum acceleration. Steering and breaking are solid in most cases. It took me 2 weeks to get used to the manual shifter. The look of the car isnt too bad, its kinda different yet sophisiticated. I get a lot of different looks when driving my WRX: smiles, waves, curiosity, and people that want to race!

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By DCB - August 25 - 2:56 pm

  So glad a waited for the 09s. This car is safe, very quick, pretty solidly built, awd, fun to drive/look at, manual, comfortable even on 7 hour drives, and considering all this, it gets pretty good mileage. As some people have noted, Car and Driver rated this 0-60 mph in 47, while Road and Track did it in 5.1 These numbers are competitive with cars more than twice the price. I get 23 mpg around town, and 27/28 on the highway @ 70. I have gotten a lot of compliments, especially about the Dark Grey Metallic color. There are audio/performance upgrades in the future, but this car is phenomenal already. I recommend it to everyone! Take one for a drive if you are remotely considering one.

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  Surpasses the Acura Lemon I used to own - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By jag - August 24 - 8:13 pm

  A fine car with only marginal drawbacks. The H4 engine has the smoothness of a 6-cylinder. City gas mileage for an AWD is respectable 23-24 mpg with A/C on. Remarkable stability of ride, excellent braking and handling. Comfortable seating. Good range of features in this model although such a car should include radio controls on steering wheel (one of my bigger complaints-if this were included car would compete quite well with so-called entry-level luxury models). Sound system is not the best when compared to other brands but overall adequate; satellite radio antenna is placed awkwardly but glad to have it just the same (along with ipod jack. I just enjoy being in this car.

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  Frustrated!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By kdurre - August 24 - 5:50 am

  Im sure I have a lemon but with 89,000 miles there is not much I can do. I do like the car other than the CV joint and Rear wheel baring need to be replaced. The CD player may or may not play. The front driver seat burns you when you use the seat warmer. The passenger seat "passenger sensor" dings all the time unless the seat belt is locked in. The windshield rattles unless papers are pushed down between the glass and dash, even after one windshield replacement. And the transmission lurches to shift until it warms up.

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  Great Car But Beware of Starlink - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Chas Topkis - August 24 - 3:13 am

  First, the overall performance of the 2016 Outback. The car is great except for two items. Acceleration is not smooth. It seems to jump off the line. Not as smooth as I would expected. Next, the braking is not as good as expected. The car seems to not stop as I would like. Consider I am 67 years old and do not drag race! Otherwise this car, its design, most features, gas mileage, and comfort are everything I had hoped it would be. Truly great. Now the downside. One minor point -- The climate control does not appear to be very responsive. It does not quickly respond whenever we adjust the temperature. Its ok but other cars I have owned have been better. Now most importantly -- Be sure you know whether your cell phone is compatible with the Outback Starlink Infotainment System. No Subaru sales associate ever mentioned this. We were led to believe our phones would be fully functional with the car. Subaru happens to have a place on their website to check your phones compatibility with your carrier, make, and model of phone. For those listed the site shows whether it has been tested or not. If tested, the site shows exactly which features work with Starlink. If not tested or not listed, beware. When we encountered our first problem, the service department pointed out this site where it shows our phones were Not Tested. According to the service department, anything can happen and as we found, it does. For example, we could receive incoming calls and sometime make outgoing calls. When wanting to make an outgoing call, Starlink would dial a random number from our contact list when pressing the phone icon. We would not have the opportunity to choose the contact. Also, for some reason I can not explain, the Starlink Infotainment system will lock up totally. None of the controls of the Infotainment system would work. Could not change the radio station. No icons would work. Could not even turn Starlink off. There was only on way to fix this; pull off the road, turn off the car, and restart;very annoying especially if on an interstate highway. This has happened many times since we purchased the car in February. Unfortunately the service department said because the phone was listed as not tested, there is nothing they could (would). So, please check the compatibility of your phone with the Subaru website before you are disappointed. Our solution; we bought new cell phones that were on the approved phone list.