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:

• 

  Surprised and pleased - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By DIANE HENIFIN - February 9 - 4:23 pm

  I have driven an eight cylinder power Mustangand dualie. Put off buying a four cylinder as figured it would not offer any thrill when you needed power to pass. Was totally shocked at how much the turbo pushes it right out in front of the others. The comfort is amazing. Only one drawback is the premium fuel to fill. This is little to sacrifice to enjoy driving again. I love my Baja turbo in garnet red. It certainly gets the looks.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Mich Dave - February 9 - 8:13 am

  Ive had my Outback for 34000 miles and Im very, very happy with the purchase. Better than expected mpgs-- 25/30 and better performance than I thought Id get from the 170 hp. This is my first Subaru, but certainly not my last. If at all possible go with the 5 speed--better performance and much better mpgs than the 4 speed auto. All Ive done so far is change the oil. The only downside would be the paint and the radio. They should be able to do much better in the radio despite the low price of the car. Im glad I went Subi instead of the Mazda 3--especially when there is snow on the ground.

• 

  It replaced my BMW - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By D CRUZ - February 7 - 7:40 am

  I have had BMWs for well over 20 yrs. In looking for a new all wheel drive car after moving to Colorado, the only thing that came close to the feel and performance of both my BMWs was this vehicle. In the snow it will out perform anything out there. Soild on the road, great perfomance for a 6 and good fuel mileage. Planning to trade in my second BMW in the fall for a Subaru sedan

• 

  Love, its what makes my Subaru a Subaru... - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Tim Spees - February 5 - 9:52 pm

  Do your homework; both Consumers Reports annual car review edition and Car and Driver research was helpful. Also, test drive the competitions products as well; for us, the Subaru Forester beat all the others when it came to visibility, ease of getting in and out, value, amenities and dealership relations...

• 

  Value - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Chesco - February 5 - 6:13 pm

  This car is an excellent buy for the money. Overall value is excellent. Body design is main stream. All wheel drive system is unsurpassed. Drive train is adequate. Interior seating looks cheap, but it is very comfortable. Drivers side seat has a barber chair style manual crank up & down function that works beautifully. The radio is extremely sub-par, but the rest of this car is a class leader. If you compare features & cost, this is an unbeatable value.

• 

  Only Forester for me - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Mav - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. Excellent built quality, only major problem was with the rear wheel bearing. Routine maintenance is the only thing this car needs. I will always have a Subaru Forester in my driveway. I love driving this car!!

• 

  WRX Lite - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By New2Subaru - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with the power of this car. The 4 cylinder makes the most of the 165 horses. I never feel at a loss for power. Passing on the freeway is effortless. Also very impressive is the handling and overall tight driving feel of the car. It has a fat leather wrapped steering wheel thats very responsive, supportive seats that hold you in place while zipping through tight corners. And the growl of the engine is purrfect. Negative impressions: The cockpit is a bit tight. I have to be conscious of banging my rear into the center pillar getting into the car. The manual shifter is a bit stiff at times. Hoping it will break in with time.

• 

  great scooby - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By comet - February 5 - 10:00 am

  it handles well, not like any other. could not ask for another car like to to compete with it. GO SCOOBY

• 

  2500mi on my 2017 Touring - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Laura K. - February 5 - 12:57 am

  Ive driven the wheels off this car in the last month, 2 semi-long road trips for family events. I thought about keeping it parked but its such a nice drive on the highway, I couldnt imagine leaving it in the driveway. This is my first SUV or crossover, Im coming from a 2011 Mazda 3 5-speed, so I was a bit nervous about the transition to CVT. The shifting is taking time to get used to, but she will get up and go when I need it. The RPMs are usually low when I look, ~2k cruising but up to 6k if pushing it extra hard. The take-off is lacking but I knew that when I weighed the cost of ownership for the turbo; that said, shell do what you need her to do. The noise is very low this year and its noticeably so. I listen to audio books which can sometimes be difficult when doing 70mph. The interior is relaxing overall. The visibility makes me less nervous about driving such a big thing and the controls are easy. The navigation is absolutely fantastic and the bluetooth has worked flawlessly. The headlights that turn with the steering wheel are AMAZING for country driving and has helped me see deer in the road. The automatic cruise control and break assist is equally as fantastic. I can honestly say that the break assist may have saved me from rear ending someone already! Within the first week! The car behind me pulled to the side it happened so very quickly! The ONLY con I have really is the automatic headlights. These things make no sense and basically do whatever the heck they want. If you have automatic headlights turned on, you cant override and turn on the brights without holding the stick back. Seriously, WTH!? When Im coming down by suburban street late at night, I like to watch for my neighbors cats and such but cant turn the brights on without either turning the headlights to manual or holding the stick.

• 

  Met my Expectations! - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By ohiotraveler - February 4 - 7:10 am

  My wife has a 2010 Legacy and has 84,000 miles on it and she can get over 30 MPG, easily. I have 4500 miles on my 2013 Outback and I easily get 29 MPG, sometimes over 30. As far as the mileage concerns I feel it is the way a person drives. The car is not meant for spirited driving. If you want that, buy something else. It drives tight and very predictable, although the gas pedal is a little touchy when accelerating from a stop. The ride quality is very good, a little firm but I wanted that over a soft ride. I did buy the limited for the Harmon/Karmon radio because the base radio really sucks as far as sound quality. Im 63" and the little added height to the Outback makes it easy to exit.