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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  Wonderful car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By smurf007blue - May 6 - 11:36 am

  I suggest if you ever get the opportunity to buy this car and it is within your grasp, do it. It is a really reliable car so fun to drive. Keep in mind however it can take a little getting used to if youre tall.

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  2007 Forester XT Sport, my 1st and last Subaru - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By taun - May 6 - 5:45 am

  I purchased a 2007 Forester XT Sport (the turbo version) with the expectation that I would be getting a car that was fun to drive, reliable, and had AWD. It has been anything, but reliable. At about 44k miles, the check engine light came on. When I went to have the car diagnosed, the dealer said I had P1410, P2431, P2432, and P2444 fault codes showing up indicating that I had a problem with the secondary air valve. That problem, was a $1200 fix, as my car was outside the 36k warranty. At 61k miles, the radiator cracked and sprayed fluid all over the engine bay. That was a $540 repair. Needless to say, I am done with this car and will not be buying another Subaru because of it.

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  Bummed about MPG! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By sraskin - May 5 - 6:46 pm

  I really like most things about the car but I am getting terrible (15-19) mpg after 3,000 miles and I dont understand why! I purchased the car expecting it get pretty good MPG around the city, yet still be a fun weekend car for mountain adventures. It has a solid interior, good handling, relatively high clearance and a rugged look, all of which I like. But for some reason the mpg is totally lacking. I am a mellow driver and I do a mix of city/hwy, so I cant figure out any obvious explanation for the bad mileage.

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  It grows on you.... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Amberg - May 4 - 8:30 pm

  Traded a 2002 Honda CR-V manual for the 3.6R Outback auto. I live on an acreage and drive gravel every day, plus after this winter realized I needed the ground clearance. With snow tires (must have) it will be a tank. Most CUVs have gotten lower to the ground; Subie is tops here. Love the smooth, quiet power of the flat six; wish the engine came with a manual but paddle shifters will help wean me from my manual preference. I still have a Miata stick so ok compromise.

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  Ranch Mom Liking 08 OB - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ranch Mom - May 3 - 3:40 pm

  After 3 years of researching I decided it was time to downsize from my Ford Excursion. I love my Excursion, but couldnt stomach the cost of driving it any longer. Even though the Subaru is a world apart from my "bus", I am getting used to the small size. The Ltds fit and finish compared to other crossover vehicles was far superior. It is smooth to drive and after two tanks Ive averaged 28 mpg in mixed driving. Im 6 foot tall and with the much loved sunroof, the head room is tight and the leg room is adequate, while the backseats leg room is snug for adults. I enjoyed driving the XT but with the premium fuel requirement and decreased mpg I couldnt justify it.

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  Versatile - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By jim kilgore - May 3 - 3:30 pm

  With the 3rd and 4th seats folded down flat there is room to pack a kid back to college. Has nice power and is sporty.

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  Didnt look twice @ Subaru until now - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By 08STI - May 3 - 12:40 pm

  I have always been of the mind that performance equals American V8s. I bought this STI and quickly changed my mind. I am in my 30s and needed something a bit more, well, practical. I hate to say it. Decent mileage for 305 horses coupled with all wheel drive. I average about 19 city w/ short freeway commutes. This car will haul, groceries, kids, adults, large dogs, and large objects, all at a thrilling pace. It has a firm ride but not harsh. When you drive it, you can tell it means more business than just ho hum commutes. I would recommend this to any person looking for "usefulness" without leaving performance driving pleasure behind.

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  Subaru 3.6R Limited--great car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Philly58 - May 3 - 1:10 am

  Have had this car three days and taken trips through Adirondack mountains and on thruways. As past owner of Mercedes 300E, present owner of BMW 540i, must say that this car is on their level in driveability, handling and comfort on road. Am tall and seat support under thighs could be a bit longer, but after a few days am not thinking about that. I love this car, but dont love the navigation manual which is just plain awful in its paucity of descriptions. Spent almost two hours trying to figure out how to have a full screen mode for the great radio system control. But have finally mastered all of this. Ill be selling the 540i now with regret, but this is a worthy replacement.

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  Getting there - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By weekend_mechanic - May 2 - 8:33 pm

  Were a couple with one toddler. We replaced our 97 Volvo 850 Wagon 131K with the Subaru wagon. Our criteria are: (long term over 100K miles) reliability, safety, affordability, fuel efficiency, economics, and aesthetics. We examined the Passat, Mazda 6, Volvo V50, Toyota Matrix, and Subaru Forester. The Passat failed on reliability not to mention costly maintenance in the long term. Mazda 6 did not satisfy our needs for driving in New England snow and ice. Volvo V50 would send our hard earn money to the bank, and failed on crash safety. The Matrix felt like toy car for young adults. My wife did not like the Forester cause its an SUV, but I like it. So our final choice was the Legacy.

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  Much better than expected - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By gdgg - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Got the 2.5X after looking all small SUVs and test driving the CRV and Escape. The Forester had the best ride/handling/road manners. Downsized from a extended minivan (family of 4) havent missed it, not even on our long summer trips. Put a Thule box on carry gear for trips and camping. Overall, the car surprizes us with how fun it is to drive and how refined it is for a small car. My wife would rather drive the Forester than her Lexus ES300! Turbo would be great fun, but has even worse fuel economy.