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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  good first time Subaru experience - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SFBayDriver - November 3 - 5:26 am

  We were shopping for a Venza, Camry and ended up buying an 2010 Outback. This dealer was selling both brands and we test drove and liked the Outback. It feels heavier, stronger and more solid. We got it for 26k about 1k less than newspaper ad. This is our first Subaru, actually my first time driving a Subaru. I got to say it is pretty impressive and worth considering if you are shopping for a wagon.

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  Subarus Forever! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Silversoobiegirl - November 1 - 4:23 am

  I bought a brand new 2004 Impreza in April, 2004. My parents loved mine so much, they decided they wanted a Forester. So, we bought one together! This car is amazing. It does things my Impreza cannot: lugging mountain bikes, skis, large objects, its GREAT. It handles very well in snowy weather, and is fabulous.

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  A great car, for the most part - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By nkrish - October 26 - 10:29 am

  When I initially got the car, it was winter and I did get some not-so-impressive mileage ratings which made me think I had made a bad decision, since mpg was one of the biggest factors for buying this vehicle. But it got better in a few months after getting it - either because the engine was broken in, or because it is summer now. I am happier now than I was then. Some minor issues prevent me from giving it an awesome rating.

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  Cheap & Fun AWD Car! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt - October 23 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car in September of last year to use as a winter car instead of my Mustang GT. I bought it with 93,000km on it and I now have 104,000km. Obviously, the car is GREAT in the snow. With 4 snow tires, you can pretty much plow your street with your front bumper and still not get stuck. The car is comfortable, but I find the seats somewhat stiff (base RS seats) for longer trips. Fuel mileage is great for this engine and AWD. Ive gotten a best of 32 MPG on the highway in the Winter, driving 120 km/hr. I imagine 35 MPG highway is attainable in the Summer. Features are alright. The radio is poor - changing the faceplate helps. Parts are expensive (import). Id buy another one!

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  2010 Legacy Nice Car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By tsizzle - October 21 - 4:17 pm

  I purchased the car new and have over 40K miles on it. Great gas milage especially on the hwy going 70-80 mph. - Averages 34 mi/gal. The ride is smooth both in the city and hwy. Very peppy. I have the upgraded radio which is nice. No problems at all. The car is very light but I feel safe. Great handling - almost impossible to loose control. Its a great car I plan to put alot of miles on. Love the paddle shifters on the steering column - I downshift alot instead of using brakes. Lots of trunk space. I use full synthetic oil and change it every 10K miles. I recommend this for a commuter car and have 2 boys 9 & 5. Very good for my lifestyle and budget.

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  New to Subaru and Happy - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By nt22 - October 20 - 1:33 pm

  So far I have really enjoyed my new Impreza (3000k miles/two months). I opted for the simplified and economical 2.5i auto 5-door in dark grey with a center armrest ext. Ive already added on the aux jack, rear seat net, and rear bumper cover. Its definitely a joy to drive around. It makes you hate city traffic, bored with open highway, and eager for some empty country roads. It would be nice if it were a bit quieter, but then it would be a Saab. I originally wanted a Saab 9-2 a few years ago, but it was discontinued and this car substitues perfectly, with the added bonus of AWD. Im getting 25 mpg on mixed travel. Measuring highway trips gets me 28-32 mpg. Had absolutely no problems.

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  Happy owner so far - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By LV - October 19 - 6:29 am

  Acceleration feels a little sluggish, but it is enough, if you press the pedal like you mean it. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive because of the great handling. Fuel economy is excellent for the size of the car. I dont like the exterior look too much, especially the roof rack rails, but thats not a surprise. Interior is great. One (small) disappointment is that the USB charging ports delivers very little current, probably under 1A, which is too little for the latest smartphones.

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  Good stable quality car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By A Boston Driver - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Well, the vehicle is great it feels very stable when you drive, it responds quickly, the brakes respond well, the manueverability is very good. In terms of snowy weather, you have to try to spin out or fishtail, it will spin out and/or fishtail but you really have to push it. My mother drives a Mercedes ML500 2004 and when she stepped in my car she loved the feeling of it and she felt safe in the car. I have the lowest model, but i believe the highest model is quite a car, leather interior and the dealership said the top of the line Forrester beats the Impreza WRX in the quarter mile or was it the STI (for some reason i doubt the claim).

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  subaru forester - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By vielka - October 17 - 10:00 am

  currently has 80000 miles starting to become a little jerky overall, its a good reliable car

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  OK but I expect more - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jasn - October 16 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this after owning a Acura, Honda & Toyota - comparatively, the performance responsiveness is lacking in the Outback & it guzzles premium gas. Brakes and AC had to be replaced already & the much-vaunted AWD doesnt seem to make much difference on the snow covered roads of Canada - still slip & slide all over. I would definitely not buy another... back to Honda or Toyota for me.