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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  A great contender in the mid-sized cat - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By ecarre - October 6 - 11:25 pm

  I decided to buy this vehicle after test-driving it. I think they have done a great job gearing this car towards a younger audience. My dealership is 5 mn away from home and that was a decision factor too. I read peoples comments (editors included) that the car might seem underpowered, I will tell you this is NOT true. Of course, this is no Corvette or GT-R, but what more do you want? For years, we the consumers have been begging for better fuel efficiency, and when this is achieved, we complain. Great, pretty, comfortable, All-wheel drive, great cabin tech are all great selling points to me. I got the Premium model with eyesight, plus all dimming mirrors, and trunk tray plus wheel locks

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By efinkens - October 5 - 2:30 pm

  Bought the LL Bean with the 6 cylinder. Not cheap but when I considered that I will burn 300 gallons less per year, the choice was easier. Nice ride, peppy motor and the stereo is great. The sunroof is the coolest on the market. I have no problem throwing the dog and decoys in the back for some hunting or showing up at a business meeting. Great vehicle.

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  For All the Right Reasons! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By House - October 3 - 6:33 am

  Its super safe with front, side and curtain airbags and child latches in rear seat. Its super fast with a turbo that has some lag but the most hustle at the price range and even into the next. The AWD is also safe and fast, gripping corners, bends, and off-ramps. Driving in the rain feels like the traction is that of a tank and its control is superb like the feel of a running back on a highway full of blockers. Interior material is much more durable than other imprezas. Highway driving at 23.5 mpg, city at 18.6 right now, the trip computer allows for an average mpg reading. Very roomy and easy to make use of the hatch area.

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  No longer your fathers Subaru! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By WJZ - October 1 - 7:35 am

  Ive owned many Subarus over many years. Im no die hard Subaru owner however. In the past, theyve been quirky and were always "catching up to the competition"! This newest generation is close to, or at the top of the heap, among its competitors and I find myself more than satisfied with it in so many ways. Perfect? No! Going to acoustic glass in the front quiets typical wind/road noise up front but only highlights noise from the rest of the chassis. Not a real problem in and of itself, but I feel Subaru should have gone the rest of the way with noise reduction. Lets face it, this is a car that can cost almost $40K and road noise (although not bad) should not be quite as noticeable. There are a few other shortcomings, such as the lack of power adjustments on the passenger seat and some displays on the dash are too small. In all honesty, the technology can be a bit overwhelming too (ex: the separate manual for the navigation system is bigger than the owners manual). There are more warning lights and buzzers than anyone needs, they can be distracting and weve shut a few off altogether. All this being said however, doesnt mean this isnt a wonderful car with many great features. It is that and then some. First time with a 6 cylinder Subaru and we find the motor quiet, refined and quite impressive from an acceleration perspective. The 6 cylinder engine changes the character of the vehicle perceptibly for the better (IMHO) and fuel mileage is not atypical. Weve compared this vehicle to many others out in the marketplace that it competes against and it simply has more features, at a better price, than all of them. In the past, weve found the Subarus weve owned to be reliable, capable and to have above average resale value (in spite of their quirkiness). As of this review, I can add they are now better all around, even if that means a bit less quirky as well.

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  Subaru forester 2002 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By sardana - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. excellent handlability and reliability.

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  Try NOT to buy one after you drive one!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Keith Coley - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the fastest cars on the road and yet you get the room of a wagon and the comfort of all wheel drive. This was one of the worst winters in CT and I made it to work on time every day and got home safely. Now that the snow is gone, I can really put the turbo to work! It is sooo fast. I dare you to drive this car and NOT buy it.

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  2009 Legacy is Great - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By RB26301 - September 29 - 5:40 pm

  I just got my Legacy last week and its great! It handles extremely well in the snow and even did better then my Jeep Cherokee. The car is sleek, classy and comfortable to drive.

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  Mine - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Judy Edwards - September 28 - 9:05 am

  The car I had before and it had things I liked and didnt get in this one. I had a Mercury Milan, I miss my silence in the car (no noise, or wind sounds) I miss my self locking vehicle that would lock itself upon acceleration. I miss the sound of the trunk/doors closing (very solid sound). This Subaru has a lot of new things as my son said I will need as I age. Thank you son. Getting to learn them hasnt been easy. There are still things I havent figured out yet. My daughter and I went to a Funeral last night and tried the map app on the car and it tried to work, we had to get out the book and start over, easy to operate, no. The feature of the garage door openers on the rear view mirror, great idea. I wouldnt have been able to use it at all if it wasnt for the fact that my opener broke the day I was buying the car and had to replace it. I had it set and works great. I went to set the other side and not so great, what Ive found out through friends, you have to have a newer garage opener for it the work. So I have one that works and one that doesnt. I have yet to get my oil changed and heard from friends how expensive it is, So Im bracing for that surprise. I have a flip cell phone and it wouldnt transfer to the car, but if you add each contact to the car works fine. Ive noticed it is too detracting all the electronics on the dash. Need to be watching the road, so Im ignoring a lot in the car while I drive.

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  <$30K sport sedan of choice - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MichaelS - September 27 - 5:06 pm

  Looking for an AWD sport sedan in the $25-30K range? Look no further. With better acceleration than a WRX and all the amenities of any other $25-30K sedan, this car is a sleeper and is the "adult" WRX.

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  How could you not love it? - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By NY Subaru - September 26 - 6:23 am

  This is by far the best car I have owned. Had it 6 months and have 11K miles on it. Great look, feel, style. Get 31 MPG at 80 MPH on highway. Average about 28 MPG combined highway/city. About 450 miles off one tank. Excellent and fun to drive in good weather and snow. Great features, easy to drive, easy to use controls. a lot of power for a small car, zips in and out of traffic. Why buy the turbo and pay more and spend more on gas when this is almost the same. Good pick up and excellent braking. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a car priced under $25K, that wants reliability, and a great car.