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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  The Best Wagon on the Market - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Jose Alfredo - March 27 - 2:26 am

  A great 4 cylinder car that has very good mileage on all-wheel drive. Many things are standard on this car, like ABS brakes and alloy wheels. Fun to drive, easy to make U-turns, and has ample power for going on vacations.

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  Zero buyers remorse. - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Joshua - March 26 - 8:23 pm

  I spent two years getting out of credit card debt, and saving up for my Subaru. I knew I wanted a Subaru because of the safety features, and high reliability. I looked at a few other brands. But I found that the Forester was not only the highest rated, but because more equipment comes standard, it was the best value. Some companies charge over $3K for AWD, and even $1K extra for side airbags! My 2010 model is very comfortable, the most comfortable car I have ever sat in. There is lots of room for both passengers and cargo. And the hidden storage area under the cargo pad is perfect for keeping the rest of the cargo ready at all times. Highly recommended to anyone who needs utility and fun!

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  AWD in a fun package - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Chris Pfeil - March 26 - 4:58 pm

  Low profile is great for easy in-and-out, and car-top carrying. Nice turning radius. Intuitive controls and fun drive. Wish it had lighted vanity mirrors, lighted glove box, rear cargo overhead light, rear seat air ducts, and 2 seatback storage pockets instead of one. I also miss the overhead storage compartment for my sunglasses and a full armrest in the front. The back has no armrest or center pass through. These are all minor conveniences I decided I could live without, though Im missing my Mazda 6 sportwagon that had all these creature comforts.

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  reliable and good-looking - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By m9mk10 - March 26 - 2:11 pm

  Fun car, reliable in bad weather, nice to look at, easy to drive

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  Great car with some minor flaws - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Anthony - March 26 - 1:59 pm

  I had a 10 year old BMW that was just getting costly to keep reliable. So I brought a 2017 Outback 2.5i. This isnt my first subaru, but its my first NEW Subaru. Its a GREAT CAR as always! Very comfortable and very practical. I needed a car that was good to commute in while still being capable of hitting dirt trails on the weekend. This car delivers 100%. The design and idea of the car is great. The ONLY FLAW with outbacks(esp. the 4 cyl) is that its SLOW. Its gutless unless you floor it on the highway. Maybe its because I came from a 300HP BMW but while its got enough power to pass, you really need to wring out the throttle. The brakes are also funky, Ive had 3 Subarus prior to this(forester, wrx, and an outback). The brakes on this car seems to be really spongy for a new car that I got with 18 miles on the odometer. It works great cold but once it warms up i always find myself giving it a ton of brake pedal to stop. The CVT also likes to jerk/lug sometimes, but its a new tranny so Ill put some more miles on it before I bring it in. Besides that its really been a great car. 2017 brings standard alloys to the base model which is nice. If I could do it over again Id get a different color. Lapis blue pearl looks amazing but its hard to keep clean. Build quality could be better but no complaints.

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  Good car for bad weather - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Alex - March 26 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car with 65,000 miles on it, now it has 100,000. Nothing wrong with engine or transmission. Forester showed high safety standards on the wet and frozen roads. I like the way Subaru handles the road and ability to drive in the all kind of weather with reasonable gas efficiency for AWD. From other side, car is obviously underpowered. And it is kind of difficult to pass other cars on the highways, it just cant get speed fast enough. So, if you are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle without any fancy design or performance, then Forester will be a right choice.

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  Could have had a bigger car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Jimmy Pelaez - March 24 - 10:46 pm

  We have been pleased with the experience at the dealer but after 550 miles we are finding out that the poor gas mileage for the size of the car is very poor. We have not been close to the mileage that is advertised. Barely get 16 to 18 MPG. My other SUV with a V8 gets the same mileage. Not happy with that.

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  Love my Legacy! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By New Subaru owner - March 24 - 6:40 pm

  When I was forced to abandon ownership of my Jetta because no one in my town was talented enough to fix it - I looked at the Subaru. I live in the mountains in NC - and thought that AWD would be a good idea. I bought a 2009 Legacy (2.5 Special Edition issue). Although the "pick up" isnt quite like my Jetta - everything else more than surpasses my expectations and desires. My favorite part is the stability - in rain (no ice yet, but am waiting for winter), the car handles hazardous road conditions like a magnet on steel. I was amazed. I also love the stereo system - especially since I can plug in my iPod. Now I can listen to Stephanie Miller podcasts on my way to work. I love my Subaru!

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  Practical and a blast to drive. - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Robert Van Ackooy - March 24 - 8:02 am

  This is my second AWD turbo (I had a 91 Eagle Talon TSi AWD for about 16 years) and first with an automatic. I picked up my white WRX in August of 2015. I love a manual with AWD, but with a 5 speed Mach 1 as my other car, I wanted one of my cars to be an automatic. The CVT in the WRX really mimics a manual very well. Responsive and not too smooth, so that you feel like you are driving a performance car and not a family sedan. Not gonna deny that a manual would be awesome in this car, but the CVT is not time spent in the penalty box at all. The technology in this car is pretty amazing. Never thought I would ever drive a fun, sporty car like this with so many bells and whistles. Lots of safety technology too. Maybe my all time favorite interior (I like it even better than my previous 2011 VW GTI). Seats are comfortable and the instrumentation looks terrific in red. The upgraded (HK) stereo really sounds amazing. The car is fast and feels fast. Very satisfying to drive. Love the signature hood scoop and the quad exhaust looks very sharp. I havent had one regret about buying this car. Practical (4 doors, plenty of rear seat space, spacious trunk), safe (blind spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear camera, awesome AWD), and fun (great acceleration, nice exhaust note, athletic handling) all combine to make this car a total package. No boring drives in a WRX. Update (2/8/18): I had a Borla Catback Exhaust installed recently and it made a big difference in the sound. Factory exhaust was fine, but a bit tame. The Borla Exhaust added more tone and a lot more personality to the car. It simply has made a fun car to drive, even more fun to drive.

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  Everyday Dad Mobile!!! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Lance - March 24 - 1:09 am

  This car can easily fit a family of 5 as long as your kids are all 12 and under. A lot of fun to drive and extremely easy to drive. I do agree the clutch is a little touchy compared to others Ive had before. I see myself enjoying this car for years to come, and who knows I might get another one when I pass this on to the kids!!