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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  2008 Impreza - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Joe - April 2 - 5:50 pm

  Overall the car has been great. The gas mileage has been better than the EPA rating. Ive been getting between 25-26 highway/town and 31-32 on the highway. Havent had a single problem yet.

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  Love it! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Jim - April 2 - 3:06 am

  Excellent value. Love AWD, styling, comfort, and performance. Drove an Audi A4 Quattro 1.8 AWD for 6 years (140,000) miles and was looking for an AWD replacement at a reasonable price - the Impreza was it. Have had it for 1.5 weeks and 500+ miles and love it. Averaging better than 27 mpg combined city/highway - better than my Audi.

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  You will never regret - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By AWD-PA - April 1 - 10:50 pm

  This is the first Subaru we have. But by reviews from others as well as media reports, we were convinced this is the right car for us. The overall design is attractive, and we like the combination of sport, safety, fuel efficiency, styling, etc. At this price, it should be on the top of the list.

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  What a Car! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By SubaruGal - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I could never have expected handling/ride quality PLUS all the other amenities from a car in this price range. The AWD by itself puts this vehicle a step ahead of the rest. Handling is GREAT in all types of weather, and it stops on a dime! The styling is sleek and sophisticated, and often draws a lot of attention since it doesnt look like every other car on the road. Bottom line - I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone!

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  The whole package - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Nosmoke - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Once you are moving 20 miles an hour, this car is an absolute blast. You can FLY. I look forward to my commute every day. Negatively, the other reviews are correct in their assertion that unless you abuse the clutch, the little Honda Civic at the light next to you can keep up with you for far too long. However, this does allow for great everyday driving and getting good miles like the Civic.

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  This car ROCKS - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Sube - April 1 - 10:00 am

  If you havent taken one of these babies for a spin, you dont know what your missing out on....so find out!

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  2010 Outback Limited - Let It Snow! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rd - March 30 - 7:46 am

  We purchased our Outback for the style, comfort, gas mileage, and the all wheel drive. This is our first Subaru and we really enjoy the all wheel drive. The interior and sound system is exceptional. This car goes in the snow!!! Would recommend it to any one looking for good value and a pleasant ride. On dry roads it handles better than any vehicle we have had since our 1972 Camero.

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  Love my new Subie. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Beverly Eft - March 27 - 11:42 pm

  I bought a 2017 Forester to replace my 2006 model. The new one is a pleasure to drive. The drivers seat and steering wheel can be adjusted in more ways, the interior is quieter, and the sound system is better. My only complaint is that the right-rear blind spot is bad. The rear-seat headrest on that side blocks the view out of that corner. Overall, I love the car.

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  Pleased - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Edwards - March 27 - 1:10 am

  Im very happy to have a new car after driving the last one for 12 years. However, I thought once I got a new car all that engine noise would stop. Not the case with my new car. It is a little louder than I expected. I called the dealer and they said it was normal with CVT and the OB. I hope it stops soon, or I get used to it. Other than that I LOVE IT! It is a beautiful car and very comfortable. My friends and family liked it so much they are all looking to get one. Feel of luxury with a great price!

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  2010 GT limited review - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By mikewvche - March 26 - 8:16 pm

  After 1500 miles behind the wheel in various conditions (except snow) I feel able to make a fair review. This car has met all my expectations so far. Plenty of power (very responsive 265 HP turbo) and room (five average adults do fit with some room to spare). This car is fun to drive and practical at the same time (AWD is great). This is the fifth Subaru I have owned over the years and the third with AWD. Contrary to many of the reviews about the MT-6 transmission I find it to be very smooth shifting with good clutch feel. Compared to the MT-5s of years past this is the best Subaru manual I have experienced (especially from 1st to 2nd). The new look exterior does grow on you too.