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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  Continuous costly repairs - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Mark - August 23 - 2:29 pm

  This was my first, and last Subaru, I bought. I thought the car would be reliable after reading and researching prior models. This car is the closest thing to a lemon I could think of. After 6 months of ownership the interior of the vehicle was breaking apart. Small holes in the stitching in the doors and the center counsel lid broke. Subaru repaired the lid and it soon broke again. Very cheep. The handling and engine performance became horrible after a couple of years. As of today, the power steering unit is shot - not sure what this will cost yet to replace. I recently had the transmission leak and the thermostat sensor replaced at the dealership ($600.00 plus). Then a month later the valve cover gasket broke causing oil to run into and foul out the plugs. This repair cost over $850.00 once they figured out what was wrong with it. Ill sum it up here, this is a terrible car. Dont buy one, its no Toyota. It gets horrible gas mileage and over time has no engine power. It just screws you over with repairs.

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  Its been a blast for a year! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By subiedoo - August 22 - 8:46 am

  I bought last fall, drove through VT winter, amazing little beast. "Blam" passing people. MPG 22 this depends on where you live, stop & go traffic, driving habits, just try and keep ur foot out of it. Visibility good, except knowing curb local for parking, rolling into carwashes, (rims). Amazing space (5 dr hatch) you can fit a bike in there, or a Boxer and pug.

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  awesome hauler - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Jeff - August 21 - 11:56 am

  Recently bought a 2005 GT Limited wagon (used w/10,000 miles) for the wife. She fell in love with the power during the test drive! Initially I was looking at an old Audi A4 wagon but that was wimpy compared to this. Also I love the new Legacy styling. The car is an awesome performer. I drive a Jag XJR and honestly I dont mind using the Subie one bit! The winter performance and added trunk space makes it even better. For less than $30,000 its the best wagon; highly recommended.

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  Bring on the curves and hills. - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ProfBogey - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The "Rex" really begins to live above 3,000 rpm on the curvy, hilly Pennsylvania roads! The engine response is lively and it has plenty of torque for accelerating on those terribly short, up-hill highway on-ramps. It does have a turbo and 270 HP, so 24 mpg combined hwy and winding through the woods aint bad. The 2002 model is a super car! The “head-scratchers” are: 1) warm air from the foot duct with the A/C on bilevel setting? 2) owners get a clutch vibration starting out in first gear (note: dealer shops have a fix-up kit comprising new housing bolts and clutch for this vibration issue) 3) Ony the armrest does fold down for minimal access from the trunk.

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  yummy black beans - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By black bean - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Sticks to the road in bad weather like flies on dung. Very solid ride but smooooooth. Loves to play in the snow. Transmission seems a bit on the slow side. It feels powerful but accelerates like the manual 4 cylinder models. Fuel economy is excellent considering its a "SUV". Starter is a little hoaky in really cold weather.

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  Good handling but slow - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By PH - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cylinder is slow, but once you get it up to speed, it really does handle like an Audi. Hitting gravel or sand, the AWD can feel a bit wiggly at first - a bit awkward in emergency handling. A bit cramped in the front; my Civic has more leg and headroom. Beware of service at Santa Monica Subaru. I had to fix an air filter problem they caused; left the clamp loose. Why put in a filter if youre going to let dirt into the intake manifold? Subaru Customer Relations is not on top of things either.

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  Pleased Overall - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By bac4uw - August 21 - 4:56 am

  The performance is very adequate for most purposes. I took a trip over a mountain pass with the car loaded and never felt underpowered. Highway mileage has generally been 28-30mpg driving 70-80 mph. (100% traffic and hills has yielded 20-21 mpg.) WIth only 1200 miles on the car, I expect the mpg to get better once it is further broken in. The headlights are VERY bright... oncoming drivers flash me a lot at night. Minor gripes: I find the stereo to give weak FM reception and the trunk needs to be slammed HARD to latch and close. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and was able to get a great deal (well below invoice) by getting quotes through Edmunds site.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Rambo - August 21 - 2:53 am

  I LOVE this car. No regrets on my purchase. Car feels and looks much more expensive then it is. Gotten into some sticky driving situations and it handled awesome. Can hardly wait for the snow.

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  Great first Car - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Steven D. - August 20 - 12:56 pm

  I checked out the Subaru dealership after talking to friends who owned Subarus and after being so sick of the other dealers feeding me crap about how great their cars were, even though I knew they were not for me. Extremely happy with my purchase and would think of owning any other brand in the future.

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  Hypermiling My Subaru Outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Greg Gorgeous - August 19 - 8:30 pm

  I first test drove a 1997 Subaru Outback Wagon and found the smooth ride uncanny since we also owned a Lexus LS 400. I finally purchased a 2002 Outback Loaded. The Automatic Transmission is smooth and lends itself to Hypermiling... use of Neutral position when coasting when approaching Lights, on Descending Grades etc. Re-engages Drive effortlessly and smoothly. Attained approx 35.8 MPG with room for lots of improvement. The Ride is excellent and Acceleration is brisk. My next Outback will probably be Turbo Charged or Hybrid when avail.