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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  Traction Concerns - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By detroitmuscle - August 19 - 1:48 pm

  Trading in a 2011 Suby Legacy for a 2015 Forester, we expected the same sort of traction & stability on snowy and icy roads. The Legacy was far superior on winter highway trips around the lake from Wisconsin to Michigan, and Id love to know the reason why. The Forester back end seems to want to slide out even when traveling on a highway in a straight line at modest speeds. Yes the roads were slick, but we shouldnt be the vehicle in the slow lane holding up traffic while being passed on the left by Civics and Camrys. Checking the tires next, but first Winter impressions were not good.

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  Great Used Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave from TX - August 19 - 1:56 am

  Bought used, second owner. It now has 71,000 miles and going strong. Replaced the passenger side CV boot, it sits above the catalytic converter so wears out sooner because of the heat. Cost $280 at dealership to fix but warranty covered so only $100. That was at 70,000 miles. Brakes still going strong, replaced Bridgestone with General; traction galore. H7 headlight bulbs do burn out somewhat quickly, my last set lasted 16 months. Other than the CV boot and headlight bulbs no other issues. Im 64", 215lbs and its a comfortable car albeit a little tight for my size. My girlfriend drove it and was shocked when I told her it was a 4 cylinder, she thought it was a V6 (she drives a V6 VW).

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  Lots of noise - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By seafields6 - August 19 - 12:28 am

  I have a 2012 @ have put 20,000 miles on it. This one has the deluxe stereo & $300 speaker option, which is good because sometimes you can actually hear some music above the engine/transmission noise when youre starting off & the awful tire noise all the time. Subaru apparently has no knowledge of sound proofing. They ruined the car for me by choosing these noisy low rated tires. Maybe Ill like this car once these tires are replaced with something better.

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  Ultimate Adverse Weather Sedan! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Alex Parisky - August 18 - 4:53 pm

  Purchased the Outback 3.0R Sedan last October, 2004. The car has already been through 2 blizzards in Mammoth, CA and the monsoon rains here in Southern California. The 8+ inch body lift came in handy when 3-4 feet of snow dumped overnight during Christmas and I had to get out in the morning, with no problems of course. I am happy Subaru finally put a nice strong, responsive engine in strong sturdy body.

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  Great Car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By troy - August 16 - 5:46 am

  Great car, great engine, the interior is nearly perfect. Drives better than a Volvo and cheaper, but doesnt feel cheap. Fit and finish among the best.

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  1st Subaru and its great! - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Samantha Courtney - August 15 - 11:53 pm

  After owning Hondas, Toyotas and a Nissan, we test drove this vehicle on a whim. We were trying to replace a Nissan Versa that was extremely gas friendly, but not great on the interstate. We test drove the Corolla, Mazda 3, and Impreza back to back. The CVT transmission was surprisingly responsive and didnt cause the engine to produce the horrible whining noise I have heard in other cars. The handling was also fantastic. Between the AWD and the boxer engine, the car just sits on the road. The overall experience was very engaging. I dont know if I will ever be able to go back to Toyota and Honda. From the Subaru dealership to the car itself, I was blown away.

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  Passenger Airbag concerns - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By SBNP - August 15 - 7:53 am

  I recently brought the car in for some warranty issues as well as a software recall on the ECU. I mentioned to the advisor that when my spouse or 13 yr. daughter sit in the passenger seat, the airbag off light illuminates. They assured me everything was fine and that I could have them take off of school and work to come in and they would teach them how to sit correctly. With some persistence the dealer called me back and confirmed that they cannot get the light to say on with ~105-129lbs. on a brand new STI. The NHTSA says that they never tested that car. SOA told me they did, but it turns out the base Impreza was. Either way, SOA said they will not change anything.

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  Best Handling on the Road - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Alias - August 15 - 1:36 am

  I work valet, so Ive driven pretty much anything out there. For my money, the WRX TR was still a good deal at $23k. While the interior is pretty bare (the TR model is lacking since they figure youre going to modify), youve got 230 horses pushing symmetrical AWD, with a low turbo point of just under 3000 rpm. This car sticks to the road like no other, and fast turns are almost a must. If youve got the cash, the STI has a lot of great upgrades, but if youre on a budget the TR model is a great place to start, with the potential for you to have your way with it. This car will turn heads, and leave plenty of others in the dust.

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  Riding the Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Les Foster - August 14 - 10:38 pm

  Having had the Subaru Outback Limited for only twelve days Im still in the learning stage regarding the technology of this vehicle. I seem to be finding new things with each drive. This car has so many positive safety features, I.e., Eyesight, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, etc. It alerts the driver of possible road icing on cold days. If daydreaming at a traffic light it alerts the driver that the vehicle ahead has moved. The ride is smooth and handles road bumps with ease. Acceleration is amazing for a four cylinder vehicle. Steering is very responsive. While not as luxurious as my former Toyota Avalon, the interior is stylish and attractive, however the drivers seat is not as comfortable as I have enjoyed in previously owned vehicles. Theres ample rear seat legroom, and the reclining rear seats provide passenger comfort for long rides. Overall I am very impressed with the Outback. As to reliability, that remains to be determined as the vehicle ages, but Im optimistic given Subarus overall record.

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  2003 Wrx - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx227wrc - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been very fun to drive. The cost is reasonable, for performance, though i feel that some of the options leave much to be desired. Couldnt ask for better performance in the rough michigan winters.