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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  This is the best car I have ever owned - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By MNlovessubies - March 10 - 2:33 am

  Extremely reliable - even at 82k miles. The clutch is tight and acceleration with my manual 5 speed transmission is good. I have achieved 30 MPG on highway trips. I take this car on long trips and the seats are the perfect mix of firmness and luxury. I live in Minnesota, so the AWD has saved me numerous times while others are stranded. I honestly havent had a single problem. I do keep up all recommended maintenance at the Subaru dealership.

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  Great car, but ... - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By B9chef - March 9 - 6:16 pm

  I was deciding between the Subaru and the Murano The Murano had *extremely* comfortable seats, but it just didnt have the reputation and trust of Subaru. The Subaru was a little cheaper than the Murano. So far, it has been wonderful. It is very stable on the road, and at fast highway speeds, it handles great. But mileage has been noticeably worse than the estimates. Granted, I am driving less than 35 MPH in bumper to bumper traffic in Los Angeles, but I am still only getting 16 MPG ... though freeway speeds get me 22-24 MPG. Im bummed that the Nav is now offered in the Ltd 5-Pass. I wanted it in mine. Overall, quality is good, but many improvements can be made.

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  Love my Subaru Legacy! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Sharon Yount - March 9 - 6:51 am

  The EyeSight feature is amazing- well worth the extra cost. This car hugs the road like none other. The visibility is the best in its league. The power drivers seat is perfect. Wish Id gotten the power passenger seat but its ok anyway. The interior is well-designed. The car is so great looking. The Twilight blue color is gorgeous. Consumer Reports lists the 2016 Legacy as #1 in the mid-sized car. I have no complaints and would definitely buy a Subaru again. The gas mileage is quite good even though its all-wheel-drive. I could not find another car in its price bracket to even come close to the value packed in the Legacy. Im still working out how to use the Navigation; its not as intuitive as I would like.

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  wow, best in class by far -- must drive! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By VJ - March 9 - 12:16 am

  We bought ours yesterday and were sold from the minute we sat in it. We were comparing between a CRV exl a BMW x3 and a lr2. The Forester handled the best, had the most options for the most reasonable lease price and our sales rep at irvine Subaru was second to none. We ultimately chose to go with the Subaru because of the overall quality of the vehicle and the person we dealt with.

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  I am Impressed! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Robert Clarke - March 8 - 10:40 am

  I just got my Legacy a month ago and I could not be happier. We broke it in on a 3,000 mile trip to SC. It cruised through rain that had people pulling over because they could not see. We averaged 70 mph with the A/C on and the mileage was 31! Great safety with the 6 airbags and traction control. I have been told it had a 5 star rating. Great HK stereo, very quick with the 5 speed. Steering is precise and the roadholding is fantastic. I had two Audis and I like this more. Plus, if it did have a maintenance problem (which I dont think it will) it would be cheap to fix. A lot of car for 19K.

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  05 2.5 X is dreamy - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By jeremy in AZ - March 7 - 3:36 pm

  I feel I got a lot of car for the money. Has been great in all conditions: highway, snowy weather, muddy backroads, rough and loose jeep- type trails. Lots of cargo room. A nice balance of performance and gas mileage. Yes, the upgraded models have a plusher interior...but the X is bomber as is.

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  Built for race! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By abugslife - March 7 - 10:00 am

  What else can I say? It is simply amazing once you start the car. All fun just begin.

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  All around great car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By 35th Legacy Auto - March 7 - 9:06 am

  This is an all around wonderful vehicle. Everyday performance is good but in rain or snow, good quickly changes to great. Nothing Ive ever driven has compared to this car. I cant see any reason why I wouldnt buy Subaru in the future.

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  2nd Forester and more to come - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By patton4457 - March 6 - 4:33 pm

  Just bought my second Forester by trading in my 04 gem. She had close to 100,000 miles on her already and had never had one simple thing go wrong with her. Hated to part with her but love my new forester even more. Didnt think that would be possible. Also, didnt think I would get as good of gas mileage as I have so far. Avg. 25mpg both city and highway and it is nowwhere near broken in. Extra room is awesome. Ride is awesome. Would recommend one to anybody.

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  Excellent value - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Minnie - March 6 - 12:53 am

  I never considered a Subaru until looking at all the others and not finding what I wanted. As soon as I sat in my LL Bean Forester I was hooked. Everything felt right. I love the AWD, the sunroof is amazing especially at night on our country roads with stars twinkling overhead, the heated seats are great, the wood accents on steering wheel and shifter make it look rich, and it handles like a dream. Youd never think this car is a 4 cyl as it has lots of power. Getting 26-28 MPG with just over 3500 miles on her. Ill never own anything else. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee I had for fourteen years and I hope to have this one as long.