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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  First Subaru - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By yorksubaru - July 9 - 8:09 pm

  This is my very first Subaru, and I was a bit hesitant since all Ive owned were Hondas and toyotas. But I have to say, Im impressed with my purchase thus far. This car feels very safe and is a great value for an awd. Fuel efficiency is good, getting on average 29 mpg mostly highway. Not anywhere near the EPA ratings at the dealer, but i anticipate it to improve as its broken in more as I just have 3000 miles (5000 km). Seats are nice and supportive, better than our previous civic which constantly gave me back pains. Styling at the front is kinda boring looking, but the rear looks real sporty. As for acceleration, I wont be in any street races, thats for sure.

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  Issues-Cold weather fuel smell - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mary W - July 9 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased the car used at 30K. With Subaru reputation I wanted one. Bought a turbo because I love to drive! Ive been disappointed with the fuel mileage, but felt it was a price to be paid for the performance, which I love! There have been minor integrity issues that are very annoying; fuel door latch and the dashboard glove box latch broken. Glove box expensive to fix...the entire unit has to be replaced, about $160, not nice. However what might take me to another mfg. is the cold weather fuel problem. Strong gas smell in cold weather; no recall on it, but because it is a turbo the fix is about $800!!! Very disappointed.

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  Good car - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Jerry Savaloja - July 8 - 7:46 pm

  Very good ride at expressway speeds. Good handling. Solidly built vehicle. Have not had it back to the dealer except for routine maintenance.

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  Great car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bonnie Pierce - July 8 - 1:12 am

  This car is so loaded with features it will take awhile to learn them all. Fairly intuitive though.

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  Just Fantastic Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Tony S - July 7 - 4:20 pm

  This is our third Outback H6. We bought our first Outback H6 in 2003 . This was our introduction to Subarus Line. Since then we purchased 2005 and 2008 H6 model versions of the Outbacks. It is most reliable and fun to drive vehicle and it seems that Subaru just got it right all the way. Every model year gets better and better.

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  2000 miles and very happy - 2014 Subaru Legacy
  By bobkay - July 7 - 6:24 am

  I purchased the Legacy Limited, leather and had some dealer options put on. The car has been great so far. I am averaging 32.1 mpg, and have had no issues. The defrosters quickly clear the windshield and windows. The controls are simple to use and anything that was more technically advanced was taught/demonstrated by the dealer like setting up my bluetooth and phone. My kids find it cool that my car rings and we can just talk and not have to hold the phone. I tested the car with a decibel app and the interior is very quiet ranging from 50-80 decibels, compared to over 90 with my Pacifica.

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  Run Far away from this car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By tag4575 - July 7 - 3:44 am

  Bought mine and started out loving it. You will soon regret that thought. Wheel bearings, turbo, clutch, timing belt, interior plastics, all went to hell after only 60k miles. I replaced th tires one time and they lasted a mere 20k miles. Treated this car like a baby, only synthetic, premium gas and drove it carefully. Seems like check engine light was always on, car was in ecellent condition when I god rid of it, traded it on a new acura, I feel bad for whoever buys the piece of junk. My 2001 BMW 740 is supposed to be high matinance, but this car proved that wrong and now I appriciate my BMW way more. Very dissapointed in Subaru, my $57,000 acura is less to insure than this thing too.

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  Worst Subaru Ive Ever Owned... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Garandpa - July 6 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 5th Subaru, 2 Legacys, 1 Justy and 2 Outbacks & this car has been the worst of the bunch. On the positive side, the gas mileage is good, it runs well and the problems have not been anything serious. BUT, weve had trim pop off repeatedly, carpet come loose & handles break. In 4 years/77,000 miles, weve put in 5 headlight bulbs, all front & rear brake pads (my 88 Chevy truck had the original pads and bulbs in it when I sold it in 2004 w/130,000 miles), replaced the interior bulbs 2x, both rear wheel bearings (under warranty at least), put 3 O2 sensors in and now the car has a new whine in the rear. The nearest Subaru dealer is 50 miles away and difficult to deal with.

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  Fun Car with Lots of standard features - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By bhamdriver - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We needed a car with power locks and windows since we have small children. We love the safety rating and side impact airbags We went with the Base X and then added on leather and heated seats aftermarket at the local seat shop. much cheaper this way and better quality materials.The pickup is great for a 4cyl and the car sits up much higher than the old Accord which this replaced. Dont hesitate to buy the base model.

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  4 Door Sports Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By 50+Driver - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I expect to put about 250,000 miles on this car at a rate of 50,000 miles per year driving the car for business. If you dont mind a taut suspension, the car accelerates briskly and handles brilliantly regardless of weather or road conditions. I used to drive a 99 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT and this car is much livelier although the suspension is less forgiving on rough pavement. If reliability, AWD and the "fun-to-drive" factor are high priorities for you, then give this car serious consideration. Its back seat is cramped for adults but can be used for smaller children. If you want a more sedate ride, then check out a Legacy.