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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  Power and Style - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By CharlieP - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased our first Impreza and went with the WRX Turbo. I have owned Legacy models for years and found that they lacked power, especially in the hilly terrain where we live. We wanted a manual transmission as well. This car fulfills both power and style. It doesnt see a hill and loves curves.

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  Sub 2000 - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By luck11 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive and I find the engine performance adequate for my needs, even though some suggest it is weak. I have had min probs with this vehicle and will be trading up to the new 2005s when they are available. AWD is amazing and its incredible how you take it for granted. I had to haul a large load and used my dads 1991 Ford f-150 4x4. It snowed. What a difference! To have to conciously engage and disengage when hitting dry pavement. What a pain!!! With my Sub, when I accel from a traff light in snow, the wheels simply do not spin. Im always 1st car off the mark.

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  Nice Car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By sasquatch - January 24 - 6:46 am

  This was my first Subaru since my 85 GL Wagon. It came down to a choice between the Sube and a Honda CR-V EX AWD. I chose the Sube because of its superior AWD system and better towing capacity, while the Honda had an advantage in interior space. So far, after 3000 miles but no winter driving, Im pleased. Im averaging 25-26 mpg. I get 30 mpg on the highway at 65 with the A/C on, or at 70 with it off; mileage decreases to about 26 at 80 mph. Trip computer mileage estimate is optimistic by about 2 mpg. Plenty peppy with manual transmission, but revs are high - almost 2700 rpm at 60 mph. I just hope that Subaru hasnt strayed too far from its roots - who really needs expensive 55-series tires?

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  Subaru outdoes itself again... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By OhioStateSubaru - January 23 - 11:43 am

  I previously owned a 2006 Forester and loved it, but the hour long commutes and gas mileage are why I change to the new Legacy. I could not be more happy with the car: it rides great; it gets very good gas mileage (average is about 28 mpg overall with 31 highway) for an AWD car; the options, such as bluetooth and media hub are great. I also "love" the lighting in the car as well. The ride is quiet and controlled. The Harmon Radio sounds great. I love the new styling; I have received many compliments on it already. The interior room is huge. Simply put, this is one great vehicle (rival any car), and Subaru has outdone themselves once again. I can see why "Love" is the theme for Subaru.

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  Amazing value, amazing car! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By fawiek - January 23 - 11:10 am

  My first Subaru and what a car it is! This cars performance is exceptional. I find myself taking corners at above average speeds, just because I can. :) The AWD system speaks for itself. Its a must have as I face Canadian winters ahead of me. I love the styling of the car, which is emphasized with the optional spoiler. The acceleration with the 2.5i (non turbo) is fair. It would not kick back your head like the WRX but at the same time your insurance bill wouldnt be off the chains either. Overall, its the best car Ive ever owned and I will continue to buy Subarus as long as those fine folks continue to make them.

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  Love My Subaru - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jlewis51 - January 22 - 10:33 pm

  Needed a new vehicle and read tons of reviews as well as drove a lot of crossover type SUVs. We were impressed with the Subarus safety ratings and consumer reviews so we bought this 2013 Outback. We love it! Gas mileage is awesome. 34.2 on highway so far and around 24 in city and its not broke in as yet. Only downsides: the beige cloth seats get dirty easily so get seat covers ASAP; air conditioning is a bit hard to regulate. Its roomy and comfy inside. I have a horrid back and find that Im not getting as stiff and achy after riding in this for long periods of time. Were very impressed with Subaru! Owned a Honda Accord before.

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  Legacy at Head of Class - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By SaintsFan - January 21 - 8:10 pm

  I wanted a mid-size sports sedan, and Legacy really stands out. Nothing under $21 K compared to it. I think engineering, not marketing is behind the Legacy. The 2.5 boxer engine runs smooth and provides plenty of power. AWD adds a whole lot to road performance (although it lowers fuel economy a bit). Interior is first class; no cheap material or gimmicks. Same outside; nice clean styling. Subaru says 95% of all its cars sold in the last ten years are still on the road. I tend to keep cars, so Im guessing mine will be, too, and still look good.

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  Yes, only 2 weeks old - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Neil - January 18 - 3:17 pm

  So I cant comment on the maintenance cost, other than the first two years being free. Nor on the resale value, which I hear is excellent, though I cant possibly know about that. I did not get the navigation, but with Apple Car Play, it comes with my iPhone which shows on the radio screen. I opted for the Premium because I prefer cloth seats. The Sunshine Orange with black cloth seats and orange stitching is gorgeous. The car handles like a dream, it feels like I am driving a sports car, or a race car even. It totally hugs the road, especially going around tight turns like freeway onramps here in southern California. The Crosstrek also has plenty of pep, so I dont know where Edmunds review is coming from. I have no problem getting on the freeways or toll roads. It definitely is not 10 seconds, or even close to that, for 0 to 60. And passing is not a problem. It easily handle 80 mph on the toll roads, including going up some steep hills. A friend rode in the back seat today and commented that the rear seat beat the rear seats in my 2011 RAV4 by a mile for comfort. I definitely see a long time love affair with this car coming up.

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  Comfortable, Economical and Reliable - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Dan - January 17 - 8:23 pm

  This is my third Subaru Legacy Wagon. I opted for all the features except the turbo and couldnt be happier with my choice. 87 Octane gas yielded 30mpg hwy over 380 miles on my last road trip. Acceleration is more than adequate and the manual shift feature allows for passing when needed. The seats provide a comfortable driving position for extended periods. The cabin is spacious -- made more so by light from the giant sunroof -- and also very quiet at highway speeds. the steering is well weighted -- the car feels nimble and lighter than it is. Overall this car provides comfortable and economical transportation with a host of features and quality thats unmatched for the money.

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  Reliable & Fun - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Scott - January 17 - 11:33 am

  I also own a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback which I couldnt be happier with its reliability and handling in the northeast winters. I purchased a new 2007 for my wife for Valentines Day and she loves it. I splurged for every option available including the remote starter and 72 month 100,000 mile warranty and only paid a little more than invoice.