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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  Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Subie Nubie - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This car has plenty of interior room, especially without the sunroof. A very capable, comfortable cruiser. I find it strange that the body side molding is a dealer installed option. I am still waiting for the molding to be installed, as it has been back ordered for several weeks. This car has a lot of grip, although the suspension is a bit floaty. The rear suspension often bounces again after each bump.

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  My 2013 Subaru Forester - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By willowby - June 16 - 10:34 am

  I love my 2013 Subaru Forester, so here comes the nit pickin. I bought this SUV in November of 2012. I hate the gray plastic dyed interior trim inside, looks great until you scratch it. Too expensive to fix or replace! Dont like the silver plastic front grill, there is no touch up paint for it! The inside carpet is fraying around the floor mat, but its not too bad so far, could use better quality carpet. The ride is not bad, but could be smoother. The Bluetooth doesnt filter out noise very well, when trying to call out! No exterior temp gauge! This vehicle could maybe be 3 inches higher. Keep in mind, these things I mentioned may be improved on the 2014 model!

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  First impression... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By GBockers - June 16 - 6:40 am

  Mine is the 2010 Legacy Premium 2.5i with CVT. The only option is XM satellite radio, otherwise stock. I love the exterior, in my opinion it resembles the Lexus IS250. The car feels solid, quality build. The 2.5i CVT with 170 hp is healthy; I traded down from a luxury car because of divorce. Besides the luxury doo-dads this car is just fine thank you. Smooth acceleration, not "jerky" from a dead stop. Feels like a performance car to me, it hugs the road. Im just finishing my first tank of gas which gave 24 mpg in mostly back roads / highway driving. Hoping that will improve. Premium package is very basic, although the brushed metal appointments interior are nice.

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  SuperCar Performance... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By EmergenZ - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Subaru got everything right on the STi! Look at the performance features: 300HP/300ft-lbs TQ, Short-throw 6-Spd, dual LSDs, DCCD System, Brembos, BBSs...the list goes on. The STis "fun-factor" is phenomenal. It is difficult to find a true flaw with this car. Ive had the opportunity to now drive mine in snow, in which it did not disappoint (clad in all season tires).

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  Fantastic and sophistocated drive - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Marc - June 11 - 11:03 am

  Would never have thought I would own a Subaru. Just saw this HOT car while out looking at the Mazda 6 on the other side of the lot. My final decision was between the IS300 and this car. The Legacy had more to offer for less money. Its been 6 months and I have 12,000 miles on it. Still drives, looks, sounds and smells like new. I will never be able to buy anything without the AWD. It is also very comforting to know you are in one of the safest vehicles. I would recommend this car to anyone; it is a fit for just about every type of person.

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  Subaru is fun to drive - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By matt saxon - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This has been without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. It has everything anyone could want living in the midwest or any snow belt area. It rides very well, and feels comfortable, for a rugid vehical. The McIntosh audio system is a fabulous feature. Looks, performance and comfort/safety. Its well rounded and complete.

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  Best Bang for Buck! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Feilo - June 10 - 1:30 am

  The OB has always been on my shortlist of cars through the years and I finally went for it when it came time to part with my (much loved and performance tuned) Passat wagon. The 2.5i is very well matched with the 5MT and I am enjoying true motoring again! Also appreciating AWD for the first time in the snow we have been having here in the Midwest. After ~6000 miles, fuel consumption has been reasonable - averaging ~26 mpg overall in 70/30 highway/urban driving, and have been trouble free. Had to upgrade the rear sway bar and tires to get handling to what I would like but then, thats not for everybody. Fit and finish is OK for what I paid for it. All in all, I am really happy with my 2.5i!

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  LET IT SNOW! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Kansas Granny - June 6 - 3:49 am

  Ive had my new car for less than two weeks and am still learning how everything works. I would advise to set your radio stations and temperature before you drive because in the daylight it is impossible to see any digital readouts on the dash (at least it is for me). One thing I dont like is that there is practically no adjustment on raising the steering wheel, which makes it much too close to my body because I am short and overweight. I believe it would be fairer to give a review after driving the car for a few months. On a positive note, after picking up my car and driving 40 miles home, the mpg showed "34". I cant give a combined mpg because I have not had to refuel. I will also say that this is not a luxury car as far as ride goes. If the road is rough, you can feel and hear the car on the road as it passes over expanders or whatever they are. I do believe that this car will do well for me as my ten year-old granddaughter has already offered either of her parents cars in a trade deal.

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  So far, so good, except 4 airbag sensor - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Gene R. - June 5 - 8:16 am

  We purchased an 08 Outback 2.5i. The car feels solid, drives well, and is adequate in interior comfort. The cars engine power is adequate, but not impressive. We enjoy the handling of the car the most, but havent tested it in snow/ice conditions yet. Weve been averaging around 26-27 mpg hwy, which is impressive considering the full time AWD. A knock against the car is that weve had an issue with the passenger side airbag sensor. It turns on and off intermittently. We were told its a safety design issue for small children. My wife is approx 54" 110 pounds and doesnt always set off the sensor. We find this odd, and are researching the issue further.

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  2002 Legacy GT - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Haydn - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I drive about 5500 miles per month. My Legacy GT has performed well overall. Highway mileage exceeds 31 MPG with the manual transmission. The cabin is very quiet; wind noise minimal. The engine is somewhat underpowered; however the handling and control are exceptional with the AWD. Fit, finish and value are exceptional for a vehicle priced under $25K.