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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  Getting thrown back into your seat - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Surftaco - October 5 - 3:13 pm

  So far I have this car for about a week now and let me tell you this sucker is fast! I average about 19 MPG in the city which is not bad at all for a 226hp turbo w/auto tranny. I get a lot of looks too. Due to the awesome WR Blue paint job.

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  great car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Billy Hodkinson - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this car is one of the best cars on the road no matter what kind of wheather it is in it will handle so good and will take whatever you do to it.

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  My First Subi and One of the best - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By C - October 4 - 7:35 pm

  I just bought a used 2016 Subaru legacy limited with 9000 miles on it. I have researched this car extensively and liked it ever since it came out in 2015. I love it so much after driving it 500 miles in just two days. Fit and finish are excellent, handling is wonderful and it rides and feels very smooth on the road. I have the eyesight system with all the safety stuff which I like. Ive read some reviews that say the legacy feels underpowered. I have the 2.5 L four-cylinder and it feels fine to me and more than sufficient. Ive driven Hondas and Acuras, Mazdas and Toyotas for the last 20 years and this is one of the best cars Ive ever purchased hands down!

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  Great handling and fast AWD Car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By J - October 4 - 7:20 pm

  I couldnt believe how well this car handles when I test drove it. A the power it has is great! I was looking at the rough riding WRX Sti but it didnt compare with this car. A lot of room in the truck. The heated seats get a bit too hot for me on low. Not a bad ride for those long drives.

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  Reliable - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By sbohan - October 3 - 6:46 am

  I bought my wrx in July of 2004 while I was attending community college in Pennsylvania. I chose the wrx because of the power and the awd. I chose the wagon because it cut my insurance in half (I was a 19 year old male buying a turbo charged car). I have driven the car as a daily driver ever since. I later attended Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana which lead to some 500 mile trips back and forth to Pennsylvaina. I now have close to 140,000 miles on the car. Aside from tires and brakes, I have replaced the clutch at 900$ including labor and almost all of the ac components at 1400$ including labor. 7 years and 140,000 miles with ony 2300$ in repairs is pretty good in my book.

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  2017 Subaru WRX Premium - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Mark - October 1 - 10:23 pm

  Just leased a 2017 WRX Premium (M6) in white. I love this car! Has excellent performance and overall value. Ride isnt the smoothest nor quiet. But if youre wanting ride comfort and a quite car, then look elsewhere! Overall interior looks good and a major improvement from last generation, but Subaru could do better. Subarus arent known for quality audio, but you can always upgrade through Subarus accessories or aftermarket. Again, Im happy with my new WRX and looking to purchase in the near future!

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  My 2012 Subaru Outback Review! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By box4legacy - October 1 - 4:14 pm

  I have owned my 2012 Subaru Outback for approximately three months, and I am very impressed and satisfied with my Subie! I drive many miles each day from and to work, and I needed a comfortable car! I researched into many different automotive manufactures, and a lot of people recommended the Subaru Outback. To make a long story short, the Subaru Outback AWD, and CVT Transmission does wonders on long distance drives on the highway and city with rain, ice, snow, and heat all thrown at my Outback, with excellent results. Currently, I am averaging 31 mpg on the highway, using Shell 87 octane gas, and Mobil-1 5W30 Synthetic Motor Oil.

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  I love my Impreza - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By impreza2012 - October 1 - 3:19 pm

  Since I dont believe all they hype in hybrids (i.e. what do you do when the battery dies and you need a new one (A $4k cost) or how do you recycle it?) This is the best normally aspirated engine out there. Yes - I know the Hyundai models are getting 40MPG - but I alternate driving the Impreza vs. my Father-In-Laws Veloster and my Impreza returns better mileage and more acceleration and better handling.

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  solid, pleasant, fun vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By dinosaur - October 1 - 10:00 am

  A unique blend of car and SUV with the best characteristics of both. A very smooth ride, great handling, comfortable seats and the best front legroom by far in its class. Excellent safety features and crash test results. Base model is well equipped. Fuel economy very good for size of vehicle and AWD. A conservative but not boring vehicle

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  Love the WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By n632cm - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my purchase of a 2002 wrx sport wagon. The car drives great! It is a big bang for the buck in my opinion. To really enjoy the car, get it over 3000rpm and enjoy the world of turbo charging. Overall a great car for the price!