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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  One Very Fun Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Sage1112 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I am 6 4 250 + I fit in the car... I had a 2000 vette... I like this car. It fun to drive, Fuel Economy is soso, but over all its a 10!

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  My New Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jon.scott-sheldon - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Outback for three weeks now. However, in that time Ive really enjoyed the car. It handles well, taking curvy roads nice and tight. The auto dimming feature in the rear view mirror makes night driving much more enjoyable. Stereo system is adequate. Acceleration on the highway is sufficient. To date my only disappointment is the gas mileage, Im not quite getting the advertised 27 mpg highway, maybe around 23 mpg. Over 75% of my driving is highway. Keep in mind I do drive with a lead foot.

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  Excellent and fun to drive - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Michael Russell - July 11 - 8:46 am

  I love my new 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i premium. It handles like a dream in all kind of weather. The quality is great and I like the all wheel drive for the winter. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a real value but does not want to buy a large SUV. The gas mileage around town is about 25 mpg. Have not had a chance to take it on a long trip yet but I am sure it will do just fine. Great car Subaru. Keep building them like this and I will buy another one in the future. I traded a ford ranger truck in for my Subaru.

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  Love it! - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Garcia subaru - July 11 - 7:46 am

  I love this vehicle! Fun to drive, pulls 2000 lbs, very reliable, was not too expensive, great in snow. Nearly 180000 on it with no major problems. Have done routine maintainance, replaced the brakes, starter and clutch once. Had one part needing replacement with the catalytic converter (cost 3-400 dollars), needed to replace the tape player (replaced it with a CD/tape player) and that was it. Still running great and I hope to keep it for another 100,000 miles. Get 20-30 mpg on freeway (at 60-70 mph) and 27-27 in town. I am planning to buy another in the future and am hoping they can improve the gas mileage by then. (They keep increasing the engine horsepower which I do not feel it needs.)

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  Forget the 2012 model, 2013 is the one to get - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By pleximax - July 10 - 11:56 pm

  Forget all you knew or read about the 2012 Subaru Outback, apart from the exterior/interior looks of the car, the 2013 had undergone a major update, new engine, new/updated CVT auto transmission and updated suspension. The new 2013 Outback handles more like a sedan than even the 2010-2012 Legacy. Ive had the 2013 Outback for a week now, the pull from the new 2.5 engine is great, fells almost like a diesel engine. The CVT is much more response than earlier, before, the RPM would hit 4k and sound like a motorboat. On the new Outback, the engine RPM goes to 2k and you feel a great push forward, without any extra noise.

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  2nd review after 3 months - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By cardfan2 - July 10 - 8:06 pm

  It has been 3 months and almost 2000 miles since I purchased my new Subaru. The biggest road test occurred when my wife and I traveled to Louisville from Atlanta in rare Southeast snow. The Outback gave us both a great deal of confidence on the road. It handles excellent in snow and ice. My only complaint at this point is that the ride is bit less stable on sharper turns at higher speeds, but that is a small sacrifice. The gas mileage has ranged from 25 to 32 on the highway--usually depending on the use of cruise control and speed. I thought it would consistently be around 30 but have been a little disappointed. Love the audio and GPS system

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  Great Find! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Daniel - July 10 - 3:36 am

  This is my first Subaru and I am very happy with the car. I have had many cars and this one is outstanding. No issues at all in the first 1K miles. I have always had "high-end" cars such as Infinitis, Acuras and Saabs and the dealer experience from these companies gets you spoiled. The "Subaru experience" only reminds me this is not a premium line car "yet" ... feel like I am back at a Honda dealership. Oh well, the car is still stick and a wonderful Japanese sports sedan. I was able to get the GT Limited which keeps one in comfort. Car handles VERY well, turbo is wonderful and allowed me to go from my Saab 9-5 Aero without crying too much; the 250hp AWD was the factor! VERY HAPPY!

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  Subaru Forester - Solid AWD vehicle, right price. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By michael oleksiuk - July 9 - 9:40 am

  Great driver 360 visibility, but it is improved when removing rear headrests when not in use.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By gosubaru - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2002 Honda CRV for a 2003 Outback Wagon. I love the Outback, we now own two of them (2001 and 2003). The CRV handled horribly, was loud, had worse gas mileage and had the most uncomfortable driver seat I have ever experienced. The Subaru handles like a sports car compared to the CRV, and is much more comfortable.

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  Subaru GT - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By wysiwyg08620 - July 5 - 6:50 am

  I have been a Subaru owner for 17 years, this being my 4th Subaru. I have been waiting for Subaru to come out with a turbo charged Legacy since the sport sedan (I owned a 92 with 140k miles). Given my previous experiences with Subaru, this is a great car. Some may say that it is not the fastest or best handling or even the most stylish, but it certainly has more than a fair share of each. Include the performance and style with reliability and I feel that it is a great buy. On my wish list is that the 2.5 was the same as the 300HP found in the STi. Also, the CD players random function does not go between the CDs and the FM/AM/CD function button is a bit far away for the driver to reach.