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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  Word of Warning - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By John Q Public - November 5 - 11:46 pm

  While I was initially excited about the purchase after test driving a well running car, my "dealer locate" vehicle arrived with what is commonly known as "stutter" under boost. The two dealers I have taken the car to both acknowledged the car does not run correctly, but they dont know how to fix it since it is most likely a computer issue. The dealership has "reflashes" for different turbo models and it will fix the problem on some cars but not all and it often returns. Subaru customer service has been no help, not even offering try replacing the computer on a $32k car with 6k mi. I am going to lemon law it.

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  fun to cruise - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Paul - November 4 - 12:16 am

  The Baja picks up and zings with the turbo engine. The power seats are most impressive of any vehicle I have driven. Quick to accelerate, Fun to look at, and great handling makes the Baja a must have for outdoor enthusiasts who like the versatility, but want to avoid the motion-sickness of a bumpy ride of a pickup.

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  Silver Outback Sport, Take 2! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Drubaru - October 29 - 10:40 am

  After selling my 02 Outback Sport a year and a half ago, I finally made it back into the Subaru fold with the purchase of the 04 model. Both times I have been satisfied with my purchase. I miss the "bug-eyed" headlights and foglights from the 02, but everything else is pretty much aesthetically the same. I love the confidence I feel. I remember on a snowboarding trip in 03 being waved on by the Rangers at Big Bear Mtn. while everyone else was forced over to apply snow chains. HA! Subaru? No chains needed. Just drive. Whenever. Wherever.

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  Horrible gas mileage!! - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By unhappy_imprez - October 28 - 11:40 pm

  I bought the 2012 Impreza hatchback in January 2012. Ive had the car for 4 months now, drivin it 4000 miles, and has not gotten ANYWHERE near the bosted gas mileage they said. The only reason I bought this vehicle was becuase they stated that gas mileage was suppose to get 27-30 city and 35-40 highway. In all reality...it gets 18-22 city and 27-30 highway. So, if anyone is going to buy this for the advertised mileage, dont do it!! I also dont like the fact that the heated seats dont stay on. It turns on and off periodically.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - RELIABLE - UGLY DUCKLING - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By SLICO - October 28 - 2:00 am

  LITTLE SPITFIRE, FULL OF ENERGY.

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  2013 Forester - Practical and Reliable.... - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By sus77 - October 27 - 1:20 am

  Ive had my 2013 Subaru Forester since February 2013 after my 1999 Subaru Legacy quit running. I use non ethanol gasoline and Im averaging between 27-29.2 MPG since I purchased the car. It has plenty of room and enough acceleration for normal & daily driving. I am still disappointed Subaru does not offer a limited / leather model with a 5 speed transmission. I decided to buy a 2013 over a 2014 because I do not trust the long term drive ability of the new CVT transmission yet!

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  A true drivers car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Stephen - October 23 - 9:50 pm

  This is a car for anybody who loves driving and wants some performance to go along with utility. At this price, I do not know of any other car that provides this kind of performance and handling with 4 doors and all-wheel drive. This car puts you in a special community too: other WRX drivers on the road ALWAYS smile and wave at me! How many other Japanese sedans have that kind of following?

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  Its got some faults - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jimincinci2 - October 23 - 4:49 pm

  Stereo in the LTD is plagued by poor bass and speakers set in cheap plastic door panels. Gas mileage is average at best despite advertised claims. I get 24 mpg during mostly highway travel. Wind noise is horrendous at 70 mph. One recall on trailer hitch and battery died for unknown reason at 10K miles. Could use a trip computer to track mpg. And for petes sake, add more interior color options. I got the fawn and it shows dirt big time.

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  Best Four Wheel Drive Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By John - October 23 - 3:03 pm

  The Legacy is without doubt the best four wheel drive sedan available when cost and quality are main considerations. Im impressed with everything about the car, from the comfortable but firm well bolstered seats to the crisp handling. The car seems tight as a drum, with a smooth engine that feeds off regular gasoline. While the consumption is lower than my previous car, Im averaging between 25-26 on mixed local and highway driving. Im eager to see how the car handles in snowy conditions, but based on comments from friends, I expect it will do well. Price, quality, unique engine configuration and awd make this car a great choice.

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  Good Car, could be great - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By VOLFAN - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for its all around utility, performance and price. I am a little disaapointed in some of the build quiality but I knew this going into it as many others have complained of thin paint, thin windshields, and build quality just slightly better than a Dodge. My biggest concern is the CEL that has now come on twice and I have only driven the car 125 miles! Loose fuel caps can cause this thing to light up?! Sounds like SOA needs to redesign that. I love the car though even though it is quirky