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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  Honest rating - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dave - December 11 - 6:23 am

  This car is a great performer, but you pay the price with a harsh ride. Fuel economy is poor, even when driven tame (15-17mpg). Build quality could be better, especially with paint. The paint seems to chip and scratch easily. Make no mistake, this car is about the engine and little else. Subaru should offer performance upgrades packages with reduced warranty coverage for those looking for more performance. If your looking for a quick car with a nice ride for the same price...look at the Infinity G35.

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  Scobbys new doo - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By coffee boy - December 10 - 1:23 pm

  Its nice to have a car that can get out of its own way...and not sound like a frieght train while doing so. Its also nice to cruise at highway speeds and be able to talk to the person next to you with out the use of a megaphone. Corners great, stops on a dime, and smiles like a prom queen the whole time.

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  super subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By jan mann - December 10 - 11:55 am

  My new Subaru is even better than I thought it would be. It looks good and drives well. Even the dog likes it!

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  Nice surprise - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By phillip - December 10 - 3:10 am

  I made the right choice when buying this car, drove solid from the dealership, love the fact this is awd, cant find a car awd in its class for the price, interior I really like some have not like thee seat material, I feel there right on, surprisingly good acceleration, and shifts, love the fact this is a rally inspired car, this car will be in the family for a long time .

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  Reliable Pseudo-Luxury Vehicle - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mainer - December 9 - 8:50 pm

  For the price, I hoped for more up to date features. The GPS is outdated, with less up to date info than my Garmin purchased a year prior. Car accelerates with hesitation at first, and then kicks in. Rear brake light was dislodged when first purchased, and needed to be put back in place. Stereo features are well integrated with iPod adapter, but no Bluetooth on this vehicle.

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  I miss the German engineering - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By bluechipBMW - December 9 - 3:06 pm

  Yes, for the money this is a great buy. But if you are coming from a German engineered car you will be doing a lot of cross comparing. The power this car has is totally amazing which makes the fun factor so high. But the suspension needs to be improved in my opinion. I feel my previous A4 would out handle this car in turns but if you modify the Legacy with sway bars and springs then...no. But you will sacrifice your comfort. Also there is too much wind noise in the cabin. But if you are looking for something fun to drive at around $30k or less with great reliability then this is what you need.

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  This model is ok - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Don - December 9 - 3:06 am

  But I should have bought the Legacy.... Disappointed on a few levels that a test drive may not reveal. Seat comfort, over an hour, they are not great. The vehicle leans, alot, in hard cornering that other vehicles I have owned did not, including Honda CR-V. Vibration of something in the rear of the vehicle is annoying. Windows are large, which has a downside. The sun is unbearable at times. I am over 6 feet tall and have to use sun visors WAY more than ever before, and with the eyesight feature, they dont block all the sun. Heater makes a lot of noise relative to the volume of heat being put out.. Cargo space is plentiful, braking is great, eyesight and safety technology is great. I have buyers remorse over the other the other things listed. The vehicle steering and lean in the corners is a big dissatisfied. The mileage is NOT as advertised. Driving the highway I am happy to get 30 mpg...... No wear near the 33 advertised.. Very sad to supply this info.

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  Seriously reconsidering buying another Subaru - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By bigoske - December 8 - 12:09 pm

  A little history, may family has owned Subarus since the 1980s and absolutely love them. Bought this 07 Outback in 2010 with 100K miles. Ran like a top for a year with just the basic maintenance, oil changes, etc. Timing belt needed to be replaced, which was expected. Then weve had problems ever since. Had to replace the Head gaskets, leaking on the coolant side, which blew a hole in radiator, fixed that. Then the car wouldnt start intermittently, turned out to be a bad O-ring on the fuel pump. Had to replace all struts as tires wore at an angle. changed O2 sensors, catalytic converter still needs to be replaced, CEL still on. Extremely Disappointed with Subarus reliabilty on this vehicle.

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  Absolutely Scary On Ice - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rsw4 - December 8 - 10:04 am

  We bought this car based on its value and all we had heard about how great subaru cars are on snow and ice. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek disappoints. We recently made a trip in ny we encountered snowy roads and icy spots. This car fishtails every time you hit an icy spot to the point where you believe you will spin out and constantly makes you feel out of control. It has a floaty feeling like the car is unstable. It is unsafe to have to be doing 40 on thruway a with blinkers on when you are being passed by Camrys and all other SUVs which appear to be in perfect control. This car is just scary to drive on snowy roads! I dont know if it is the cvt or the tires. In any event we will trade

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  no regrets with this puppy! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Impressive - December 7 - 10:00 am

  multi-purpose and split personality are the two best words that describe this long awaited car from subaru! a low 14 second car at stock trim, and still able to go through 12 inches of snow! this car is compact which makes it very nimble to drive. once you go awd, you wont be going back! this car packs a powerful punch in a stealthy perspective. cops wont be looking out for a wrx. this is a tight car, and very responsive. no clunks or squeaks like the domestics. gas mileage will vary greatly depending on your driving style. i can get 23+ mpg on my weekly commute if i stay off WOT.