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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  Teens first car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By kidchauffeur - January 14 - 4:10 am

  We bought this for our high school student to drive. We feel happy that shes in a relatively safe (but maneuverable) car, and she enjoys driving it. (We were looking for underpowered with ABS brakes -- AWD was a bonus -- much appreciated those nights when she drives on rain-slick roads.) Its nearly 10 years old, but does not look it. It probably isnt easy to make a teen smile with a 10- year-old car, but this one does. One note: SUPER IMPORTANT to get the engine treatments. This one had up-to- date engine treatments and Subaru USA was able to tell us when next is due.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Eric - January 11 - 9:33 am

  I go up into the mountains a lot and this car is perfect! It has a very comfortable ride to it and has enough power to get around in the mountains. It sticks to the roads and handles extremely well in the snow. The manual is a must and makes it really fun to drive. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  work horse - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mike Despa - January 10 - 11:16 am

  Everything you need, nothing that you dont need (sounds like a Nissan ad!). Good in snow, roomy enough for 2+2, and a pleasant dealership experience.

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  edmunds review is very wrong - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By edmunds review-wrong - January 7 - 4:56 pm

  I again read the edmunds review and i find it very flawed. Most American like the new styling. Its clean and crisp and classy. The highway handling is great but i cant comment on off road as i havent taken it off road.The mileage is great. 30.5 mpg first tank with wife, dog and all our gear. Second tank i will hit over 500 miles. I drove the 2009 model outback and chose not to buy it, but this year, well, they did it all well. Take it from a guy that drives and buys one. Any why was it chosen the SUV crossover of the year? Edmunds, get your head in gear and rate this car higher. It sure is.

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  Well rounded sports sedan - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By RocPat - January 7 - 4:36 pm

  Researched all wheel drive vehicles for several months before deciding on the Legacy for numerous reasons. Im extremely happy with my decision and always look forward to driving it. It handles rain, snow, and freezing temperatures with aplomb. When the weather is nice its tons of fun to blast down twisty back roads. One of the most well-rounded vehicles Ive ever driven!

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  best all around family car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Springer - January 7 - 1:20 pm

  First time Subaru owners and were liking it so far. We have nearly 6000 miles on the car in just 2 months. We are very pleased with the comfort level while traveling on long trips. It has been in a foot of snow in the Cascade Mountains and on the beach at Pismo. We have driven in major rain, crossed creeks, traveled muddy roads and busy cities streets. It is the most stable car Ive ever driven and that includes the 4X4 trucks Ive owned. We are getting 27-30 mpg on the highway and about 24 around town. The performance level is surprising for a four cylinder motor. The CVT Transmission is the whole reason the engines feels more powerful than it actually is. Highly recommend this SUV.

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  Love my Impreza - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Kathie - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  Love it! It handles well in any road conditions. Brought my daughter back from college in a snowstorm at night, no slippage, great handling. I felt very safe. I live among mountain roads that can be very dangerous in bad weather and I am always confident in my Impreza. Very comfortable to drive. My only problem is the positioning of the drink holders, but if thats it, Ill take it!

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  Great to mdate - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave - January 6 - 2:16 pm

  Have over 12,000 miles on vehicle already and have not had any problems. Very good dealer treatment and attention. Switched from reg oil to blend after 2nd oil change and notice just shy of 2mpg per gallon increase. Drives as solidly as my old "92 Buick GS did and has enough get up and go for me. Funny that Legacy has the same HP of the Buick with 2 fewer cylinders!

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  Love this car - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By jons2 - January 5 - 12:58 pm

  I traded in my 04 Highlander for the Outback, primarily because I needed a small SUV type vehicle that would get better gas mileage, and be comfortable on trips etc. This Outback met all my expectations. The seats are very comfortable, gas mileage is better now that the engine is broken in and the Chicago weather is warming. I get about 27MPG in mixed suburban/highway driving with the 2.5 engine. I noticed that the mileage suffers when the engine is cold (runs richer) and can take some time to warm up on real cold days. Constant short trips will kill gas mileage, fyi. Engine has plenty of pep which was an initial concern and I was impressed on how quiet and refined it is.

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  New 2008 Wagon Impreza - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Trinibwoy - January 5 - 3:16 am

  I just absolutely love this car. I have had previous Imprezas in my family before but this one is truly unique. I like the body design of the wagon as well as the increased cargo space and the rear spoiler.