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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  Forester beats Noreaster Dec. 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By JRF - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I was able to get home when many others could not. It was very sure-footed in the deep snow. When other SUVs were stuck, I made it through. Im a believer! There is no substitue! I looked at the Audi A4 quattro 1.8T. The Subaru drove as well, 3 times the cargo, and $12,000 less...and no joke the Audi guy said "but this is an Audi".

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  Subaru Legacy GT LTD Experience - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By shersr - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We are long distance drivers (40,000+ miles per year) and demand a lot from our vehicles. The Subaru Legacy GT LTD has offers a nice ride, but suffers from reliability problems. We had a re-occurring brake problem with freezing rear calipers (frozen open, that is). We replaced the wiring harness and spark plugs at 50,000 miles due to shorting in the coil. The catalytic converter needs replacement at 90,000 miles. We also had to have the trim around the driver side window re-glued. National Subaru customer reps are not helpful and rude. Next time we buy a Honda.

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  Paper Towels and Doggie Mats Please - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By STiBoy - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Simply put. "Amazing!" Your first look is... "Cool someone put a GIGANTIC wing on the back of an impreza." Oh no my friends, this car is MUCH more than that. The moment you put this car in second gear you will find yourself gasping for air. 2 wheels pulling and 2 wheels pushing your car while you travel 0-60 in 4.5 seconds!!! You will find yourself pulling away from Z06s and 350Zs with ease. But this car not only picks up and goes! I knows how to turn with speed as well! Throw your differential all the way back and find yourself drifting in an S curve @ 95+ MPH. This car is for SERIOUS drivers only. Get 911 performance with a 1/4th the price.

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  Legacy GT ( NOT) - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By gal50 - July 13 - 7:33 pm

  I owned an 05 legacy GT with an automatic, and traded it on an 2010 Legacy 3.6 Premium. BAD MISTAKE!!! The new Legacy GT doesnt come with an automatic anymore, REALLY BIG MISTAKE!!! I dont like manual transmissions, but like the performance of the turbo 4, so the only choice I had was the 3.6 6 cylinder, if you have a turbo 4 Legacy GT hold on to it, the gas mileage and performance of the 3.6 cant come close!!! WISH I STILL HAD MY 05 GT!!!

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  A bit heavy - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Sy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  i have an old honda prelude that moves off the line really quick because its really light. WRX is kinda slow off the line, maybe cause of the weight. But when the RPMs are around 3-6k its really fast. I like all of the exterior except for the front lights, I like the JDM ones a lot more. The seats hug me which is good but there should be an adjustable lower lumbar like some other cars, long road trips kill my lower back in the WRX. And everyone knows about the understeer =(. Its still a fun and fast car overall though, cant wait to rally in it!

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  Great Performance-Interior Sucks - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By jaycee - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The engine performance is outstanding, but you pay for this with a low quality interior. No moonroof option available, leather isnt available, the momo steering wheel is great, the carbon fiber nice, but the pedal set only comes for the manual. Only one trim color available. Gauge pack is extra. The keyless entry system is the worst. You cant open the trunk with it, and the security system isnt the greates either. I previously owned a 98 VW Jetta, and Subaru could take a few lessons on the "small" things that make a $25K car nice, you pay for those 227 horses by sacrificing style.

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  Love - Hate - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By gsconyer - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my WRX. The performance that I get (coming from a 4cyl Toyota Pick-up) is amazing. It is truly fun to drive. But, the problems that I have encountered are making want to cut my losses. Trouble down-shifting and putting the vehicle into reverse, tape deck eating tapes, CD player freaking out and causing the stereo to crash much like a computer would, internal trunk latch not working, drivers seat rocking everytime I hit the brakes, and I could go on. I have heard many great things about Subarus, but I got rid of my truck with 190000 miles because I didnt want to spend time with it in the shop. Funny, had the car in the shop more often in 6 mos than had the truck in 6 years.

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  Do it all car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By MTfellow - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Good car, better priced than some; the Legacy upgrade in 2000 was excellent...a far better car than the 1999. Better engine appreciated, as its still a bit underpowered, but zippy enough in sedan form. Interior exponentially better; gas mileage not good at all for this size car...Ive never come close to their estimates. AWD works great in snow, as touted, super all-weather car...in warm climates, a different car is probably better, just for the gas mileage alone. A ruggedly handsome car, does everything well...very versatile. Legacy sedan peppier and slicker than the Forester, but you give up some cargo room.

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  Very nice car - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By sandyrich1 - July 10 - 5:52 am

  I live in the mountains of Colorado and I am very pleased with my new Forester. It currently has roughly 5500 miles and I purchased it in July, 2014. I think it handles great and I feel very confident when driving it up and down the interstate in the mountains. It has also has plenty of power when heading up over the continental divide. I average 29.1 mpg combined driving. I have not noticed any unusual oil consumption (in fact, the dip stick showed the same level as when it was purchased). Although not necessarily intuitive, once we learned how to use it, the radio/navigation system works fine. We have not had a single problem with it. I have noticed, it will rev a little high under load.

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  The perfect daily driver - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Xavier Rodriguez - July 9 - 3:54 pm

  Ive owned this car for a few weeks now and Now onto the pros. The first thing would be the engine, its amazing! You have plenty of power down low in the rev band so getting the car up to speed is very easy. Also, there is plenty of torque so if you want to pass someone on the highway in 6th gear you can easily once boost kicks in. 0-60 times very close to the STi because you can get the 60 mph in 2nd gear. If youre into modifying your car, the FA20DIT engine takes mods on very well. If you look online you can see people with Stage 2 WRXs making very similar power to Stage 2 STis. ETS has over a 400 whp WRX with a stock block, fuel pump, and injectors (try that with the EJ257). The next pro is the AWD system which is amazing for all four seasons. You get the excellent traction you would expect out of a Subaru during the winter months but also get the excellent traction on the dry pavement as well. Once you know how to launch an AWD car properly, this thing takes off like a rocket ship with barely any wheel spin like a FWD/RWD car would have. The MPG is very good if you stay out of the turbo, you can easily get 30mpg+ just cruising on the highway. Subaru also definitely stepped up their game in terms of interior material quality. The interior has much more soft touch points than in previous iterations of the WRX. The Premium model comes with nice features such as fog lights, cold weather package (heated seats, side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), and sunroof. Now onto the cons. I am not a huge fan of the stock 6-speed transmission. I didnt get the STi short throw shifter so I cant speak on that but the stock shifter has pretty long throws and its very notchy. Ive also sometimes had difficulty going from 2nd to 3rd gear when driving the car quickly. Ive grinded the gear before as well as sometimes accidentally go into 5th gear. Subaru has never been known for having great transmissions, but I wished they made this one a bit better. Another con is the stock sound system which is absolute garbage! I didnt get the H/K upgrade or the Kicker upgrade so I cant speak on those, but the stock speakers are just horrible. Very quiet with no bass. Definitely something I plan on upgrading as soon as possible. Another thing I dont like is that stock center armrest, I wish it was a bit higher. There is an extension you can get as well as a JDM center armest option you can buy online, but I wish they made it a bit taller from the factory. If you can deal with these cons which arent a huge deal, then this is the perfect daily driver for someone who likes to have a bit of fun on their commute to work and back. The car is quick, practical, safe and reliable which will be tough to beat. If you want to leave it stock, youll have fun. If you want to modify it, youll have even more fun! I look forward going to work each day because I know I get to drive this car.