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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  So far so good... - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By fredbrit - July 8 - 7:56 pm

  What a great vehicle loaded with tons of cool features, including safety and innovative powertrain design. I didnt buy it because of good gas mileage (come on... its AWD), superior finish and top quality materials, or because its a head turner. I believe this car delivers acceptable performance and reliability, superior safety, adequate comfort, and great driving tools all for about $20,000! Im very glad I got mine!

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  After 30,000 Miles... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By keithlb1 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I still love driving this car, and I cant wait to drive it to work. I did install aftermarket speakers and XM radio. The car still needs a nice tint of the windows, and I bought some nice Michelins to replace the stock Potenzas. Reliability is fine. I have only had to replace a set of brake shoes. Car handles very well, but does need a little tweaking in extreme cornering. But what car that costs under 25000 dollars corners like a Subie WRX? Not many! All is well with the sport wagon WRX I even like the first design better than the new design, seems to have more personality than the refinesd version out now.

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  Absolutely Impressed - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Tom Fischer - July 7 - 12:47 am

  Ive test-driven 15 vehicles over the last 8 months, needing something mainly for commuting into the city and ability to take my wife and daughter, or a friend and two bags of golf clubs. I live in Minnesota so AWD was important, but since its just me most of the time I wanted something sporty with great technology, stereo, and every safety feature possible as I tend to keep my vehicles a long time. The reviews mentioning the small engine scared me away at first, but after owning it for three weeks I have yet to feel like I need more power. The Harman Kardon stereo is excellent, the technology is intuitive with a very crisp display, and driving the vehicle is just plain fun. We got the fully loaded Limited trim and glad we did. I test-drove the Alltrack, Mazda CX-5, even some AWD Infinitis, Audis, Volvos and I feel like I got virtually everything I wanted in the Crosstrek that would have cost another $15-$20k in one of the luxury brands we were considering. Great vehicle, great buying experience, and already very attached to my Crosstrek!

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  Big mistake buying this 2001 Subaru L.L. Bean Edition - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By louisville1 - July 5 - 3:13 am

  Nothing but problems with this car and expensive to fix. I wish I had never seen it for sale just a year ago when we paid $7,000 and have added another $4,000 in repairs. Engine lights, overheating, noises, bearings, misfiring, and on and on. It was over heating and the repair shop installed a new radiator for $500 and then two days later the car over heats and blew out the head gaskets. Were selling this as JUNK, which is what it is. We were always Toyota people but shifted to Subaru when Toyota put profits ahead of customer safety and screwed their customers. Now what do we do?

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  Used to love it, now I hate it. - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By dhall5 - July 4 - 11:36 am

  My husband and I both purchased our Subaru Legacy GTs brand new. My husband had consistent overheating problems, took the car to a number of Subaru dealers who could never diagnose the problem. Finally, in year 7, after nearly 60,000 miles, the engine block cracked. We replaced the engine. Now, my Subaru, after reaching just over 60,000 miles, my engine block cracked. My car NEVER had problems. We have spoken with Subaru who stated that because we took it to a mechanic other than Subaru (who never could diagnose the problem), they would not replace our engines. I will NEVER purchase another Subaru. We were consistent with oil changes, and other maintenance.

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  Great All-Around Car For The Money - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By banker2 - July 4 - 10:23 am

  Bought a 2.5Limited w/moonroof...after about 1500 miles, Im pleased. I was skeptical about going to a 4-cylinder, but it seems to have plenty of power around town and on the hwy...it works well with the CVT, which is one of my favorite features-smooth acceleration. Interior is well laid out and very roomy - front and back. Seats are comfortable and the Harmon-Kardon sound system is great. Simple, clear ipod interface and bluetooth connection. Build quality is excellent.

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  Greatest car ever built - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By solly - July 3 - 11:13 am

  Ive owned over 25 cars, American muscle through Porsches to Ferraris. I am a car nut. I have used this 02 WRX daily since purchase, (thats about 7 years now), and will never give it up until it is just no longer feasible to repair. The WRX has been so reliable and trouble free that I am amazed it was only $22K back in 02. It is almost as quick as any non-turbo Porsche (I had the dealer upgrades installed, bigger turbo and cooler, exhaust and short shift kit all for $6K), seats 4, has a huge trunk with fold down arm rest for my skis. Holds the road amazingly well and acceleration is brutal. Seats are the best I ever had. Great road feel. Goes through snow like butter.

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  My 1st Subaru! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By ebravol - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Outback Sport Wagon (5-speed manual) is my first Subaru. What made me hesitant about the 2004 model was the placement of the front cup holders. The 2005 Outback Sport has the front cup holders the center console between the seats. Also, there are rear cup holders. The car is very responsive and has great power given the engine size. I am getting about 24 mpg. The rating for city is 23 mpg which is 1-2 miles better than the 2004. My 6-foot friend sat in the back seat and said the leg room was good. Also, there is lots of storage compartments.

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  Lovin the Outback - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By anythngbutGM - July 2 - 1:16 pm

  We just purchased an 08 Outback 2.5i Limited with the LL Bean package, navi, and VDC. We really like this car. The 2.5 base motor is plenty powerful around town where it sees most of its activity, and after its first fill up we can proudly report 28 mpg. The seats are outstanding, the build quality is as good as a Lexus and the huge panoramic roof is awesome! Also, Subaru safety along with the excellent AWD system should help us weather the New England winters with ease. Seriously, if you are looking to buy something like a RAV4, CRV, or Forester, give the Outback a try. It is well worth your time.

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  First Subaru - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By linksmasgrybas - July 2 - 12:32 am

  I am 62" and fit perfectly, something that is hard to find. My wife bought a Volvo SUV and I find getting in and out of the Subaru easier that doing the same in the Volvo. The comfort level is exceptional, especially since I drive anywhere from 150-200 miles a day. My mileage is also exceptional for this car, but the problem I do not like about it the fact that I have to use premium. Sort of cuts down on the savings of the better mileage. The care handles like a dream, has every bell and whistle you can get, which I am not used to yet, but will be shortly.