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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  Legacy Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Jack - June 6 - 2:30 pm

  Great car. I researched the heck out of this and this car has exceeded my expectations. Im 63" and the the interior (esp. headroom) is amazing. 4,000 miles and not a squeak and the Limited interior and sound system result in a wonderful travel experience. Im avg. right at 30.0 in overall mpg. May not be the quickest car, but more than adequate for me.

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  my Legacy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By okcutim - June 5 - 5:13 am

  Almost great car that needs some work. No need to say more, I more than like it but less than love it. A little more attention to a few issues and this car will deserve every penny spent on it.

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  unique wagon - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By zimboy - June 4 - 9:21 pm

  i did lots of research looking for a car that combined practical space, versatile in all weather conditions, cross-over aspects, a sense of adventure but confidence....something different from the hundreds of dreary over-sized SUVs out there. always knew Subaru were renowned in the AWD adventure/sport category but was surprised by how versatile the Outback is.

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  2007 STI is a Very Nice Ride... - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By John - June 3 - 3:16 pm

  This is my second Subaru in 3 years, and I am sold on these cars. I had a 05 WRX wagon prior to this, and I loved it. This car however is in a whole nother league. Everything has been tightened up, and it handles like its on rails. Of course with handling you give up comfort, but who cares. For a bone stock car this thing is really fast. I can see why this thing hangs with M3s. Its no slouch.. The Brembo brakes are a huge improvement over my WRX. Mileage around town stinks, but on the freeway it is not bad (around 25 @ 80). Stereo stinks, but I have a double din nav that is going in shortly. Only complaint is the wing. Not a big fan. Plus, cops and idiots seem to be drawn to it.

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  Poor stock tires for wet/snow. Paint chips fast - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Deborah H. - June 3 - 4:58 am

  I bought for the AWD but for safety in the wet/snow I replaced the poorly rated ( for wet/snow ) stock tires. ($800)Horrible paint chipping after a mountain trip with less than 6000 miles. ($2000 estimate for paint repair Subaru will not stand behind). Poor audio quality. Great rear visibility. Love the paddle shifting. Like the hatchback. I would never buy again due to paint quality and failure to stand behind their product . Back to Honda or Toyota.

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  used to be a Honda fan....key word, used:) - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By cole46_51 - June 3 - 4:00 am

  This car is just awesome! My friend has a WRX, and the Legacy GT is the WRX, but with style. Has many luxury features for far less money than you see on other cars like Acura, BMW, Audi. Im still young, so insurance is a big thing; well Im sorry, but a 4 banger with a turbo putting out 250 HP... thats a sports car! But its not considered one, and because ALL Legacys have a 5 star crash rating, insurance companys love that and insurance prices are very good. Different story if you get yourself a Mustang or 350Z.

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  Still rolling thru Snow and Ice! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Goldie Dreyer - June 1 - 6:17 pm

  Sally my subaru has been a trooper. I bought at her in 2010 with 115,000 miles and now have 215,000 miles on her. We go everywhere from freeways to off road. My mechanic patiently fixes her oil leaks, a common problem with Subarus, I understand. I make sure I check the oil every fuel fillup. Engine works great, mileage is roughly 21 mpg, combined highway and city. I have replaced brakes, all 4 axles-its a necessary maintenance item with AWD to have them checked periodicly. I bought really good tires at 185,000 miles since I plan to drive her until 300,000. Some rust developing around rear wheel wells, and rusty under carriage. This year I had to replace front shocks at 210 K miles. Overall, a fantastic buy. I will buy another Subaru and keep Sally for my grandkids.

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  My Black Beauty Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By DanV - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Went to the dealership to test drive, fell in love! I can take street corners at 40 mph and the car will not vear! I love it! Wish that it had more power though. I get a lot of comments wherever I go. I was a little disapointed about the soft top that covers the bed. When it rains, water pools on top and it is difficult to get in the bed area without getting the bed wet, exp important since I do a lot of traveling and need dry clothes. Disapointed that no hard cover was an option. Was also disapointed that the corners of the soft cover are tearing, but is covered under the warranty.

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  LOVE this car! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Red - May 31 - 7:13 am

  After looking at most mid-size sedans on the market, I knew the Legacy was for me. I purchased the Limited about 2.5 months ago and I have 2500 miles on it. So far, the only problem Ive had is a leak in the sunroof after going to a high pressure wash. Supposedly it says to avoid high pressure washes, although I couldnt find it in the manual. Not a big deal, weve just changed our car wash and the problem hasnt reoccured. I love the CVT and the AWD has made the winter driving much easier. My husband is 65 and has plenty of headroom, even in the passenger seat. We often have 5 adults in the car and there is always plenty of room.

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  Best price to value car out there - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Gwarior - May 30 - 2:13 pm

  Had the car for 2 months now and I must say that Im very impressed by most everything about the car. Handling is incredible, the car grips the road like no other (but I do get a greater sense of body roll than in every other car Ive owned). Its got a decent powerband for a 2.0L but the car doesnt really show it until youre pushing 3000 RPMs because the turbo takes awhile to spool up due to a cat just inches before the turbo. The car offers a fairly smooth ride despite a stiffer suspension that the average car. The seats hold you in as youre zipping around turns and console navigation is a breeze. I love the car. Ive owned quicker AWD turbos, but nothing as reliable or in the budget.