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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  Great car for tall people - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By lala09 - May 30 - 9:37 pm

  This is the first Subaru Ive ever purchased. My husband is 67" and when we saw the legroom of 43" we did not believe it would ever work;however he has plenty of leg room and head room (more than Tahoe, Yukon, Sequoia, etc) with way better gas mileage. The gas mileage is right on target of 24.6 mpg with all mountain driving (very curvy with lots of hills). The 4 cylinder is plenty enough power. We also live on a very steep dirt road and does very well. Have not gotten any snow yet, so not sure how will handle. Very impressed with features in "base model". 2nd row passengers (2- 3 year olds) have plenty room and love the cup holder between them.

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  Good for the money - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By kw_co - May 30 - 8:47 pm

  I have the 6 speed manual and got about 30 mpg on the highway with average speed of 75 mph. Put 3500 miles on it in the first two weeks (road trip). Drove down the Pacific Highway (CA 1) and it handled pretty well. It was a little underpowered going up steep hills in the Rockies (had to change down to 4th), but thats not why I bought it, as I will do 99.99% of my driving on the flat. It did OK in San Francisco though, with a lower speed limit in 2nd. Its mainly intended as a runabout which will get me through the odd snow day. It serves that purpose extremely well.

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  Really Great - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By sjr - May 30 - 3:36 am

  This was the first brand new car Ive had. Wonderful price, AWD is awesome for nasty winter driving (I feel very safe), and its easy to get in and out of. Can fit a wheelchair in the back with the seats down and my 99-year-old grandmother can get in and out without problems (most cars are too low). Roomy interior. The interior is nice for the price. Visibility great. Stereo is fine. Hatchback makes loading vehicle very easy. It does dog if youre using the AC, but it seems sturdy and reliable. After a year of mostly in-town driving I love it. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, but worth it for confidence and security AWD gives me in the winter. Id buy another Subaru after this.

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  OK car, not great but good - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By JTP - May 29 - 11:16 pm

  I typically put around 225,000 on my cars before I let them go. Some limp in (escort), make it like champs (prelude), this one is somewhere in between. Not many problems, but the ones I had were odd. Catalytic converter at 50 K mi, head gasket at 150 K, oil pump shortly thereafter. Windshield keeps breaking, seemingly by itself. Fog lamps are expensive and break a lot. I gave up and drive with them broken. I like this car and would consider another one because it is a kick to drive. But our legacy outback is a much, much better car. Edmunds says it gets 21, but I typically get 26, a little less with city alone. 28 if I am gentle.

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  Love my Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By thetibetan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Having been a Mercedes M-class owner, I traded for a Subaru 2004 Forester this past August. I have nothing but positives to say about this vehicle! It is far more fun to drive than the M- class, is equally well-built, and very comfortable. The only thing that my Subaru lacks is a built-in control for programming in the garage-door opener. For the price difference, I think I can live with that small failing. I actually am looking forward to a nice snow so that I can try out my go-in-the- snow power. This is no lie-- I have to remind myself to drive my Mercedes C- class and my classic Porsche!

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  Great car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Vic S - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Have really enjoyed having and driving this vehicle especially in snowy and icy weather. It is comfortable, handles extremely well and corners like it was on rails. The heater warms up quickly in cold weather adding to the enjoyment of this vehicle.

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  No more SUV! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Gabiker - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Absolute joy to drive! Plenty of power (any more and Id be in trouble) and handles and drives so much better than my Explorer. Interior room was a concern, but so far I havent missed it. I just returned from a 1500 mile roadtrip with mountains, interstates, and some snow, and the car handled it all better than anything Ive ever driven. I considered the Forester, but I just liked the sportier feel (and lower price) of the OBS.

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  2004 SUBARU WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By VJBEAR - May 29 - 2:00 am

  THE SUBARU WRX IS A REAL FUN CAR TO DRIVE.I REALLY LIKE THIS CAR ALOT .IT IS RELIABLE,FAST,HANDLES,AND IS GOOD ON GAS.YOU ARE GETTING A REAL BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.THE AWD SYSTEM IS AWSOME IN BAD WEATHER ,AND YOU WILL SHOCK ALOT OF MUSCLE CAR,BMW,AUDI,AND OTHER CAR OWNERS ,WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE WRX,YOU CAN WAVE AS YOU BLOW THEM AWAY I SAY GET THIS CAR YOU WILL LOVE IT.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By DM - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got mine in Feb 2001, It handles great, the features are terrific and also at a great price. Heated seats, heated wipers, 6 CD Changer etc. The AWD system is excellent and gives one a lot of confidence while driving in any kind of weather. Once I had very low fuel and left the vehicle in snow for 2 complete days, and the Forester started after a little chugging at an outside temperature of 2 degrees Faranheit !!!, I was impressed. A definite Value for Money vehicle

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  2002 Outback H6 Sedan after 16000 miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By influxSoft - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The new 6 cylinder 212hp engine is smooth and quiet I drive a LOT of miles... over 16K in the first 6 months and living in New England with out snow and ice... I can honestly say nothing compares... The AWD with its continuously variable transfer clutch and a limited-slip rear differential gives plenty of confidence on snow and ice (you may find it almost boring... its just that good... youll hardly think its slippery) Good standard sound system with comfortable interior. Gas mil is fair. Pls be aware the prem gas is recommended but not required. I considered purchasing the VW passat 4motion... but for $4K less this is a fine car.