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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  Not worth the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Carmen - March 9 - 4:53 am

  Way too much money for what you get. I paid $34,000 for my 2008 STI and it started to wear, rattle, and the is so cheaply done that it scratches easily and flakes off. The car is fast but is very hard to get it to drive smoothly. It jerks with the smallest of gas and throttle inputs. The utility of the hatch is great and its very fast. I averaged about 17 mpg and that should be against the law in a 4 cylinder car. The seats are cheap and offer no support. I have been in $18,000 cars with better sport seats.

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  Great car, easy choice - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Alison Young - March 8 - 9:18 pm

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  1200 miles in - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Tom D. - March 8 - 7:28 pm

  Have had the car for 2 weeks and drive mostly highway (almost 30k/yr). My only real complaint so far is Starlink. The Nav system is OK and the sound is great but the "apps" for use with a smartphone are awful, slow and buggy. Played with them for a couple days and just gave up. There are some diagnostics and car status features that might be handy if a problem arises. However, the limitations of Starlink are quickly overlooked compared to the benefits of the Eyesight system. Set the car for the speed you want and turn on the lane monitoring & cruise control and off you go. It was strange at first to feel the car decelerate (or even brake) when it senses the car ahead slow but you quickly begin to feel comfortable with it. The gentle nudge it gives to keep you in the lane is also unsettling at first but I find myself liking the it more and more. Ive had one instance already when someone cut me off as I was looking over my shoulder to switch lanes and the breaks were applied quicker than I would have. Overall, Im very happy with the purchase so far. Hopefully it will be a safe and reliable ride for some time to come.

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  09 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx STI - March 8 - 6:23 am

  This car gets looks and not just a glance, a full on stare from people as I drive by. Its a pretty cool feeling. The car is loaded with features and amenities. AWD, 305 hp, airbags, and safety and convenience features are numerous. If youre looking for safety and power with AWD this is the car for you. It can be expensive if you add features.

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  YE-HAAAAAAA - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JAVA-STI - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a true performance car that just happens to have four doors. Power is when and where you want it and is very streetable and smooth. Short throw six speed is all thats available and that is the way it should be. Firm ride is not for everyone, but those that want "feel" and "control", this is your car. Brakes...OH YEAH, Brembos all around. Large fully functional hood scoop and absense of radio is reminiscent of a 68 Hemi Dart. MPG (18- 22) is above average for this performance level. FUN FUN FUN!

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  Ive enjoyed my WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Zach D. - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 5 months and find it to be a blast to drive. Handling is fantastic, and I like the tight feeling to the ride. Has a lot of quickness. The power is good when the rpms are high, but it does lack power at low rpms. One problem in my first 7,000 miles: someone hit the molding surrounding the fog light, and now it is VERY loose and will need to be replaced.

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  the punisher - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By danny01 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  With the reliability of the japanese product and the best performance for your buck without compromising handling like most of the domestic models. The car has better hardware than that mitsu car. how can you compare drive trains. It $ 4,000. more but in after market cost would not even come close for the wrx to meet the parts cost bin or the evo for that.The car ifyou brake in proper can do sub 13.15 quater miles and handle if you know how to drive 72.1 in the salom. After all who is in the rally know and who dropted out last season!!

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  Perfect... - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Goodtimes - March 7 - 7:20 pm

  This car will change the way you look at wagons!

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  brentwoodboy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By d tush - March 6 - 9:40 pm

  I formerly drove a 2006 Acura TSX, but needed more interior room to meet the needs of a growing 9 yr-old son whose legs were always invading my driving space! Bought the 2.5i Premium/4cl. with CVT in the silver/black leather, and I love the added space and nice build quality Subaru put into this affordable sedan. After 3 months and 4K, only real negative seems to be excessive engine noise and general sluggishness at low speeds. Not sure if that is a trade off with the CVT, or expected. Dealer told me they hear this comment often. I do miss the more nimble handling of my TSX, but enjoy the Legacys roominess. A solid value for an AWD family sedan, indeed!

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  An Excellent Value - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By ScoobieDoobie - March 6 - 6:40 pm

  I have ~5000 miles on Scoobie and it is a fine car so far. My wife wanted a wagon and I wanted a Mustang GT - a good compromise? I think so. Decent performance but this car is rough around the edges - the ride is firm, mechanical clatter and road noise are always present. Scoobies economy car roots show through at times.