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-so-great - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By dvnguyen - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Started to experience minor problems when the car reached 30,000 miles mark. The interior faded significantly, engine ran rough etc.... But the most annoying thing was the failure of the rear wheel bearing. Turned out this is the common problem for this model year. Subaru started to use Legacy bearing to correct the problem; however, it refused, thus far, to admit that it is a design flaw.

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  Impreza Hatchback Imprezzive - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By trimmer1 - December 25 - 10:25 pm

  My first Subaru, picked up a few weeks ago after laborous research, test drives, and deliberations. Could not be happier with my purchase. No car is absolutely perfect, but this car meet every one of my criteria at or beyond expectations. It is comfortable, practical, fun to drive, and as versatile as any car I have owned. I use it as a city car and it takes pot holes like a champ, manuevers perfectly, feel safe and comfortable, and squeezes into those tough spots a full size just cant. I love my Subaru and the Impreza wont win any contests on looks alone, but is really the most practical and well rounded car I can find.

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  Best deal for a practical off road car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Julius - December 25 - 3:29 pm

  I bought this car for better access to climbing areas. For the price, I could not find a better car with high clearance that can handle off road driving along with reasonable safety features (Eyesight package) for long drives. This is a great, fuel efficient car for comfortable road trips to adventure destinations. The one thing it is not is a fun drive. It is a relatively low power SUV crossover, so it lacks acceleration and sportiness, but that isnt why you buy an Outback...

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  2 Lemons - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Brian - December 24 - 5:23 pm

  My first 09 Outback was delivered to me with a broken heater. The next morning it took 7 tries to get it started. The car was replaced with another one. The second car was miss firing from the time of purchase and had a check engine light 6 days after purchase. Subaru HQ claims the miss firing is part of break in and they will not repair the vehicle.

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  2 years and 33k miles later - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By brent05 - December 22 - 1:32 am

  Got a great vehicle just about 2 years ago, and still love it. Had some difficulty on color choice because apparently they dont built as many cars as what I was used to (chevy Malibu) but I am still happy with my choice. Met a nice guy camping in northern Michigan that had one and was raving about how good it was in snow and he even let me drive it around down the road and back. Got mine in August of 13 and so far so good. I do mainly highway driving with my cruise set at 60-62 and Ive been getting 31.2-31.5 MPG at the pump. Only complaint is the trip computer tells me Im getting 34.1 on average...I WISH!

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  Beats Matrix,Fit, Versa and Vibe - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Aamir - December 21 - 8:36 am

  This car beats the Matrix,Fit and Versa when it comes to stability, power and performance. Try all the above in Wisconsin weather and you would know what I am talking about. Try the Impreza AWD and you would know why the trucks rush past you without caring much about the snow. It is the AWD, baby! The only thing I care about is the mileage. It is low but the car can give you more than 20 mpg driven in city conditions. It is as powerful as my Camry and does groan as others do when you hit the gas. The pickup is instant. The steering does not vibrate when on highway. Compared to all the above wagons this one is the best, safest and the fastest.

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  Why the XT is on 1 of 5 best Trucks 2004 - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By DeathRatel - December 21 - 2:00 am

  When the dealer pulled up w/ a XT I couldnt keep my smile down. I told him all you have to say is: 60 in 5.3!!! This is no simple grocery-getter this is a Mustang, Camaro, and yes Corvetter getter. The "wagon" is the ulimate "Sleeper". The ULTIMATE low-riding, SUV, AWD, MAD-POWER, space-for-all vehicle is at your nearby Subaru dealership. When you go test drive this monster in disguise, try, just try to keep your smile down!!! Happy Cruisin -Adam

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  Subaru Forester 2001 - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By RFSAssoc - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Continue to have electrical problems with Headlights and Blinkers. Fixed 3 times, always comes back. Dealers have been great to deal with, always think they have it fixed

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  Nice sleeper - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By kalmanzar - December 19 - 4:00 pm

  Wonderful bargin, great suspension and ride quality, solid, and handles really well. Power is pretty good for 4banger. Recommend the 5sp., drove auto and it felt slow. A little bit on the small side. A little bit bland styling, but clean lines. Car feels and drives more expensive than it is. Would recommend.

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  Lemon? - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Christen - December 17 - 10:03 pm

  This is my first time owning a Subaru and I was very happy with it until a few weeks ago. It was always very reliable. I have had it in all kinds of conditions from 115 degree Arizona summers to mountains in Colorado to harsh winters in Ohio and never had any major problems besides routine maintenance. I had the head gasket replaced according to the recall a year and 6 months ago. On a recent trip the head gaskets both blew, blowing up the entire engine. Check engine light was on already due to oxygen sensors and had been for 2 days. Called the dealership, there was nothing they could do as the warranty on the head gasket repair had expired 6 mos before. Very costly repair, very disappointing.