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 GT - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By TW24 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I tow my small 500lb sailboat with it. Pack all my sailing/camping gear in it, climbed some of the longest grades with weekend gear no problem. The breaks have been great, no warped discs at 65,000. Finally a car with adequate breaks. Engine has been bullet proof with synthetic oil every 5000 miles. Factory Tires have proven to be cost effective and reasonably durable considering the type and cost of the tire. Handling: There arent very many 4-door sedans for less than $30,000 that claw through corners like the GT Legacy. MPG: Without a bike rack on top 32MPG per tank at 70-75mph. With bike rack, 28-30 MPG. With boat in tow 25-28 MPG.

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  WRX Automatic Sport Wagon Rocks - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Len Dorfman - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Im in my 50s and wanted a fun car to drive in all kinds of traffic conditions. The WRX is a huge improvement in speed and handling from my departed Infiniti G20t and our existing Legacy GT. This car is the bargain of the century.... ...and a hoot to drive.

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  Highway fuel economy horrendous - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By MAG1 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Ater 1000 miles I drove from CO to MO (875 miles). To my dismay I recorded an average of 22 mpg fuel economy on the highway, but the estimated fuel economy by manufacturer was estimated at 28 mpg. I calculated the mpg by averaging 4 fuel stops through Kansas where the roads are flat and straight. Im an engineer so I looked at all the variables. My tire pressure was perfect, there was a small cross wind (no tail or head wind), I used the recommended fuel, there was no load on the car(two medium sized suitcases & no passengers), cruise control was on, speed was 75 mph, and outside temp was 40 degrees(i.e no air conditioner)

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  Fantastic!! Love it! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve Klemish - December 29 - 7:47 pm

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  I like it but it could be much better - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Chris M - December 28 - 12:36 pm

  We bought this car to get out of the normal SUV body style and to improve on our gas mileage from a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The improvement worked out to about 3 mpg better than the way heavier Jeep. The car drives great, I expect it to be reliable, but there are a lot of small things that were missed. The flip door space in the center of the dash just shows the lack of imagination. That was the best they could come up with for that space?

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  Dont Be Fooled by the Stylish Appearance - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By K White - December 27 - 11:30 pm

  I bought my 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek with 25k on it in January. At first, it was a great little car. For someone who lives in Vermont, a Subaru was almost a way of life, which is what drove me to purchase my Crosstrek. About two weeks after purchasing it was when I noticed my first problem with it, it shook so uncontrollably bad on the interstate that I had to pull over, turn the vehicle off and restart it. It was not long after that when all of the problems started to occur. My car now decides when the radio plays and when it does not, the automatic drivers window does not work anymore, the car skips and shakes when going down the road. Not to mention, how loud the motor is. Overall, my car sounds and feels like it is going to blow up when I drive down the road. I have not even had my car for a year and I am already ready to get something new due to how bad my car is. Unfortunately for me, I put $9500 down on it between my trade-in and down payment and to trade it in, would result in me "taking a bath" in my car. So it looks like I am stuck with it for another two or three years. This is not a vehicle I would recommend purchasing, dont be fooled by the stylish appearance.

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  The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By John - December 26 - 8:18 am

  The Good = Vision, Vision, Vision. Acceleration. Crossing lane lines detection. Eye Site safety feature does work and works well. The Bad = With Eye Site, the front seat sun visors are too small; therefore, the sun doth shine in from the sides. Need a aftermarket visor that will stop the rays. While not Bad, a buyer needs to be aware that this is NOT smooth riding vehicle; it is a rough rider. The Ugly = The Owners Manual appears to have been written by a group of attorneys that DO NOT drive. Reminds me of computer manuals written by engineers who do not use the computer discussed by the manual.

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  I love my B-9 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Daycay - December 25 - 11:33 am

  I had a 2005 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition. I loved the car but my son had a growth spurt and we kind of outgrew it. I approached the dealer and asked to trade for a B-9 because I love Subarus and was happy with everything about the ownership experience. I am totally pleased with my B-9. At first, I thought it a little sluggish upon accelleration but a K&N permanent air filter cleared up that problem. I have the highest degree of happiness about my B-9 and the overall attitude Subaru has toward its car owners!

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  Best All-round Performer Under $25,000. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Raymondwong819 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 2003 WRX for only 21459 3.9% 3yr in April03. I cant believe it! I went to the dealer and 2 guys were test-driving the 04 model. I love the 03 look better. And the 04 model were 3100 more with sunroof which I dont care about. I am so happy right now. Cant sleep before going down to my garage and look at her first.

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  Ill get another one in 10 or 15 years. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Stubb - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car Ive ever owned that I feel happy owning. I have never regretted buying it. I look at other cars, and they might be more popular or cuter, but I just like this one. Theres just something about it. When it finally dies many years from now, I hope theres something similar to replace it with.