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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  Affordable, fun, safe, & reliable - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By zlguocius - December 1 - 5:00 am

  Im the face of the "new" Impreza owner: a regular Joe, not a rally-race-enthusiast. I had my last car for ~10 years, & I hope to keep this one even longer. I dont care what the fascia looks like, so long as its not hideous, & Im not impressed with faux luxury touches on the inside, like aluminum trim or cow-hide. I want a practical but fun car, on a budget. Scooby-Rex fits that bill perfectly. It has been incredibly fun to drive, lots of power even below 3K rpm, handles like a dream, satisfying engine growl yet reasonably low road noise, and the sport-shift automatic is the best of both worlds. My biggest complaint is 18mpg in mixed driving, and the related 4-spd transmission.

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  SUPER CAR--But buy used - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Scottysubaru - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned...until I found out they rented them! Not one problem with the car at all. Little things like the radio controls being too small, the back seats not reclining a bit, etc. But, because they rent them, there are an abundance of current model year units on the used car lots in 6 months. Look to chop off $10 grand in the first year in depreciation. Quite a blow..and something you dont expect in a Subaru. SO, BUY A USED ONE....you can save a ton or look at a Forester (they dont rent them yet). I wish I would have.

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  Suburus are LEMONS - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By unhappyowner7 - November 30 - 11:02 pm

  Quite frankly, were returning to Ford ASAP. We purchased a 2010 and it started leaking gas while on vacation in Colorado. It was towed to a dealership where the gas valve, gauge and tank have been replaced. It still leaks (1 1/2 weeks later) and they dont know how to fix it. Buyer Beware!!!

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  An Engineering Thrill - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By cwert99 - November 30 - 7:43 pm

  I love the All Wheel Drive! Good, quiet highway ride. The car handles amazing, especially in decreasing radius turns! Impressive driveability in all conditions. The 5 speed manual transmission is smooth and crisp. Amazing torque from the boxer engine. Solid build quality (built much better than comparable Toyotas and Hondas). On my first tank of gas, I averaged 27 MPG during mixed, yet spirited driving. The premium audio system is well above average. Great value and low depreciation make this car an excellent choice for the subcompact segment. Five days after owning it, I woke up at 7AM and went to Starbucks to get coffee - 25 MILES AWAY just to drive it!

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  Classy sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By twisterx1124 - November 30 - 4:56 pm

  This may sound weird but this is my second new car as a 19 year old kid. My other car was a sports car as well but I kept getting pulled over in it because it looked like a sport car. I knew the reputaion of the WRX and decided to go with it because its new remodeled look has more of a business edge to it. Its a cross between a camry and a 5 series BMW i say. I love the car so far and have had it about a week. There have been no problems... still has a turbo lag but hey it is a turbo. Overall great car but averages about 17-21 mpg so gas can get pricey.

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  Fine car, at least till gas went up - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - November 30 - 12:00 pm

  1st class well designed and works well. AC needs a "single" button for one occupant or youre changing two dials to get one change. Bridgestone standard tires simply awful - didnt last long and slid about all over the place. Replaced with Goodyear triple tred and now handles like on rails wet or dry, but more road noise and lost at least 2 mpg. No reliability problems, one set of headlights (33k right now), but mpg is bad. Town driving normally, I get 17-18, put your foot down a little and average barely 16. Long run, get 27mph predictably. Think of her as a 4cyl wagon and thats disappointing. Think of her as a V8 fast, low COG SUV - the best kept secret in motoring!

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  Awesome car for the Money - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Jamie - November 30 - 10:26 am

  I bought my 2006 Subaru Legacy on 10/17/05. I never thought I could love a car as much as this one. Its so much fun to drive & it is EXCELLENT on gas. It is the Special Edition (pearl white) including 17 inch rims, a sunroof, & power seats. I work at the dealership where my car was purchased & out of all the cars that I come across this one is by far the best in quality & value. I would definitely suggest this car to anyone looking for something fun & sporty to drive.

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  the best in class - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By LOLA - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Driving a WRX Wagon makes all the difference in a commuter town like Houston. The power of its turbo engine and 227hp affords more agility, ability to negotiate between vehicles in traffic, and a certain level of safety that one cannot attain in a traditional off-road vehicle like an SUV. Because of its low center of gravity and full time AWD feature, the WRX Impreza has married the ideas of performance and safety to the test! The adventures await! Be sure to invest in an under-carriage protector! $80 bucks can save a bucket- load...

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  My first Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By RIBob - November 30 - 10:00 am

  After having driven Ford products for my entire adult life I have purchased a brand new Subaru on an impulse. I was drawn to its sleak design and sporty appearance. What brought me to the Subaru dealership was my interest in trying an AWD vehicle. So far I am very impressed with the ride and the handling. I certainly hope this vehicle will continue to perform as one would expect from a Subaru.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Linda - November 30 - 5:01 am

  Its hard to believe some of the other reviews are talking about the same car. This is my 3rd Subaru (one Forester and 2 Outbacks). I bought it pre-owned from the dealer with 35K miles on the odometer. Im at 50K and change now. These cars run forever with just basic maintenance. When I wanted a Subaru my husband said, "thats a Mom-Mobile". Then he drove it and agreed that this is a great car. Solid handing in wet or dry conditions, I have never experienced the drift some reviewers mention. I do notice better handling since I bought new tires, I got better quality than the ones that came stock on the car. I dont like the placement of the clock (my 2007 Outback had it near the speedometer) and the AC/Heater controls on the 2007 were more user friendly. But those are pretty trivial complaints. I love the All Weather package (heated seats!). I dont need a heated steering wheel. My 2007 had navigation, I wish this one had it but I just use my smartphone. It could have more pep but its a 4 banger and not a sports car. Love the Blue Tooth. I took the middle headrest out of the back seat to improve rear visibility (it pops right out). I feel safe in this car.