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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  No more SUVs - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jasonindenver - May 18 - 12:23 am

  I traded in a 2002 Pathfinder with the main goal of getting a more fuel efficient vehicle. I worried about moving down to a 4 cylinder, but the CVT helps offset any horsepower loss - even carrying a family of four up to the mountains. I average 28 mpg with about 40% highway driving. This vehicle has a surprising amount of interior space seeming only slightly smaller than my wifes 4-runner. For long trips, we usually add a Yakima Skybox Pro 16S (important as it is one of the only boxes that will fit this car) and a hitch mount bike rack. Loaded down we still average 23-25 mpg driving in the Colorado mountains.

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  Great Quality, Awesome AWD, & Affordable - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By chris - May 16 - 10:23 am

  This is my third legacy and first on in 8 years. Coming from an 06 Acura TL, I thought the handling would not be up to par, but it is a significant upgrade with better control at higher speeds. The ride is firm, but not bouncy. Obviously the four cylinder could use more power or even better another gear or two in the automatic. Fuel economy is about 25mpg with about 30% city driving. The Harmon Kardon sound system blows away the premium system in the Acura. Perfectly clear at all volume levels all the way to the max. Subaru was the only answer since we only purchase Subaru, Honda, and Toyota products and we wanted an AWD car.

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  WORST CAR I have EVER owned - and Ive owned some crappy cars - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By medic0749 - May 15 - 10:04 pm

  What a piece of crap. I bought this worthless excuse of a vehicle for 24,000.00 and it had 9 miles on it, that was 45 days ago. This "reliable" POS has been in the shop for repairs twice. Its "AWD" has put me in the ditch once already with a couple other near misses. Ive been driving vehicles for over 20 years, I drive an ambulance for a living. Ive never been in the ditch before owning this lame car. I used to own a 2001 subary impreza, what happened in 10 years. You really put your name on this POS? Most god awful, piece of junk on the road under the false pretense of 37 mpg (LOL!) and reliable? Cmon into the dealers twice in under 45 days! Get the extended warranty. 500miles

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  2007 Forester Subaru--- LL Bean - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - May 15 - 3:03 pm

  Big fan of Subaru for over 20 years. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Living in Maine was quite the experience with the harsh winters. It would be 60 below zero in January and my Subaru would start every time. Also, excellent traction and control in the snow.

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  Subaru delivers! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Patel - May 15 - 3:46 am

  This is my second subaru and I am very happy with their vehicles they offer the safety without compromising fuel efficiency. In the Midwest we get all sorts of weather and knowing the car can handle any thing Mother Nature sends our way is the peace of mind we wanted for our family.

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  PERFECT - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By WRXlover182 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Best car ever for the price. Handles like god, accelerates great, just perfect. the interior is great with the 6 cd changer. get this car

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  WRX ROX! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Lee Rousso - May 14 - 8:22 pm

  This is my fifth Subaru and by far my favorite! It feels like a big upgrade from my Legacy, even though the Legacy is more of a luxury car. The big difference is the 252hp engine...I love the extra power.

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  Overall Great car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Great Car - May 13 - 12:26 pm

  I love my car. Overall, I average 27 MPG on the highway, 23 in the city. Trunk space is great. The back row is spacious as well. I have made several long trips between school and home in the horible winter storms we had this year. The cars traction was outstanding. Its a fun car to drive and be in.

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  More Fun Every Day - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By jazzfocus1 - May 13 - 10:29 am

  Have been enjoying this car for over 7 months (about 8000 miles). I share it with my wife. Some of the negative reviews Ive read may be by people that dont own this car or think they own it. Subaru hit a home run with this model and I started driving their cars in 1978. Their engineering prowess is put to the test here and they did almost everything right. The handling, power, transmission, fun factor, stereo, blue tooth, visibility, seating, comfort, all blend into a symphony of joy. It looks good and awd will get you through the worst weather with confidence. Mileage has been very good. 25 city, 31 (or more) highway. People with crappy mileage are lead footed.

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  Nice, safe car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By xlhguy - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought this used when our Saturn gave out at 30,000 miles and would cost more to fix then it was worth. Anyway, after 8,000 miles,we like it as much as when we test drove it. Interior parts are a little cheap, but this is one solid car. In fact, Saab is rebadging them.