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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  Great Car For 22K - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Julian - August 7 - 10:10 am

  This car is fast, very reliable, very tunable though fast from the factory. Getting it over 300 hp is very simple. It drives perfect in whatever terrain you put it in. For the money I dont feel any car comes close, Cobalt SS or Evo ($30G is too much). Running 13.86 stock into the low 13s now. Great car for the money, they will be coming out with a new model in two years but with the 2.5 motor, great seats, and endless possibilities with the aftermarket, this car is a go.

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  Great car with one big issue - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Don - August 6 - 9:30 pm

  Ive owned a couple of Subarus in the past few years and theyve all been great cars. My 07 Legacy GT is just as good in many ways. I love this car, but after reading the other reviews I thought the issue of the "dip" / hesitation / stutter needs to be mentioned. Before you buy a new or used Legacy GT with the 2.5L turbo engine, be sure to take a thorough test drive and make sure you dont have the same issue many owners of the 2005 - 2008 MY Legacy GT experience. If you notice a very pronounced engine hesitation or bucking while accelerating between 3-4K RPMs, move on and find another Legacy GT. So far Subaru has not been able to fix this issue and I have just filed a lemon law claim.

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  Its fun to drive again! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sierra - August 6 - 12:00 pm

  This car reminded me a car should be fun to drive! If you want to see what this car is about, include a drive on a windy country road.

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  Check Engine Light For the LOSS - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Amy - August 6 - 10:16 am

  I purchased mine as a CPO. Within 2 months the drivers side window stopped going up and down, the sunroof refused to open, and the check engine light has come on 3 times. It has been the dealer 4 times in 2 months! I am BEYOND unhappy with the purchase! Subaru clearly also doesnt know how to fix the check engine light as the code is for an engine misfire cylinder 2 - we first were told to do the spark plugs, done, then when it went back they did the coil for just that cylinder, and now who knows what they will come up with. I cant rely on the car not to throw a code. Waste of money.

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  MPG much better than estimated - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By treeweasel - August 6 - 10:02 am

  We have had our 2014 Forester for a year now and still love it. My wife hated the styling of all Subarus and refused to even test drive one until I tricked her into looking at the new Forester by telling her it was a Mitsubishi. She was pleased with the styling, amazed by how easy it was to drive (its like driving an awd glass bubble with the turning radius of a jeep) and completely shocked when I informed her that she was in a Subaru. It has performed wonderfully even in the 10 inch snows we got repeatedly last winter and has been a joy to own. On top of that I frequently break 40mpg on trips and overall average 34mpg with 50/50 highway city driving.

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  no regrets - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By dswiss - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for one week and already put on 900 miles. I love this car. Its very quiet and solid, and feels like the Mercedes I used to have. I have the 4 cyl stick shift and find it fun to drive. Enough power and a silhy smooth transmission.

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  A Superior All Around Car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By dorado - August 6 - 3:33 am

  No complaints whatsoever about this car. Superior performance, handles great, fit and finish on the car is on the mark. An outstanding car.

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  Flawless! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bmorewrx - August 5 - 7:06 pm

  In the 2.5 years and 30,000 miles Ive had the WRX, it has been nearly perfect. Acceleration, even on regular unleaded, is awesome. Im on the second set of tires, and did a "plus zero" on the stock wheels, and the slightly wider tires definitely improve the handling, although its still no BMW when it comes to the ride/handling balance. The interior is still an Impreza econobox, but the Momo wheel and upgraded seats make a big improvement in looks and comfort! Overall, by far the best car Ive owned.

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  Using Oil ! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By vablue1 - August 5 - 3:48 pm

  Disappointed with purchase of new Subaru 2014 Forester. I have had this car only 1 year, purchasing from local dealer. The vehicle is using oil between oil changes as other consumers note. The last occurrence was returning from out of town in the rain after midnight - light comes on - we are miles from anything open to purchase a quart of oil. Finally get to a 24/7 station, check oil - it is almost below oil stick!!!! This is 2,000 miles before the vehicle is due for another oil change!!!!!!!! Quite annoyed. Will see what Subaru does to correct this problem. So sorry I did not keep my Honda Odyssey Van, mileage 230,000, which never had oil burning issues, even with high mileage.

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  Stalling and Shaking - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rgh - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Like other Subie owners, Im experiencing sputtering and stalling when coming to a stop. CVT shifts down and rpm plummet below 500 or it stalls. Slight shimmying at 60 to 80 MPH. No fix found for either to date. Multiple recalls in the 9 months Ive owned it and taken in for service 3 times to address stalling issue. Deeply concerned about safety risk if car were to stall in a situation that would put my family at risk. Outside of that, I love the vehicle.