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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  3rd Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By TwoHawks - June 26 - 9:10 am

  I had 2 previous Outbacks...a 1997 which I totaled when run off the road (I walked away unhurt) and a 1999 which I gave to my son with 300,000 miles (he is still driving it...original engine). I just bought a 2006. Great improvements over previous models. I get 28 mph highway consistently.

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  Death trap on ice - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By wyoroberts - June 25 - 10:37 pm

  I have lived in wyoming-nebraska all my life and driven on snow packed-icy roads with many different cars...rear wheel, four wheel drive cars as well as pickups. The Subaru forester is the worst vehicle I have ever driven in my life on ice. You have absolutely no control-it feels like you are floating all over the road and if you go anything over thirty mph.....you are totally out of control. Shame on you Subaru for claiming to share the love....this car will end up killing people who trusted your company for designing safe cars!

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  Loving the 2017 improvements! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Susan F. - June 25 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased a 2016 Forester Limited 2.5i new last year, but upgraded to the 2017 with eyesight, and what a difference! The 2017 Forester is noticeably quieter, there are now lights on the vanity mirrors...its a girl thing! The eyesight package is amazing, I just love having all that safety technology, especially with all the distracted drivers on the roads. The peace of mind of the SOS button and road side assistance is a blessing. The steering wheel tracking headlights are so cool! There is a redesigned rear view mirror that is easier to use, with a larger viewing area, love that! The upgraded stereo system is noticeably superior! The trade in process was easy and fair. Love love love it!!!

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  Great Car at Great Value - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Sandman - June 25 - 6:30 am

  When it came to buy a new car, Legacy was not on my list until the last minute. I was looking at Audi A3 & A4, Acura TSX and Cadillac CTS. After test driving all of them numerous times, I wasnt quite sold on any of them. I really wanted an Audi but could not bring myself to spend the money for a car with one of worst reliability ratings. Acura TSX had everything I would want in a car in a nice package but was very boring to drive. And one day, I saw a car I hadnt seen before parked on my street. It was a brand new Subaru Legacy GT. After doing internet research and 2 test drive & a great treatment from the dealer, I had my car with everything I ask for in a car.

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  best car for cold weather - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Martin Weber - June 24 - 4:50 pm

  My 06 Subaru Forester is far more polished and sophisticated than the 05 Honda Civic EX I just sold. It is equal in quality workmanship to the 04 Toyota Prius I owned before that. The car is simply incredible -- the best combination of safety, reliability, cold weather stability, economy, comfort (surprising legroom for a tall driver) and performance. It is the best bad weather car I know of. I hate traveling when I have to rent other cars and cant wait to get home to my Subaru.

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  Whos your driver? - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By loobee - June 24 - 3:36 pm

  I dont know who from Edmunds did the road test,or if they even really drove the car! The most nimble car, best handeling Outback ever! Oh, by the way, try to find an A.W.D. that comes close to this performance (let alone fuel economy...) for under $35K!!! Sorry, not available. Im just so happy the "bang for the buck" product still exists.

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  Flawed steering system 2010-11 models - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By pc - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Bottom line is the car has a flawed steering system and it effects 30-60+ percent of the cars. I got one of the affected cars and have been fighting with SOA over it. They know the cars are bad and they are selling them to unsuspecting buyers. You sign a contract and your stuck. Run away from these 2 year models of this car! Read the horror stories on the site I mentioned above.

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  Great car! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By James - June 22 - 6:23 am

  I purchased this car in 2003 with 20,000 miles already on it. I beat this car HARD all the way through college and its still kicking. Ive done all my own maintenance... its never been to the dealer. Ive had to replace the brakes (pads & rotors) at 68k, accessory belts at 70k, and a set of tires at 60k. I redline the car every time I drive it...its fun, reliable, and great in the snow!

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  The Most Fun Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By DeAnna - June 22 - 3:06 am

  When I started shopping for a new car my boss told me that I should try the Legacy. He and his son are car enthusiasts and told me that his son had the Subaru Impreza and loved it. I was planning on either getting a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry so test drove both of them and took my bosss advice and test drove the Legacy. The Accord was so stiff it was killing my back and with the Camry I felt like a was driving a bulky tank. The Legacy was wonderful. The drivers seat is totally comfortable, the displays are really convenient, and the handling on the car is just unbelievable. I have never had so much fun driving a car. I totally feel like I got my moneys worth with the Legacy.

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  Pound for Pound the best - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By gdogg - June 21 - 6:06 pm

  When my wife and I bought our first WRX in 2002 I had no idea what was to come. When I first drove down the street in my STi I was overwhelmed... I was like, "its really mine!” My only reservations were the seats - which I already replaced with JIC Magic seats (aftermarket race seats). After adding some basic bolt ons I was impressed even more. The build quality is awesome and I know that reliability is no issue.