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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  2008 civic Si to 2010 WRX - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Dave M. - May 28 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this car on a whim. An 828 credit score can do that to you. I was disappointed in my Sis power output and its inability to shine even if throwing $2k in aftermarket parts at it, it can only gain an additional 20 hp. Compare that to the WRX which already beats it 2 seconds to 60 mph, and with $1300 for a downpipe, cat- back, and a custom ECU tune, gains 50 hp and 80 lb ft torque. Thus, making a fast car even faster. It doesnt have the precision steering that the Si has, or the stereo, but the power is why I bought the WRX. I expect to lose a few mpg to the Si which is fine. 1st and 2nd gear are a riot BTW! Highly recommend this car! Dont buy an Si if you expect straight line performance.

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  Perfect - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By enerl - May 28 - 9:50 pm

  Dealer delivered as promised. Driving easy, mileage excellent, and it lives up to its safety review. Moonroof is perfect size and easy to operate, as is sound system. Have LL Bean model and it is such fun to drive with all the bells and whistles. People comment on looks.

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  Great 1st Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Nick - May 28 - 7:33 am

  I love my impreza 5-door I looked at a few other cars (Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, and Suzuki SX4 Sport) and found the Subaru to be my favorite. The AWD is a major advantage over the other cars i looked and and it is fun to drive, I cant wait for the NY winter. Also the versatility of the 5-door.

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  Perfect mix! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Don Wheeler - May 27 - 7:22 pm

  I love this car. Great value without compromises around quality or noise level. Very nice handling, especially for the ride height. Superb turning radius, great visibility, plenty of cargo space and front/rear seating space. As a mix of attributes, the Outback nails it.

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  4th Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By subieman - May 26 - 10:10 pm

  I recently drove from Long Island to Atlantic City, and averaged 32mpg. Fuel economy was my reason for trading my tribeca, and the legacy didnt disappoint me. Ive had two other legacys, a 2000 gt limited and a 2005 gt limited turbo, but the 2010 is unlike either of them. The interior space is a great improvement, especially in the rear. The fit and finish is great, Im no stranger to the boxer engine, and combined with the cvt, the car is a delight to drive. All in all, I love the car.

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  Sold On Subaru - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Julia Blum - May 25 - 3:42 pm

  This is my first Subaru purchase which was encouraged by rave reviews of other Subaru owners. I love my Forester and look forward to many safe, comfortable, eco-friendly miles ahead.

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  200+K miles without a wrench put on it! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Mario - May 25 - 8:03 am

  This car was our 5th Subaru, and it is being replaced by a newer model. All of our Subarus went well over 200,000 miles without ever having to take them into the dealer for a repair. The only time any of our Subarus were in the shop was for normal engine maintenance that required tools or expertise beyond the average owners ability or tool ownership (even spark plug changes need a special tool to accomplish); eg. timing belt, cam belt & cam seals, water pump at about 85,000 or more miles. I did all oil & oil filter changes at 5000 mile intervals and air filter changes, myself. You also can save a little money by buying spark plugs at an auto parts store and just pay the labor to have a dealer install them. These cars are so trouble-free, you get in it, turn the key and the engine always starts. On my first Subaru wagon a 1985, at about 125,000 miles a slight hesitation on acceleration off idle developed. I took it in to the local Subaru specialist shop to diagnose & fix it. When I picked up the car, the mechanic told me (jokingly) I should be ashamed of my self for the cause of the problem. The ORIGINAL spark plugs were still in the engine - I never changed them! He couldnt believe I hadnt yet changed the plugs. So, were buying another Outback, this will be our 6th Subaru.

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  This 2002 Subaru was a LEMON - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Golem - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Problems from the start. Poor paint quality (orange peel and easily scratches), inadequate electrical system which couldnt keep battery charged if a few electrical loads were on, consistently hesitated at 2,000 RPM. Dealership was fantastic but Subaru head office resisted doing anything. In the end, received a refund. Now driving a 2003 model which drives well but paint is still poor quality, Windshield wiper blades freeze, inadequate heating system, poor design of rear window washer spray head, steering wheel not aligned parallel when driving straight.

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  What does awd do - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By sad sad awd - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Forester, L version. It had less than 60000 miles on it, and it has been a really good car. However, can someone explain the wonders of the awd system. I am from SWeden and have driven in nasty weather conditions and snow/sleet all my life, and I fail to see the grsatness of the awd system. Tell me, if my front tires are slipping and spinning what would make the rear ones to grip when they are activated by the awd system. Im already slipping down the road! Give me a switch so I know when all four wheels are engaged, that way I at least know that.

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  Great Dogmobile!! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Lorvamp - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Subaru. Previously I brought a used 1987 Subaru GL 4WD wagon. I love to go camping and have 2 dogs. It had 104,000 miles on it and when I sold it there was 155,000 miles. The small engine was fine around the city but lacked the oomph to pass on trucks on up-hill 2 lane roads with the a/c going. No major problems. I brought a new Outback because I wanted more power and wanted the AWD to go on some really bad forest service roads. Its great. The car has the power to pass even up-hill. The ride is smooth and comfortable. I am a lead to metal type of driver and get 27 MPG on my camping/flyfishing trips.