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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  More bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NewSubaru - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 WRX wagon is fun to drive and gives you some great features (AWD, ABS, Turbo, and 227hp). The other cars in this market included the 325xi and Audi Quattro A4 wagon. I looked at the WRX while on my way to the BMW & Audi dealerships just out of curoisity

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  Very well designed and reliable, but some poor MPGs - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By rickallen - October 1 - 4:12 pm

  I leased a 2014 2.5i Touring with Eyesight back in October and have now driven it 3,000+ miles, 2000 on a road trip. Its my 2nd Subaru, and Im impressed by the amount of boxes they can tick for interior space, design, capability, etc. Im a 64" guy so space and comfort are big points for me. My only complaint with this and our last Subaru (same powertrain, 2.5 w CVT) is the MPG. Both of my Subarus were rated at 24/32. Our Legacy came in at 26 average across the 32,000 miles we drove it last year. Thus far with the Forester were at 23. On the highway going the speed limit, Im not able to break 27 with either car. Going below 60 is the only way which is dangerous for me and others

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  Great Car - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By SG - October 1 - 12:19 pm

  I have had the car for a couple for a couple of months. It feels great to drive and the ride quality is smooth. I personally love the design; it looks very modern. The safety features are awesome and are well worth the money. The base seats are relatively comfortable and are not causing problems so far. The only small issues I have are technology concerned. The touch screen is not as responsive as I would like and there can be glitches at times. The base speakers are not great, but I guess you were concerned about that, you could just get premium speakers with a higher trim level. Overall, this car is the perfect balance between a sedan and an suv. You are definitely getting the bang for your buck.

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  Not as good as 2006? - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Leszek - September 30 - 7:10 pm

  This is a replacement of my 2005 Impreza Sport (manual). Some things are better, some are worse. Better instrumentation overall (but where are some gauges that used to be there – “idiot lights” are for idiots). I like the engine, it seems to be a bit more responsive, but the rest of the “sport” designation is not as good: greater roll (not as firm suspension? Higher center of gravity?), the seats are too comfortable: for “wide” people. The bucket seats are sized to fit much bigger person and don’t embrace as tightly. When combining that with increased roll in turns, the feeling of “tight control” is not there. Gearbox, while smooth could use different ratios and one more gear.

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  Something wrong with the Transmission - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By biz_buzz - September 29 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my 201 Subaru legacy 2.5L premium CVT auto tranny three months ago. I have previously owned a 2010 Subaru Forester and I love it. Legacy.. not so much. The car is comfortable, nice looking and fun to drive but it appears to have some sort of transmission problem. It jerkes a little when I hit the brakes (somewhat like the ABS kickign-in on icy road but not so severe). Its mild and lasts for like a second and it happens more when I have the AC on. The dealer says its normal with this model of Legacy. I called Subaru, and got the same answer. I really feel like i bought a lemon! I really wish I hadnt purchased this car. I mean it is a brand new car!!

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  SUV or Race Car?? - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By forest law - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I went from an 02 WRX Wagon to this for the extra room and features. It has a nice soft ride, interior is nice and the performance if even better than the WRX. This car has Blazing acceleration! Just as fast as a Porsche Boxter S and a 350Z, believe it! There is no turbo lag like the WRX, it sppols right up and continues to pull all the way to redline. This is a mountain biker and skiers dream car. heated seats are nice too and the climate control system is well designed

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  Fast Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By midlifeonthecheap - September 25 - 2:13 am

  I looked at various cars: 05 Mustang GT, 06 BMW 3 series, Mazda 6. I drove the 05 WRX and liked it. When I drove the 06, it was love at first drive. Torque Monster! Love the motor! On the tollway, in 5th gear at 2500 rpm, no need to downshift - goose it and away you go. This is not a rubber band on/off motor. I like the new look; the body still is a bit dated looking to my eyes. The front wheels seem set back too far. I have yet to find the "let go" limits in this car. I will need some time in a big empty parking lot because it has a tenacious grip on the road. Very neutral feeling, I believe when it does let go it will slide on all fours instead of over or understeering. Happy so far.

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  The car I always wanted! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Guario - September 23 - 7:33 pm

  I have been saving for this same model for quite a while and finally got it. I got the TR with the Urban Gray color. It is a blast to drive, all the power I need. The interior is very well designed and works well. The only minor quibble is that the stock speakers are rather weak. I replaced the factory stereo and they sound better but if you like music you should definitely replace the factory speakers with better quality ones and perhaps add a sub for the lows. Overall this car has been everything Id hoped it would be and more. The best purchase I have ever made and I only paid $22,300 with just 81 miles on it.

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  GREAT all purpose car - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By dailydrivernj - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Owning this vehicle now for one year has been a terrific experience. Good fuel economy, NO reliability issues at all. Fun to drive and gets a lot of looks. Interior storage is a bit tight at times. Comfortable seating in all 4 places. Dealer replaced front brakes under warranty at 22000 miles. The 30000 mile service at the dealer is a bit pricey for a 4cyl car. Cold a/c in summer and decent heat in winter. Easy to maintain and keep clean

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  Great AWD Hatchback! - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By macj123 - September 20 - 10:15 pm

  This is a great all-wheel drive hatchback! I would recommend it to anyone who has to drive in the snow, this is built for snow, cold and ice. I have a manual and my winter driving conditions are very harsh so my MPG is not that great. Still better than SUVs so Im not complaining. Engine has started beautifully in many days below 0, even in the -20s! Great cargo space, roof rails roof rails are nice.