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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  Best 1st Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By 917shadowfax - January 4 - 6:30 am

  Hands down I think this is the best first car a teen could have. I love it. Having been in search of a car and having saved $10k for a car, I wanted to make sure I was getting a quality build, reliable, fun, usable, and most of all SAFE car. Having bought the 5-door the Impreza had more usability, resale value personality, and safety then the Elantra I looked at, and I got it for the same price as an Elantra with the Extended Warrenty and a lower APR. I really love my car. Its beautiful inside and out. Plus it has AWD, something found on only one other car in its class.

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  Great car horrible nav/media unit - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By stoffe - January 3 - 11:51 am

  This is my second Subaru and boy is it very different then all the other models in their line-up. It drives great and you feel very connected. If anything for a nimble sports car it feels a bit under powered. For the money you pay its a steal. Even if the turbo model would cost 10k$ more it would still be worth it. I even have two Recaro child seats in the back and my boys love it! They even want to squeeze in the BRZ for 1-2h trips instead of our comfy Lexus RX.

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  Definitely not what they used to be, I would avoid - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Marius - January 2 - 10:47 am

  Where should I start? When the CD player broke within the first 1k miles or so I should have taken it as a hint. By 50k the windshield was an art of work thanks to cracks that spread like wildfires before you can make it in to stop their advancement. Fast forward to about 65k (at 5 years) and the central differential goes out (powertrain warranty expired at 60k). Dealer admitted it shouldnt have happened but they wanted a $300 copay on top of fully charging the manufacturer for the repair. Fast forward a few hundred miles the bolts holding the shaft come undone and have to tow the car in. Dealer covered the towing but you can forget dependability. At some point, much like all other vehicles on the planet I get the notice about the air bag. Fast forward 1+yr they finally have the part (your safety is very important to them). Around 77k my wife takes a road trip. After reaching destination the engine oil light comes on (no, its not dripping from anywhere). Research suggested the engine gulps the oil as if you own a 7-11. Its a common "feature/enhancement" of various models and its been designed that way. Apparently lawyers werent having it and they settled (I decided to just carry a bottle of oil rather than deal with them). At around 88k the reverse switch (attached to the transmission block) goes out. A pain to replace it myself but by now I have an aversion to dealership mechanics and service managers. And AWD is way overrated (at least the Subaru implementation), much like the guy who tore up his lawn, I got stuck on some slippery snow with a 5 degree incline (tires were all season M+S in great shape). I know, I should have had snow tires. To put this into context, I regularly drive a Corolla with 250k with original engine+clutch+gearbox, etc. and I dont ever have to wonder if something will break. I get in and get going, no questions asked.

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  Problem after problem - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By kbauman - January 1 - 12:50 pm

  In the 5 1/2 years since we bought our 2002 legacy weve had to replace the oil pan (60k miles), head gasket (85k miles), and catalytic converters (88k miles). Our maintanence costs on this car are running at a rate of around $4000/yr, which is more than the payment of a new car. Its either a lemon, or Subaru just doesnt build them like they used too.

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  Handling is better than I thought. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Kris - January 1 - 12:41 am

  I have 40,000 miles on a 2012 Outback. It is boringly reliable, unlike the Passat I traded for it (A/C, non-functioning traction control, sunroof issues, camshaft and oil pump replacement, corroded wiring harness for transmission, turbocharger replacement.......). The front seats are OK around town, but I find 90 minutes is about my limit on a long drive before needing to stand and walk around. What I found particularly fun is how it responds to throttle input, mid-turn, when you first detect understeer about halfway to an apex. You can ease off the accelerator and let it scrub off speed, or (drumroll) floor the throttle and transfer torque to the rear which tightens up the line with perfectly neutral steering. It requires a leap of faith on a freeway onramp or offramp, but it sure is fun.

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  Incredible value and nice looking - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By garydl - December 31 - 3:40 pm

  I write this after 2 months of Subaru Legacy 3.6 ownership. My wife is the prime user of this car and it was her choice (and I did not object). In our married life we have had 3 Acuras (2 Legends and an RL), a Volvo S80, a Toyato Avalon, A Nissan 300ZX, and an Infiniti G37x coupe. Thus far, the Subaru Legacy is holding its own in that company. It is roomy, comfortable and built like a tank. It handles very well and has plenty of power. While the seats could use a little more padding, they are supportive - and rear seat passengers can cross their legs! While the styling is certainly not mainstream, it is distinctive and makes a statement - and it actually quite lovely.

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  Wow! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Frank W. - December 31 - 3:43 am

  After considering & test driving the Rav4, tiquan, Honda CRX, I choose the Forester. It is everything I expected and more. The visibility is fantastic, itss like driving a greenhouse, you can see everything. My mileage is going up, now about 24-26 mixed city/ highway. Not bad. Fit and finish are great with no real complaints. Parking is a snap!

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  Nice - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By wfb - December 30 - 10:00 am

  For the money, this is a wonderful vehicle. My daughter cant determine if its a car or a truck, so it became the "car/truck". This is the second Subaru weve owned and the difference between the two is amazing. They have made a lot of improvements in handling and interior sound (the Baja is a lot more quiet than our 5 year old Outback).

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  Great Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By J. Kenney - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for about a year now, and other than gas, the only expenses have been for the regular oil changes. Incredibly reliable.

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  New Turbo Subie Owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By TLH - December 29 - 6:23 pm

  7 mo/7000 miles, so far so good. Almost bought a RAV4 V6, but didnt like paying extra for accessories and hated RAV4 looks. However, would have bought a V6 Forester if available vs turbo-4cyl. While the car is fun, sometimes it seems it cant decide whether to downshift or use turbo, so performance is jerky with some lag at times. Could be due to 4spd auto tranny (or my driving style, which is avg to a little aggressive). MPG is ok, 20-23mpg avg, with up to 25 seen during a recent 1000 mile trip. I installed aftermarket oil temp and turbo gauge b/c I like to be more informed about engine status vs silly idiot lights. However, I still think its the best small SUV on the market, no regrets.