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:

• 

  A car thats Bought with Good Intentions - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Trutsayer - December 25 - 10:36 pm

  I had a 2004 and had to replace it after I was hit and just not thinking got another hoping it was better as it changed---it didnt, it was NOT better. It gets just pathetic gas mileage to the point where I chatted with other owners that were sure that something was wrong as the mileage was so bad! Then the fantasy.ITs a car that you buy based on the fantasy that you will be 4 wheeling all over the place and plowing through 4 ft snow drifts and lake sized puddles. Reality= trip to grocery / gas station . Not much "fun to drive . Its not quick and peppy as the 4wd has its drawbacks . Then at high speeds when passing it would lunge in 3rd to 4th and make aloud CLUCK* sound both years. let-down

• 

  Nice, midsized car - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By DeerfieldDave - December 25 - 2:38 pm

  If you are tall you will need to lower the seat in order to get into the driver side without banging your knees on the steering wheel. You feel a good deal fo the road with this car. It is not the cushy ride of higher end Asian models.

• 

  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By C-mac - December 25 - 5:40 am

  I just purchased the car last week. I tried several before buying (Volvo V50, Honda Accord and Volkswagen Jetta) and like this car better for several reasons. This car handles better, rides quieter and has the options that sealed the deal. I love the fact that my five door can bee a family car and a performance car at the same time. I have now switched to seeing how well I can make the MPG go up with the nav display. It can get around 30 or maybe a tad more on the highway. If you want to race, dont expect stellar gas mpg performance. Stay out of the turbo and things get pretty nice for the wallet. Very satisfied with this car and the dealership of purchase.

• 

  Reliable all-weather wagon - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By cmelville - December 24 - 9:53 pm

  Our 1st Subaru, definitely not our last. Great build quality, no squeaks, rattles, or other unanticipated problems after 43,000 miles. Were so satisfied that we are selling this one to our son and buying a 2007 model.

• 

  Excellent Car but needs improvement - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By iluhva - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The car handles very well on snow and ice. Car handles beautifully in winter blizzard going 70 MPH on a very dangerous road. On the bad side fuel economy can be better. On average I get 21 MPG which is poor considering vehicle’s size and weight and that is has 4 cylinders. The design can definitely be improved. Subaru has a lot to learn from German automakers. It is comfortable for a driver but passenger seat and the back seats are very cramped and there definitely is a need for a cup holder or two for the back seat passengers. Mirror and wiper defrost are a must for a car that was meant to handle cold weather well.

• 

  The right choice - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By noop - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a 2000 wagon for three and a half years. Comfortable, secure car. A little wind noise from the drivers window and one recall (havent had time to follow up on that yet), but no problems otherwise. Will probably get an 05 next fall. For me, just about the perfect car, and I dont understand how anyone can call it underpowered. It isnt, even with a fully loaded roof rack and cargo area: luggage, dogs, computer, printer,every square inch packed.

• 

  Great car, if youre kidless!!! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By bird family - December 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car because we wanted a small SUV and didnt like what other car makers had to offer. We got the S premium package, which had many extras!!!! We added a few things to make it sportier, like fender flares and rear spoiler. Great car, but when you put infant and carseats in the back seat, its a VERY tight squeeze, in both the front and back!!! Love the extras, like the heated side mirrors and auto dimming mirror, but what were they thinking with the cupholders? Awesome sound system and great in snow and mud, a plus in Minnesota!

• 

  Dont get fooled by the Maint. Program - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jimflys - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I Love the Subaru. My 99 has over 145,000 on it no major problems excepted for the valve tap. I recently bought a 04 LL Bean. Very disappointed in their Maintanence program that comes with it. The maint. book calls for oil chances every 3500 miles but the program only covers every 7500. Go figure???

• 

  Looks good, unrelenting check engine problem - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By notasubaruguy - December 24 - 12:31 am

  Purchased at 1 yr old, manufacturers lease turn in. First electrical problem at 4 months, seemed repaired. Then about a year later, seat heater controls went bad. Several months later, check engine light came on again, just as at 4 months. Wanted to replace O2 sensor ($800) but relented when reminded they already did that less than a year ago. "cleaned" sensor and that solved the problem for about 30 days. Brought in again, this time recommended fuel injection cleaning. Worked for two weeks. Back in again with same problem, after six hours shop has no idea yet what is wrong. Least reliable vehicle ever owned. DO NOT BUY. Back to Toyota or Honda.

• 

  First time Subaru Owner - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By D. Wiliams - December 23 - 7:10 pm

  Car is attractive and safe. Great car for new driver.