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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  A disappointment. - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By phil_from_cal - December 17 - 1:30 pm

  All-weather package is the only feature of touring trim I found worthwhile. Navigation and infotainment systems are half-disabled when the car is moving. The CVT responds well in sport and sport# modes, but its horrible in the "intelligent". So while the gas mileage is close to specs if I drive in the "intelligent" mode only, those numbers have little relevance in real life. Actual fuel efficiency is a lot worse - I get around 20 mpg on the average. Steering feels a bit artificial. The ride is quiet at constant speed, but gets very noisy with even modest acceleration. The cabin is reasonably comfortable except for an awkwardly positioned arm rest that I keep bumping into with my right elbow

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  My first Subbie - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By tcbranger - December 17 - 1:16 am

  3 guys I knew swore by their Outbacks. Was looking for a new car and test drove the Limited wagon. Leather is nice. Definitely the best car I have ever bought. Perfect size for hauling people yet small and nimble for zipping in Atlanta traffic. All the features on the Limited are worth the extra price. I love it. Im a normal sized guy and the seats fit me like a glove.

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  Another love-hate relationship - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Stacey - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  I am in love with my little Forester. Its a fun drive, great on gas, can carry all my stuff with room to spare, and gives me lots of headroom (and Im pretty tall, too). However, I hate that I have to keep putting money in for repairs. I just did the math and found Ive had about $2,300 in major repairs over the last year and a half, including: head gasket, alternator, combination switch, rear wheel bearing, and most recently the catalytic converter. If this keeps up I will have to get another car, which will make me quite sad indeed.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By oZeven600rr - December 14 - 3:20 pm

  Lots to love about this car. For the low price, you get AWD, tight suspension, pretty good MPG, fun, and room. The base stereo (4 speakers) is actually OK and doesnt distort at high volume. I will be adding the Subaru subwoofer soon. The ride is great and the car feels like it has claws that attack the road. 5 spd is fun since you have more control. Trunk loses some space as it raises toward the back because of the new double wishbone suspension. Interior is good for the price. Plastic used on the door and dash, but for $16k I dont mind. I like the looks of the 2007 better, but oh well. The 08 is more "grown up" looking.

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  Good car.. poor warrantee service from Subaru - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Evelyn - December 14 - 5:37 am

  Fun ride. After 2 years this car handles well in winter. Too small for 2 kids. Fits as much luggage as a midsize car. Subaru service departments fight hard to avoid covering anything that is covered under the extended Subaru Care warrantee. I am getting rid of it soon while mileage is low for that reason alone.

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  Luxury & Finesse Beyond Expectations - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By trace sexton - December 13 - 5:55 pm

  If you are looking for luxury, performance, reliability, and safety while paying 32k or less, this is the car for you.

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  Were Baaaaaaaaaack! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Dan - December 13 - 2:00 pm

  We have been Subaru owners since 1997 (our first Subie was the Outback Sport). The confidence of knowing you have AWD (true AWD, not the "mamby pamby" pretend AWD offered by all the competition). We broke away from Subaru when the 2010s came out and, for some reason, the Subaru engineers dialed the steering to a non-existent feel and wandering effect. That felt very unlike the Subarus we owned in the past. We were so disappointed that we purchased a Nissan Murano until Subaru could get their act together regarding the handling we always were accustomed o and Subaru was noted for. Well, the wait and all the loyal Subaru customers spoke and Subaru listened. Finally, we test drove the 2016 Legacy 3.6 and our patience has paid off! The superior handling is back with the addition of great safety additions (ours has the Eyesight and remote start) comfort and styling....and of course the true AWD (sorry Nissan, the Murano so called AWD is not what you claim it to be...we know, weve driven Subarus for years to notice the difference). We traded our 2012 Murano on Thursday, November 12th, and dealt with Day Apollo Subaru in Moon Twp in Western Pennsylvania. The salesman (James) and sales manager (Eric) worked with us on what we were looking to get on our trade and what we were willing to pay for our new 2016 Legacy. To make a long story short, we received the deal we wanted and asked for on both ends (the trade and the purchase). My wife and I couldnt be happier! We are thankful to be back in the Subaru family! Thank you Subaru for making the car fun to drive again with the excellent handling and thanks to James and Eric of Day Apollo Subaru who made it all happen!

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  fun 2 drive - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Avalita - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and I love it! I have had three cars before this one and none comes close to this. Every where I go I get comments on how nice my car is. Not to mention it is quick off the line and really fun to drive. I love the look on peoples faces when they see me fly past! My only complaint is that the back seet is too small.

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  sweetness - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By drako - December 13 - 10:00 am

  just a overall fun to drive car, you get looks everywhere you go! be careful though because it is a magnet to girls, cops, and theives. but at the end of the day its alllll worth it. thank you subaru

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  Expected Better Quality From Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By 1st Subaru for Me - December 13 - 6:23 am

  Based on everything I read about this vehicle, I expected a quality, problem- free vehicle. Driving it is enjoyable, but Im finding out that the quality of some of the parts and pieces is cheap. The seat upholstery is kind of thin. The clear plastic on the engine gauges cover squeaks. A piece of rubber under the hood is loose in one spot, etc. One of my windshield washer sprayers stopped working. I have only about 1050 miles on the car so far. I never expected all these annoying things with a Subaru.