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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  Great All Around Vehicle! - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Bill - December 1 - 8:36 pm

  Just purchased one of the remaining 2006 leather turbo models. I had to travel out of state to get it but it was well worth the trip. It accelerates and handles great. I traded in a 2004 VW Touareg V8 and do not regret my decision whatsoever. It is much funner to drive than the Touareg and is just as comfortable in my opinion. The only complaint with the Baja is its sub standard stereo and the fact that no navigation system or satellite radio is offered. I have already replaced the entire system and have installed an in dash navigation/stereo.

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  just got the plates - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By ROBERT GRAFF - December 1 - 8:33 pm

  safety equipment is great. only been 1 month. i like it so far

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  Solid all around and stylish - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By combtace - November 29 - 11:03 pm

  After doing a lot of research, I settled on the 2010 Legacy 2.5i. The car is very solid on the road and very comfortable inside. The seat is very cozy and adjustable in so many ways. After a month I am still finding my perfect setting for it. My GF cant wait to take a long road trip in it bec pass area is so comf. The styling is very sleek and modern. I really think Subaru thought ahead on this one, despite what some reviewers have said about the inside cabin. It has a nice combination of tans, stainless look and black. Utility: both seats fold down in back and I was able to put a 6" long laundry table right in with no problem. I have 700 miles on it and 26 mpg on avg. Cant wait til winter!

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  Keeps on chugging - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - November 29 - 9:30 am

  Just went over 190,000 miles. Repairs: Oxygen sensors at 170,000 miles. Cost about 180 including labor. I got the sensors off of E-Bay and had someone local do it. Head gaskets at 154,000 miles. Cost $1200 by local mechanic. Left rear wheel bearing. Cost: $140. Other then that people are surprised when the get in and find out how much mileage it has on it. I changed out the plugs and wires at 175,000 miles. Cost less then $50. I did it myself. In short I guess I have been somewhat lucky. I look forward to taking it to 250,000 miles. Next timing belt change at 220,000. Anticipated cost: $400 at dealer. Popularity in family: very high. Its always on the road.

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  Best Outback yet - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Andrew - November 28 - 8:36 am

  My third Outback and by far the best. Wanted a fun mid-life car, needed a practical car for the fam and the mountains. Subaru hits the mark with the XT turbo! Far more fun to drive than my H6 2002 LL Bean! It drives very tight and solid, very smooth and quiet, turbo kicks in nicely and pulls you along beautifully. I love wagons and the XT is the best combination of any brand/model. Steering wheel feels good in my large hands. Still trying to find the best seat position for my tall self. Skip the nav and add your own portable, upgradeable Garmin or other. Looked at SUVs (Tribeca, Highlander, RAV4, CR-V, RDX) and prefer XT. Great car for my wants and needs!

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  Sports Sedan, Factory Tuner! Muscle Car!!! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Harley Schmidlap, MD - November 27 - 8:50 am

  My car-> WRX 2016 Limited w/ 6-speed manual. Great Car; Im a limited gear head. Great handling (quick steering needs careful monitoring at first). Ride is not limousine soft or floaty it is firm but can be rough over roads under construction. I drive as if Im riding a bicycle-steering around deep pot holes; approach sudden road level changes at an angle; I slow when Im not sure of road surfaces directly ahead. Manual transmission required I relearn; clutch engages suddenly about 2/3 of the way up. Must practice to shift smoothly, both up and down(especially from 3rd to second; I double clutch when I shift from 3rd to 2nd; much smoother. Easy to steer sharply, much like with a go-kart. Keep eyes on road at all times. This was my first sports sedan, factory tuner, or muscle car. In High School, class mates had Dodge Charger; et cetera. In college, friends and acquaintances had Plymouth Road Runners, Camaro Z-28, Porsche Speedsters, and so on. After college I passed on first year Datsun 240Z(luckily, they were rust buckets. Other cars I owned were Subaru Legacys with automatics. Last on was totaled. I couldnt close deal for a Legacy Spec B, so bought 2007 Sonata with manumatic. It shifted from 5th->4th when speed below ~33 mph, had soft ride and indeterminate steering; only got 30 or so mpg on highway using cruise control set between 60-65 mph.Mileage in winter around town 19(-) mpg. My WRX doesnt lug until Tachometer is below approximately 1200 rpm; I can drive up gentle hills at 30 mph in 4th. Mileage is remarkable-overall mixed 28.4; up to 25 mpg around town-I downshift to slow for lights or stopped vehicles & stop signs. On rare highway driving near Boston, with cruise control in 6th gear at 70-75 mph Ive obtained 34+ mpg (NOTE-I only drive this fast to keep up with traffic AND when faster cars (rabbits or police baits have passed me. Driving directions/map not the easiest nor most helpful for me, but then each other direction aids are also->Verizon Navigator&Google directions on my smart phone; Map Quest, and On-line Google Maps and more. I havent yet tried iPod, but telephone blue tooth is good. Google maps. Wind noise could be much less with improved windshield, side window, aerodynamic designs; road noise in my car due to Summer Tires and performance exhaust. Overall I rate my car 4.5/5 and highly recommend it for value AND safety: See IIHS.org crash results

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  Its true, all of it. - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By tone - November 26 - 7:21 pm

  Its true, all of it. Its fast, its fun, and its practical. I always wanted a WRX ever since I test drove the 2.5 RS in the late 90s. Now Im 41 years young with 2 kids and Im having a blast driving this car where ever I go. There is a distinct aura just driving a Subaru. A lot of Subaru owners flash there lights or wave and say Hi to other Subaru owners while driving on the streets. Its really cool and friendly. I have the base 2016 WRX 6-Speed with a short throw shifter. At 2500 RPM and above my car has enough turbo spool built up it can challenge anything. I really mean anything. I just press firmly on the throttle and the car just moves like Im riding on a puff of air gaining so much speed. Mind you I only accelerate like this on spirited drives during on-ramps to get on the highway and never with my kids. The handling is great not excellent but just great for everyday driving. If you need more feel for the handling prowess obviously get the STI. I test drove both and I know I will never get close to the limitations of the STI. You can feel the hardware in the STI. But as far as acceleration I would put the WRX and STI neck and neck in terms of acceleration with the STI just ahead by a little bit. The only minor negative issue with the WRX I feel is the shifter. Im at roughly 1,500 miles right now and Im finally feeling comfortable shifting quick. There is a minor notchy feeling going from first to second. But youll figure it out in a couple days by maybe holding the shift knob in a certain way and shifting in a certain way that can alleviate that notchy feeling. Otherwise I read Perrin has a shifter stop that can help. Id definitely recommend using the Costco auto buy program. I paid $200 dollars below invoice for my WRX. It was no hassle. The Subaru dealer in my local area showed me the Costco price and it matches my researched internet invoice price. Also they subtracted the $200 dollars. Super Easy. Heres my down payment and I was out the door having fun. If youre looking for something cheap, practical, fast, and fun I totally recommend the WRX. Also the WRX is a Lego. It has so much potential for upgrades and customization because theres an abundant amount of tuner parts available.

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  Mileage update - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By user update - November 25 - 5:13 pm

  I have only 2,100 miles on this vehicle, but my first driving impression was really rewarding and it has only improved. the mileage is excellent, average 30.5 with my highest at 34.1. This fill up i exceeded 504 miles and still had 1.5 gallons left. The car is very solid and it is really great on the highway. It has every useful feature you need, with no unnecessary, frivolous add-ons. I am really impressed with the handling. I just dont understand why previous owners are not happy with the additional room and the new style. I think it is great looking and performs flawlessly. It even has lights under the doors to light the ground. How cool is that.

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  Just what I was looking for... - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By brian - November 25 - 3:53 am

  I do not give this vehicle 10s across the board, but I give it a 10 in what I was looking for. It is not fast. It produces lots of wind noise. It doesnt corner particularly well. It does provide amazing versatility, functional all-wheel drive, and plenty of room for storage. I am an outdoorsy type. I take this vehicle camping, hunting, fishing, biking, and for long distance traveling. I have driven this through sand, mud and water. I accidentally went through an innocuous looking puddle that came up over the hood, and the Forester pulled right through. Am very happy with the Forester and will drive it until the wheels fall off, or I do, whichever comes first.

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  2002 WRX with 18000 miles review - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By alamike - November 24 - 10:00 am

  My wrx has been a blast. I love the acceleration an performance for a very affordable price. However it is a hybid of a economy car and a performance car. The only major item that I do not like about the car is the transmission. It is stubborn to get into 1st when drifting (a lot of double clutching) and is also notchy. But heck it is $18 k less than an AWD BMW 330.