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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  First Subaru - Impressed - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ginny Todd - October 14 - 8:58 pm

  Replacing a 2011 Acura RDX - was challenged to consider a Subaru and glad I was. Ranks high for safety, economical, practical, and a good value. Very happy with my purchase of a 2017 Subaru Outback- with same features/options on the Acura RDX would cost $10,000- $15,000 more.

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  Im Happy with it, but... - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By JRes - October 14 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car new and it has had its problems. I like the ride and the power is good although I agree that the engine runs too fast at higher speeds. This car could use a better gearing spread or a sixth gear. Heres the list of the cars problems: bad electrical harness, replaced under warranty; leaking sunroofs replaced under warranty 2 times, broken front swaybar, not under warranty; rear sunroof shade wont move in its track, not under warranty, and I have just started to notice a steering shimmy that does not bode well.

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  Under a month and in love - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Michael - October 12 - 10:13 am

  After owning (and loving) my Acura RSX Type S for almost 7 years I sold it and bought the 5-door WRX Premium. This car is almost perfect in my book. Its all there, utility, comfort, features, power, solid build with sex appeal. Any criticisms I have are minor at best. Its a thrill to drive. I highly recommend this car if youre even considering it. Nothing else out there equals it in its class. Pictures dont do it justice. Its a must see and must drive. And if you have the cash spring for the STI version. Thats even faster and more aggressive looking.

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  only problems - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By scooby2 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I had only problems with this car, they had to change the clutch, the alarm, twice the windows due to scratch, the rail of the moon roof, paint can scratch very easely, metal parts are bad quality and so on. The car was apparently not checked at the manufacturing plant exit. I have now the engine that misfires, a strange paper burnt odor that the dealer cannot fixed. Very poor customer service and inefficient dealer. I would not recommand the car to anyone. Too much body roll when driving hard and the clutch is a nightmare when cold and when driving fast.

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  Great Wagon! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By jsrwcase - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had this wagon for over a year with no issues, other then thin metal and easily scatched paint. The 2.5L engine is great in the city and is very smooth on the highway. Not as fast as a WRX, but for the $ I would say you cannot find a better deal!

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  2002 S+ Auto - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Nova Tony - October 12 - 10:00 am

  After two years/20K miles of driving this car, I can say its been the best value car Ive owned -- 100% reliable, very comfortable and reassuring to drive in all types of weather and any road conditions. Hairpin curves on mountain roads to interstates, the car is quick and responsive under all conditions (including the record snow in February). Were buying a 2003 to replace our other car. I test drove the 2004 Turbo, but Ive found that the normally aspirated engine gives pleanty of power for mountain and highway passing, and for me the additional turbo power is not worth the extra complexity and premium in gas consumption.

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  My GSPs transport vehicle - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Anthony J Ross - October 11 - 5:04 am

  I owned a 2015 Infiniti Q70S AWD. Over time I didnt really like the AWD system. I traded for a 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6r Touring model. Its been a revelation, nicely built, quality Interior materials, continuous AWD. Gets along briskly when required, good roadholding, well modulated braking. The latest electronic safety systems are quite simply great. Its like driving with an alert Nanny ☺ Im delighted with my new Subbie, sorta looking forward to working with Winter. Should of bought a Subbie years ago. I will keep my Subbie for years.

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  JUST PLAIN FUN! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By RANMAN - October 10 - 3:26 pm

  Just traded in my Mustang GT to get my new STi. Spent the better part of the last 4 years scrounging around to get parts that would speed up the Stang. Such a relief to buy a car with everything you need straight out the dealership. Made with quality parts that are made to last. Unlike the Mustang which consists of parts that are made to replace. Must admit, my STi was modified, but I had visited other STis before I found the one I purchased and was impressed with them all. Could not drive to 7-11 without being "tested" by a Honda tuner in the Stang. SERIOUSLY. Interesting, that imports now drive by me in the STi without even revving their engines. THATS what I call RESPECT!

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  17 Legacy Drives great, terrible interior tech - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Martin - October 10 - 3:19 am

  Overall I like how the car drives but Im disappointed in the technology. I got the base model legacy, it has no Nav, no sat radio, the seat needs to be adjusted manually, only the driver window is auto up/down, and the climate control is a joke. Its a knob to turn on the heat or AC. It will not display an interior temp or allow you to set one. Just heat on or off. The USB port is in a terrible location, up under the radio and the door to this compartment wont close right if a phone cable gets in the way... which it always will. The phone button will allow you to make calls but wont let you hear a ring... so the person just starts talking from silence. Interior cloth seats are also terrible as this should be some sort of polyester or something that might prevent staining. Subaru Starlink is a complete joke and is a useless app/phone integration. I thought Ford MyTouch was bad.... Overall the 2014 Ford Fusion had much better tech but drove like a boat. In fact my 2002 Infiniti G20 at least had interior climate control.

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  The Best - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Karl - October 9 - 8:46 pm

  I waited to post a review of this car until we had time to really evaluate it. After 9 mos. & nearly 11K miles we are very satisfied. The interior is the best, period. Its design looks better than any luxury sedan on the market. Handling is very good but you give up a soft ride for it. We average about 30 mpg at 80 mph and 23 around town. Still feels solid and has been totally trouble free. We drove Audi A4, BMW 3, Jag X, Volvo S40 & S60. Simply this car felt better and looked better too. If you want an awd car that is reliable, economical, and near luxury, this is the one. Leather is nice, stereo is okay but wish it had steering mounted controls (fixed in 2009). Highly recommend.