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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  Excellent 99 Forester Keeps on Humming - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By TNC2005 - July 26 - 9:23 pm

  Bought this car as a family car when moving up north to snow country between the Catskills and Adirondacks. Has always performed to expectations. With the right tires -- the original Yoko Geolanders, or the replacement Goodyear Triple Treads -- it grips exceptionally well, handles nimbly, accelerates smoothly and rapidly. My mechanics say its got the bones to reach over 300,000 miles. So far, w/ 119K miles, its on the 4th set of tires and its only needed regularly scheduled maintenance. Still looks and drives like a new car. Unless some dealer comes out with a similar SUV wagon that gets >33 MPG, this car will be maintained and driven as long as possible -- hopefully 14 more years.

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  LOOOOOOOOOOVE this car! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By shaina0707 - July 24 - 5:55 am

  Ive only had my Crosstrek about 3 weeks now and Ive put about 700 miles on it. I drive a mix of city and highway and have been averaging 28.8-29.1. My mom bought one a month before me and she drives only city in a busy shopping area, so she is not the most fuel-efficient driver (quick starts/stops). I absolutely LOVE this car - it handles so well, feels so secure and solid on the road, very comfortable, has all the conveniences I need (heated seats, rearview camera, HD radio, etc), and on top of that both my mom and I get compliments (esp the wheels) wherever we go! I love driving this car and am excited for the AWD in winter - this drives much better than my RAV4, glad I switched to Sub!

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  Looks cool and drives great! - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Chad f - July 24 - 3:36 am

  Leased the car three weeks ago, I commute 40 miles a day for work. The car looks really cool I get alot of looks. The inside is nice and roomy and the car play is nice. The only thing I wish it had was more horsepower, this is the only thing I dont like. Engine feels weak and struggles to accelerate, but for the price point I guess I cant complain. Overall great car!

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  Review from Desert Environment - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By iouae - July 24 - 3:29 am

  bought my 2.5 B sport in 2009, now it has 120K miles on it, still feels as good as new. Super reliable, and as good as it runs in snow, so it does in the desert. Corners like a dream and the power is okay. depreciation is way lower than you would expect in this harsh environment in UAE. MPG is not that great, but who cares since Gas here is so cheap. The only cons here are the cheap sound system they send to this region, and the air noise insulation is poor, this gets annoying since most of the time we travel on highways in Dubai!

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  My Review - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By omar777 - July 23 - 8:10 pm

  Overall a good car. Bought it used and so far have not had any major problems with it. Parts and labor are a little expensive. Not too much visibility from the drivers seat when backing up. Seats not very comfortable.

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  2.5 GT Ltd Wagon 5M - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Mountain Man - July 19 - 3:16 am

  This car is a real sleeper--its stylish yet conservative looks dont reveal the sporting performance unleashed behind the wheel. As a wagon, its incredibly utilitarian and practical, tons of fun, very comfortable and a great value compared to other AWD wagons priced similarly and higher. Subaru finally has a car which can compete on many levels with the more upscale entry-luxury and luxury models. No, this isnt a luxury car, but the appointments, comfort, performance, style and price make a compelling package. Costs much less than the smaller, heavier, slower but more luxurious Audi A4 Avant 2.0T. Gives the Volvo V50 T5 AWD a run for the money. 2005 VW Passat 4Motion cant compete.

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  Basic and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Joseph Goralik - July 18 - 10:40 am

  Always wanted to own one but there are hardly any used ones available in So. California. So went out and bought a brand new one. Although basic model, driving in the past 2 years was a pleasant experience. I like the easy self-maintenance, such as oil and filter (cabin and air) changes. Interior is simple and durable. Driving position is very good and handling is fine. Body integrity could be better - a rattle developed in the rear/left without being able to localize the source. The extras that do not come with the car are easily available from Subaru dealers and fairly simply to install. Quality and workmanship is excellent.

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  This is a great small family vehicle - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Joesubaru - July 17 - 1:13 am

  We love this car. This is our 4th Subaru and the biggest they make; we have the WRX and the Baja, and this make a great safe and fun car.

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  The RS 2.5 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dane0101 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the RS earlier this year and i have never been more impressed with a car which is an underdog to its cousins. the engine provides good torque and is quick off the line aswell with the AWD.

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  The Beast!!!!!!! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By GUN-IT - July 16 - 4:46 am

  What a phenomenal car. It handles like a Porsche and accelerates like one too. Its reliable and you can have four people in it as well. Good size trunk. Fun factor in this car is an absolute 10!!!!!