Subaru Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.40/5 Average
7,752 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 5821 through 5830 of 7,752.00
  • Very nice car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    We wanted an AWD commute car, and are very pleased with the Legacy 2.5i Limited. Excellent gas mileage, 31-33 on 2 recent trips. Very sharp handling with upgraded Continental tires. Quite comfortable with leather seats and very good sound system. Excellent passenger room.

  • 2003 Subaru 2.5X auto - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    My lease was up on my 01 Honda CRV EX auto. The Subaru has much more power, better transmission, tons of standard features, drives like a sports car, does not lean much in curves compared to the CRV, great grip, great steering feel, brake pedal soft but stops well, well made, easy maintenance with directions in manual. About 2 miles per gallon better fuel mileage than CRV. Has more room than older Forrester I had looked at a few years ago. I like it much better and was same price I paid for my old CRV when new.

  • Perfect complete package? - 2008 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I was looking for a reliable, economical, fun daily driver - a combination surprisingly hard to find. Enter the Impreza: AWD, fun, safe, good looking, good mpg, sporty, practical, good standard equipment. Was ready to buy the 2.5i after the test drive, but told dealer I needed to give the WRX a chance at least. 15 minutes behind the wheel and I was sold. WRX = 2.5i + fun (read: fast!), great standard equipment, decent mpgs. Add the Premium Package for a list of great amenities that cant be beat for the money.

  • 2006 Impreza - 2006 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    This is a hot little car. The get up and go is fabulous. The ride is smooth and easy. The controls are very ergonomically situated.

  • Yep! - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    So far, so good. Car feels solid, ride is smooth and quiet. Fast? nope, but not underpowered as some will say, and hey, its a wagon after all. The car will get you there quick enough. Instrument panel and dash are clean and efficient without being overly spartan. Significantly more leg room than the 00 OB I traded in (yes, loyal). HK sound system probably wont impress die-hard audiophiles, but Stevie Ray Vaughan sounds perfectly crisp to me! Summertime now, but I expect the AWD to treat me the same way it did in my 00 when the snow flies and that is the real reason why I buy these cars in the first place. Good car, go ahead.

  • Love my Legacy! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    We have the 2007 Legacy with SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive), which gives the engine 3 modes: Intelligent (great for around town and best fuel economy) Sport, standard mode, and Sport Sharp, which gives it better performance for sport driving. This car handles great, fun to drive, looks awesome, and came with XM installed. You get so much for your money with this car. We are very happy with it.

  • Great driving car & great MPG with AWD - 2012 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I have not had the car for too long, but so far I am really pleased with it. I enjoy the ride, I like how the CVT feels, it is very comfortable for me (I am 6 4"), and so far I am getting great mileage (averaging between 36 & 39 for mostly 40-55mph driving with light traffic and stops). I cant explain the poor mileage some report, unless it has to do with city driving and driving style. I purchased mine after getting to know two others purchased by fiends last winter, and they both report mid-30s or better for MPG. I gave it a five for reliability, but it is obviously too soon to know that. Hopeful!

  • Love hate relationship - 2009 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    I traded in my Charger Srt 8 for a more secure driving experience in the Pacific Northwest. I only have two grievances with my car, lack of lighting in the trunk area makes it impossible to see whats in there at night. The stereo is a piece of junk and I have the premium edition with navigation. My Android phone has better navigation and music options. Shame they didnt add bluetooth as well. My dash rattles over tiny bumps, started at 9k miles. I know dealer will fix it but it just shows they use flimsy materials here and there for sure and it shows.

  • My First New Import - 2005 Subaru Impreza
    By -

    At this point I couldnt be happier with this little wagon. We also own a 05 Pontiac Vibe which weve owned for about a year so its neat to be able to compare the two. The Impreza excels over the Vibe in handling and performance but lacks in interior features and room. Both are winners in my book.

  • 2015 Legacy - First time Subaru Owner - 2015 Subaru Legacy
    By -

    Extreme Disappointment and regret buying a Subaru. Atrocious Quality. 1. Burning smell from engine & snow water entering engine bay – Discovered snow/water entering engine bay/compartment while driving in snow. Serious safety risk to electrical components. Contacted Subaru of America no response yet. Filed NHTSA complaint. 2. Water leak in foot well of cabin. 3. Awful wind noise driving above 40mph. Defective moldings replaced on all doors by dealer per TSB. 4. Moonroof - above 60 mph moonroof whistles loud. Dealer adjusted. 5. Defect driver lumbar; dealer inspected and determined faulty parts from factory - on order.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area