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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  very pleased - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By kc66 - June 29 - 7:07 am

  bought this car over 2 years ago with 120,000 miles on it and already put over 70,000 miles in that time. Have had to replace both front cv axles and tie rods, and 1 bearing. So far Ive been able to do all the work myself so in material I have only put $250.00 in it. Its been a very hard working car. The AWD is amazing and the flat 4 is very peppy. I get 25 to 29 mpg and I have driven it from northern virginia to southern florida and back with not 1 problem. I hope the car runs another 100,000 and I would buy another.

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  Love the acceleration! - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Karen Derouen - June 28 - 9:07 pm

  Overall, this car is fantastic! The air conditioner cools the entire car quickly, and thats extremely important in Austin where its hot and humid. The only recommendation I would have is to upgrade the audio package because the standard one in the Premium model is a bit slow. I have a hard time remembering how to change the sound so that most of it goes to the rear speakers and to adjust the bass and treble. Other than that, I wouldnt change anything. This is my third Subaru. The first was a 1976, and the next was a 1984. Im glad I made the switch back to Subaru. Our sales rep at Austin Subaru was excellent to work with.

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  Second Subie - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Gryjmcgrath - June 28 - 3:50 pm

  I had a 2005 Forester and the head gasket blew last year at 167,000. Bought a cheap Jeep before X- mas and decided on another Forester this year. Rides like a go-cart and and gets great gas mileage. The awd is a necessity up North. The ability to press a button and lock em in is a great improvement. This rig is easy to park and will go most anywhere in any weather. Missed my old one...glad I got this one.

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  51,000 Miles and still smiling... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Subaru Drew - June 27 - 10:20 am

  My biggest complaint about my 2 and a half year old WRX is that the front windows squeak when powering the windows down. It is annoying, but in two and a half years and 51,000 miles, that is my biggest complaint. I guess you could say that this car rocks! When I test drove this car I was replacing a 95 BMW 530i. That was a great car and its tread was tough to fill, especially with a car at a fraction of the cost. My expectations were not all that high, but my brother-in-law had just bought an WRX and convinced me to try it. That was all it took. This ride has grin factor! It does lack some refinements found in other cars, but it makes up for it in the drivers seat. Try it, youll like it.

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  This car stinks - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By buyacamry - June 26 - 10:00 am

  When we brought the car we were initially happy. After about 5k miles we noticed a problem with surging. At 10K there was a recall on the parking rod. At 16K we had an accident as a result of the surging problem. Struck vehicles front and back. Complained but Subaru does not acknowledge the problem. NHTSA had similiar complaints. Now we dont want to drive the car because its not safe. I dont recommend this car and Subaru of America does not care about your problems.

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  Useless Sunroofs, Low Power - Good Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By TechMarcom - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Car rides well, but is certainly underpowered with a 4 cyl. engine, or way overpriced with a 6 cyl. We lease the 2001 Outback Ltd. with ato trans and 4 cyl engine. Dual sunroofs seemed like a fun idea, but in reality theyre useless. The one over the front seat is a "pop top" that barely opens, and the power sliding moonroof is over the back seat - useless to driver!

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  I love my Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Diane Garmo - June 26 - 6:56 am

  My Red Baja is the perfect vehicle for me. It has just enough cargo space as well as passenger seats. I am able to enjoy the best of car and truck features with the reliability of all wheel drive.

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  2010 driving Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ij39mf - June 25 - 2:26 pm

  I bought 2.5 outback. The car lost its charm. Its not fun to drive, it feels underpowered, hard to park, heating system still needs improvement. My Subaru used to be a poor mans BMW. Now its an old man wagon. Im not going to buy any more Outbacks.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Rob - June 25 - 9:43 am

  I recently purchased this car and have been very happy with it. The performance is excellent: the tight steering, acceleration, and the way the car sticks to the road. This is my third Subaru as I cant seem to part with the AWD. Definitely go with the premium package, its worth it and adds pizzazz to the car.

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  Forester rocks! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By oareagle - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2001 Forester new in April 2000 for my wife, and couldnt be more pleased. It handles great, even more so once we replaced the crappy Firestones with some Michelin X-ones, and it has more than enough power for conquering other vehicles on the road. Got a five- speed, and its a kick to leave a BMW or Miata at the light on a rainy day, when the all-wheel-drive virtually eliminates any spin. Its all-wheel-drive traction, all good. And its got a low center of gravity that allows you to whip it around curves with no worries.