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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  Good Value Overall - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Speedwagon - June 27 - 1:26 am

  This is the first Subaru Ive owned and it compares favorably to the RAV4 and the CR-V. Its a tremendous value for the money. However, the interior lacks the refinement of European counterparts - both in terms of materials and ergonomics. Road noise and wind noise are excessive. Although the engine has nice low-end torque, it has inadequate passing power on the highway.

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  Slightly quirky, but a blast to drive - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian - June 26 - 11:30 pm

  I have had no problems with this car at all. The clutch can be a little quirky, especially when its cold. Once you get the hang of it its alright. Frameless side windows rattle when you close the door with them partway down. Its stubborn sometimes about going into first gear. Although it understeers a bit, once you figure out how the car likes to be driven, it is very rewarding. I get compliments on the look of the car. Build quality is very good (no annoying squeaks or rattles). I love the sounds the engine makes. The engine loves to be driven hard, but is quite tractable in town. Fun to drive no matter the weather (AWD advantage). My next car will be a Subaru.

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  handling - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By tonysboy2 - June 25 - 3:39 am

  I have to agree that I am one of those who have driven subaru for 15 years and am disapointed in my 40,000 dollar purchase. It wiggles all over the place and does not stay on track. 6,000 miles and had my second alignment? wonder why?

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By charlie123 - June 24 - 3:06 pm

  This is our 6th Subaru and the best so far. Acceleration isnt breath taking, but adequate, especially considering that I get 31+ for most of my driving which is 10% city and 90% mountain hwy. Good room, comfortable interior and pretty quiet/smooth ride. Lots of goodies for the money, with almost every power "option" is standard. All wheel drive is great especially for winter driving. I dont have to be concerned about being able to get home. We paid less than $18,000, which is a great buy! Very nimble handling on the "twisties", really a fun car to drive!

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  Perfect Winter car - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Dustinson - June 23 - 6:53 pm

  I bought a high powered rear-wheel drive car and needed something for winter. I hated the look of this car, but am glad I bought it. I drive through snow half way up the door panels with ease. I cant imagine going back to just a front-wheel drive car for winter.

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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By NMN - June 18 - 9:36 am

  The only car I have ever purchased, including 3 Hondas, where everything was perfect straight from the factory. Car is tight as a drum. It proves an American factory can produce a great vehicle. It also proves that Japanese engineering is superior to ours. Could use a bit more low end grunt, but has real speed over 60. Getting 22 to 26 MPG. Friends with Subarus say they really loosen up and improve power and MPG after 5K miles. All-wheel-drive works like a charm. Brakes/handling are average. Power steering is a bit too light. The car moves around in a strong wind on the highway. Ergonomics and small switch design/placement need improvement. Quiet as a Lexus. Great overall package.

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  Saved my life - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By blondbubbles - June 17 - 7:42 pm

  I loved this car.I recently was hit by a truck going 50 pretty much head on.I was going 10 mph, I would have to recommend this car to anyone who is buying their first car.With my new car now totaled, my passanger as well as myself pretty much walked away with minor brusies.The safety in this car blew me away.I now will never drive a different car.The power that it had was enough to get around and still have some speed to it.Although the gas mileage was a little lower than i would have liked, it handled great in the snow.If only i could upload the pictures, you would have thought someone died in the accident.

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  Adequate - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By trizz - June 13 - 6:53 am

  Overall, I am happy with the car. Pros: Its a good reliable safe car, has enough space in the back for anything I need to haul around, its a blast to drive, AWD is great for New England, the build quality and reliability are good. I gave reliability a tentative 8, that may wind up a 10 but I wont know for some years. Cons: The seats are a bit awkward, its smaller inside than my last car, no sunroof, gear ratios are a little low for my taste.

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  Sturdy Build and a Fun to drive - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Scubado - June 11 - 8:36 pm

  No issues whatsoever since purchase. Ride or Slide this car and it is always ready for more.The AWD does it job and it is especially evident after driving other FWD cars in its class. The real kick comes beyond 3500 rpm when the boxer starts to scream. The mechanical build more than makes up for the bare minimum interior. Getting an avg 22-24mpg 50%city 50% hwy.

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  update on oxygen sensor problem - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By anxious - June 7 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle in August 2004 and initially wrote in to Edmunds about an oxygen sensor light that went off immediately after I drove the car off the lot. Following the dealerships replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor (now 7 months ago) I have not had any problems with the car and I continue to enjoy driving it.