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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  Happy :) - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By wmartini - May 11 - 5:11 pm

  This car rides well and is very comfortable for everyone in my family to drive- from 60 230 to 56 120. I really like the Engine/Trans. combination and the mileage for a full size AWD car is amazing. The 6 cylinder has more boogie but doesnt get the CVT trans. so the MPG is not as good and of course its more money up front. If you dont care much about mileage and have the coin go with the 6- its trans. is silky smooth and the extra power is sweet. That being said, the 4cyl and CVT is loosening up and car is getting much faster. I dont mind sacrificing speed for mileage at $3.10 plus a gallon!

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  Still a great little car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By rickshift - May 11 - 3:50 pm

  I have driven my Forester 6500 miles, so it is broken in by now. The gas mileage for an all wheel drive was good from the beginning but now as the weather is warming, I got just under 29 MPG on mixed commuter driving, I have yet to do an all highway drive. I drive into Boston to work, mostly on state route type roads, but I work nights so the traffic is mostly going the other way, at least in the morning. I love this car. Good road visibility, nice sterio system, love the handling, smooth ride eats up the bumps, heated front seats are very comfortable, smoothest shifting manual transmission Ive ever driven.I was a little iffy about committing to always having to shift but now have no regret

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  The car of my dreams - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Hiker Girl - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one incredible car/suv/staion wagon. Whatever you want, it is. It very luxurious, stylish, and fun to drive. Dependability and reliability are key, and this car has it all. Im surprised everyone doesnt have this vehicle.

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  Excellent buy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By mindflayer - May 11 - 8:56 am

  Compared this to the Infiniti G35, Infiniti FX35/45, Volvo S40/60, and so on, and I found this "non-badge" car to be superior. I have a bad back, so comfort was critical, and the car delivered that and performance.

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  Almost the perfect sedan - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Rick - May 11 - 6:48 am

  If you are shopping for a classy, updated, contemporary sedan, look at the 2018 Subaru Legacy limited. I’m coming from a 2015 Legacy which I liked very much. This 2018 Legacy has a much tighter suspension and quicker handling. It has good acceleration quite acceptable for everyday routine driving. I was also impressed that road highway noise has been reduced over my 2015 Legacy. However, I am really disappointed with the seat comfort. The seats are extremely hard so be prepared for back and leg pain on long trips. I did not pick this up on the test drive unfortunately. It was discovered on my first hour long trip. About 30 minutes into the trip, my butt went numb all the way down through my right foot. The leather looks very nice, but buyer beware of the hard seats.

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  04 falling apart - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By jimflys - May 11 - 12:16 am

  Ive had nothing but trouble with my 04 Outback once it hit 50,000 miles. I will never buy one again and Ive owned two others.

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  Best Subaru Yet - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Westrout - May 10 - 1:20 pm

  Bought this car in Sept, fully loaded, every option available. Excellent car, rides great, handles great, abundant power, great interior, intuitive, materials are high quality. Great light up dash, turbo provides plenty of power on hills and mountains. AWD is the best in the world, total confidence. This is my third Subaru, and the is by far the best they have ever built. BMW & Audi should pay attention as these cars are world class, and provide unbelievable value, utility and fun to drive factor for a reasonable price.

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  16 months 42,000 mile ya I drive a lot - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By worldbfree - May 9 - 5:51 pm

  Originally fog light out and intermittent cruise. I could take the key out and the car would roll away, gas gauge range not accurate I have run out twice range said 70 miles no low fuel light. Okay so they got the kinks out and I like it. I have a 2012 forester premium and a 2014 premium. I like the gas mileage and find it plenty comfy plenty of pep. I commute over 100 miles a day round trip. I was very disappointed with a lowball $19,200 trade offer when I was having problems with it paid like $26 to $27 I forget a few nice options

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  Not so sexy, but.... - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Welldav - May 9 - 12:36 pm

  Ok, the car isnt the greatest car in the world. But it is very practical, reliable and just a plain workhorse. It hauls my family around, my toys and junk we buy. Its short so my wife and folks can get in and out without assistance (they are disabled). When I bought it my wife hated it and laughed at me for wanting a wagon, now she took it away from me, so I am stuck with the sedan.

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  Won Me Over a Passat - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Adam - May 9 - 2:16 am

  I few months back, I traded in my 2002 GMC Envoy with 140,000 Miles for a 2008 Legacy with 16,500 Miles. I was originally going to purchase a Passat, but I wanted something that was more youthful. Overall, I do not regret my purchase at all in any way. It may be a little slow off the line, but it can haul. I do long highway stretches, and average around 80mph, but still get 25 mpg.