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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  Amazing value, amazing car! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By fawiek - January 23 - 11:10 am

  My first Subaru and what a car it is! This cars performance is exceptional. I find myself taking corners at above average speeds, just because I can. :) The AWD system speaks for itself. Its a must have as I face Canadian winters ahead of me. I love the styling of the car, which is emphasized with the optional spoiler. The acceleration with the 2.5i (non turbo) is fair. It would not kick back your head like the WRX but at the same time your insurance bill wouldnt be off the chains either. Overall, its the best car Ive ever owned and I will continue to buy Subarus as long as those fine folks continue to make them.

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  Best alternative to SUV - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By spokanewa - January 23 - 10:20 am

  I love this car already; for one it can go up my 20% grade driveway, something my sebring convertible could not (when covered with snow). I dont like trucks/big suvss and other ugly gas guzzlers, but wanted the big cargo. I dont think there are many cars with such a good gas mileage yet are as versatile. Storage is huge and roof cargo is easy to use (i.e. no need for a ladder to reach it). I dont find the car performance so bad; its not nearly as smooth as the v6 i had on the Sebring, but its more linear, power is the same at any RPM, whereas some V6 i tried like the Mazda 6 wagon only had punch at high RPM. Definitely more fun to drive that similar price small suv like RAV4 or CR-V.

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  Love My Subaru - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jlewis51 - January 22 - 10:33 pm

  Needed a new vehicle and read tons of reviews as well as drove a lot of crossover type SUVs. We were impressed with the Subarus safety ratings and consumer reviews so we bought this 2013 Outback. We love it! Gas mileage is awesome. 34.2 on highway so far and around 24 in city and its not broke in as yet. Only downsides: the beige cloth seats get dirty easily so get seat covers ASAP; air conditioning is a bit hard to regulate. Its roomy and comfy inside. I have a horrid back and find that Im not getting as stiff and achy after riding in this for long periods of time. Were very impressed with Subaru! Owned a Honda Accord before.

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  4th time around - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By UrABus - January 22 - 7:23 pm

  This is my 4th Subaru, my 1st was a GL- 10 loaded 5 speed w/4wh pneumatic air lift shocks 22 mpg. I bought one for each of my kids for safety and dependability, and wanted this vehicle since the BRAT hit the street. Im glad I waited, this is better. 22 mpg. 6 mile commute. 98,000 miles runs like a top. My GL-10 could air lift 3 inches for more ground clearance. A great feature for this one. Air noise, yep, its a truck not a limo. Shift slock between 15 and 20, yep, but it makes up it own mind. AWD yep, but Im not so sure about reverse. Maybe that why it has the hooks on the back. Michigan snow,no problem. Gawkers, yep,its a guy thing. Not a babe magnet. I would buy another one in a minute.

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  The car I really wanted to love - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By crr40 - January 22 - 4:24 am

  I decided on a Subaru Forester after extensive research, and bought a 2009 model new. It had flaws in the beginning- the ipod adapter didnt work well; the stereo in general was not very impressive, the drivers seat was uncomfortable, the mpg was consistently on the low end - but I didnt regret my purchase until the big problems started at just 29K miles, within weeks of the bumper to bumper warranty expiring. Between 29K and 38K miles the car has had the engine coil replaced, the brakes replaced and now the transmission. Its not my driving, either - my last car went 9 years and 80K miles without a single repair and Ive never spent this much in repairs on any car in 20+ years.

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  Legacy at Head of Class - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By SaintsFan - January 21 - 8:10 pm

  I wanted a mid-size sports sedan, and Legacy really stands out. Nothing under $21 K compared to it. I think engineering, not marketing is behind the Legacy. The 2.5 boxer engine runs smooth and provides plenty of power. AWD adds a whole lot to road performance (although it lowers fuel economy a bit). Interior is first class; no cheap material or gimmicks. Same outside; nice clean styling. Subaru says 95% of all its cars sold in the last ten years are still on the road. I tend to keep cars, so Im guessing mine will be, too, and still look good.

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  Stay with Toyota - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Andrew - January 20 - 11:33 am

  I bought this 3 months ago and there has been nothing but problems. It was checked out before I bought it with 82000 miles, and everything was good. But it has been in the shop 5 times now since Ive owned it. Im going to sell it as fast as possible and buy another Toyota Tacoma.. Im never buying subaru again...

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  Yes, only 2 weeks old - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Neil - January 18 - 3:17 pm

  So I cant comment on the maintenance cost, other than the first two years being free. Nor on the resale value, which I hear is excellent, though I cant possibly know about that. I did not get the navigation, but with Apple Car Play, it comes with my iPhone which shows on the radio screen. I opted for the Premium because I prefer cloth seats. The Sunshine Orange with black cloth seats and orange stitching is gorgeous. The car handles like a dream, it feels like I am driving a sports car, or a race car even. It totally hugs the road, especially going around tight turns like freeway onramps here in southern California. The Crosstrek also has plenty of pep, so I dont know where Edmunds review is coming from. I have no problem getting on the freeways or toll roads. It definitely is not 10 seconds, or even close to that, for 0 to 60. And passing is not a problem. It easily handle 80 mph on the toll roads, including going up some steep hills. A friend rode in the back seat today and commented that the rear seat beat the rear seats in my 2011 RAV4 by a mile for comfort. I definitely see a long time love affair with this car coming up.

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  Comfortable, Economical and Reliable - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Dan - January 17 - 8:23 pm

  This is my third Subaru Legacy Wagon. I opted for all the features except the turbo and couldnt be happier with my choice. 87 Octane gas yielded 30mpg hwy over 380 miles on my last road trip. Acceleration is more than adequate and the manual shift feature allows for passing when needed. The seats provide a comfortable driving position for extended periods. The cabin is spacious -- made more so by light from the giant sunroof -- and also very quiet at highway speeds. the steering is well weighted -- the car feels nimble and lighter than it is. Overall this car provides comfortable and economical transportation with a host of features and quality thats unmatched for the money.

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  Was Not Looking For an SUV - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Gary 1009 - January 17 - 4:16 pm

  For the last couple of years we had been looking at sedans. We even rented an altima for a trip to Florida. We then changed our minds. Reading reviews, listening to current owners (two in the family) started us looking at the Nissan rogue and the Subaru Forester. We gave up the nice soft and quiet ride of our Camry, for the safety and all wheel drive. We love the leather heated seats, however, the controls are located in an awkward spot on the console, under my elbow. We wish the hatchback had a "pop open" feature on the remote. Little too much road noise and the gas mileage could be a little better with the 4 cyl. Other than that, we love the car.