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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  Why did it take Subaru so long? - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By cptplt - August 6 - 6:40 am

  Surprisingly smooth and road holding tenacious in wet. If you need lots of room for a 5 seater but occasionally need 7 seats, this beats any minivan I have had before. Pickup more than adequate. Best build quality of any Subaru I have had and this is the 5th.

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  Recovering Honda Addict - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Elizabeth Lawson - August 6 - 5:33 am

  I used to love my Honda Accord which I bought new 15 years and had 222k almost trouble free miles- I swore Id be a Honda driver for life since mine was so reliable! Lately it was just starting to show its age-just little things but they were starting to add up. Im looking forward to retiring in a while and wanted a car that could handle the snow where I plan to retire. I knew several owners that swore by their Subaru but Id read some reviews that made me question whether I would like the CVT transmission. Im glad I did the test drive with the salesman because it was different- it revved very high trying to go up a hill but the salesman reassured me just keep accelerating and let it adjust. The car is breaking in nicely now and I find I typically have plenty of power whenever I ask for it but Im still a bit cautious if I need to change lanes on a hill and pass a car if I need instant acceleration. I tried out a freeway onramp that was on a hill and I easily exceeded the speed limit by the time Id entered the freeway. The salesman had me do a sharp U turn on a deserted street-Wow- its handling was impressive! By the time I got the car home I realized that Id already become a Subaru fan! I only have 200 miles on it so I cant really rate its Repair/Maintenance costs since nothing has been done to it yet so that part of the review is misleading. Just a bit noisier in the cabin than Id like but all in all Ive become a huge fan of driving Subaru and cant wait to go exploring with it.

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  WOW! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By raybenz - August 4 - 5:03 am

  I love this car! This is my second subaru, first being a 95 legacy wagon. There is no comparison. See some whining about the headlights low beam... Put on your glasses or use your high beams to spot those deer... Sheesh! Those are high intensity beams folks... Highway Mileage has been higher than the 25 advertised (IF you use the cruise control!) Lots of pep and fine fit and finish. And the moonroof... Awesome! Having spent 24 hours in this car during evacuation for Hurricane Ivan, while no Large SUV, this care was comfortable and maneuverable in tight traffic.

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  Very happy with the Forester! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By BD - August 3 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car used, when it was 18 months old. It has met or exceeded all of my expectations. Its fun to drive, comfortable on long trips, no problems at all. The driver controls are well laid out, the amenities are convenient, the engine power of my base model is more than adequate. The storage space is great! Its very fun to drive and makes me happy on a daily basis.

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  Nice Surprise - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Family Man - August 2 - 6:50 pm

  Anxiously waited 3mos for this car & have close to 1K mi; it was worth the wait. Live in the NE region w/snow & it feels like driving on rails. Traded in an Acura MDX & wanted another AWD vehicle. Convinced the wife to look at Subaru vs Volvo/Audi. Back seats are much roomier than either brands. Initially looked at CVT for the better gas mileage but got the 3.6 instead for the power; we need it since we live on a hill. Will pass this car onto my son wholl start driving in 2yrs & wanted a safe & reliable car. This is my 1st experience w/Subaru and had some reservations about their long term reliability but after learning their history & sitting behind the wheel you feel very safe.

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  Imprezive Impreza! - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By JPuraVida - August 2 - 6:18 am

  This is my second Subaru Impreza, but my first sedan. The 2017 Premium looks great. Nice lines, wheels and profile Inside, it feels like a Camry, or Accord...bigger than you would think. Controls are basic, intuitive, and easy to use. CVT acceleration is smooth and comes without buzz, which is a good thing! For 2017, Subaru has hushed the cabin and road noise. Their new platform gives this Impreza a sportier feel and very attentive steering. The heated seats and moonroof add to the upscale feeling. Braking is good, not great, which is usually the case in this class. AWD is awesome and worth paying extra for vs. a Sentra, Corolla, or others. Overall, this is another winner for Subaru!

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  Great performance value - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By zeus - July 30 - 7:15 am

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  Outstanding Subaru for 2014!! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By jaacolumbusnc - July 29 - 10:48 pm

  On 1 November 2013, I purchased the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited. I traded in a 2014 Honda Accord EXL. The purchase was made at Vic Bailey Imports, Spartanburg, SC. The trade was made in order to move to a vehicle with the CVT transmission, to acquire a more comfortable ride and get a higher passenger seat for my wife, better gas mileage and standard all wheel drive. The Forester provides all these attributes. I added the following options: auto dim mirror compass, body side molding, rear bumper cover and splash guards. It is the perfect vehicle for us and as it turns out, it is the Motor Trend 2014 SUV of the Year. Subaru got it right!

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  I love my Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By mcharmon - July 29 - 1:43 pm

  I love my Baja. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off, but from what I hear, that will never happen. My Baja gets good gas mileage, its sharp looking and its really fun to drive. Mine is a 5-speed manual, and it will really get up and go. In the mountains, I lock in the cruise at the speed limit and pass everybody else on the road because they cant make it up the mountain, and I go right up as if it were level ground. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Happy Buyer - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By axyooj - July 29 - 1:20 am

  The car can be a comfortable cruiser in I-drive mode or a powerful, sports sedan in Sport Sharp mode. There is a perfect setting for your driving mood or road condition. The GT Ltd. version is sporty and responsive; plenty of power is just one downshift away and pressing the accelerator. The turbo whirls into action and with the standard AWD gripping the road--wet or dry--the vehicle simply flies. Winter is now here and I have no reservations driving my kids around in any weather condition. Research your options, test drive the competition and then the Legacy GT Ltd. and the car youll drive home is the Subaru.