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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  First impressions of a Legacy 3.6 R - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Subie Convert - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a Lexus IS300, I had high expectations looking for a car that was more practical but still fun to drive. My IS300 was not good in ice and snow, and one of my kids is now over six feet tall so I needed something better in foul weather with more interior space. I did a lot of research and found the 2011 Legacy 3.6R Limited. So far Im very impressed. Its a lot of car for the money yet Im not missing any features from my Lexus. It strikes a great balance between performance and comfort. Its a sleeper - innocuous with a bit of a kick. Good acceleration thanks to AWD and 3.6- liter torque. For a bigger car, it handles well around corners. Solid design - nothing seems flimsy on it.

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  Disappointed with CrossTrek - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By flyguy12 - July 28 - 8:37 am

  I have owned Subarus since the early 1980s. My basis for choosing a 2013 CrossTrek was its size, my previous history, and the better gas mileage. Initially I was very pleased after coming from a 2005 Legacy. However, at 7500 miles I noticed that I was 1.5 quarts low on oil. I was told that this is normal and I would have to "top off" the oil between changes. I also have been quoted $75.00 for 7,500 mile oil changes from 2 different dealers. I am very disappointed with Subaru. I will not change my oil through the dealer, and I would not recommend this model due to what may be excessive service costs.

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  Fun and function in one! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bob Kelly - July 28 - 1:26 am

  The XTs performance is exceptional, not only the engine response, but the overall handling also. It replaced a M-B E-Class and had big shoes to fill. It hasnt disappointed. Hauling capacity is adequate and it is usually our car-of-choice. No problems in over 15,000 miles.

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  Good Cruiser - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By New Subie - July 25 - 11:50 pm

  Only have 500 miles so far, but its been all good. Mixed city/highway on first tank yielded over 25 mpg, and on a 90 mile highway trip today, I got 33 mpg!! Plenty of power, great ride, and the new exterior design of the 08 is sharp.

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  Cant wait to trade this in... - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Kris - July 25 - 11:06 am

  This is the most uncomfortable car Ive ever driven. Im 63" and the driving position makes me put one knee on the door on the other on the center console by the radio. If I ever hit anything my legs are broken, period. There are no words in the engine compartment only VERY obtuse pictograms. The car has never broken down but constantly has something broken. The clock randomly died. The rear wheel bearings have needed replacement twice. I snapped a piece of the braking system in half going over railroad tracks at 5mph. Horrible oil leak, killed oil pump, needed to remove water pump to get to oil pump, etc. Boxer engine runs like a champ, everything attached to it, not so much.

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  Review Subie - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - July 25 - 10:12 am

  I have only had the car got three weeks but am very happy with the car so far. This may be more valid if I had 60 Thousand miles on the car.

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  Bat outta hell..... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By the flea - July 24 - 7:33 am

  This car is borderline over-the- top...the turbo kicks in at about 2600 rpm and you need to get off it or else youre looking at some serious legal issues....nice ride, quiet, little road noise....exponential improvement over my 2000 2.5i limited....$8k cheaper than a Volvo XC70, much better buy....they oughta put a turbo in the 6 cyl, but it may not be street legal (think the boxers definately benefit from the turbo)...

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  Best Sport Utility Ever! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Christina - July 24 - 7:26 am

  I researched for about a year before I made my purchase. I am now and always will be a Subaru owner. I try and sell people I know and dont know on these cars. Ive never had any major problems. This car has the best fuel economy, its comfy, its luxurious. I drove it in Washington in the snow every winter without getting stuck once ... Im a snowboarder! Now Im in Atlanta and it drives so wonderfully in the pouring rain. I feel very confident that my car and I will make it through just about anything.

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  2008 Subaru 2.5i - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By skiboardebum420 - July 24 - 6:30 am

  375 miles, and so far, the car has been great! I commute over a 9,500 ft twisty mountain pass every day, this car handles the road great and even without the turbo has plenty of power. I, a die hard manual trans fan, purchased the automatic, VERY happy with the tiptronic auto-stick. First tank of gas averaged 25.7 mpg. Looking to be much better for second tank. Cant wait for the snow to fly so I can test the AWD system :)

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  best overlooked car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By James D. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I never had a warranty or reliability problem with this car. One recall for oxygen sensor. Probably one one of the most ovelooked carsin the world.