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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  Super-Ru - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By rkmebane - July 4 - 12:06 am

  This is a great car. I got it for my wife for her birthday gift and she loves it. The build quality is great. A very underrated Accord alternative. The AWD was the #1 selling feature for me. So far no problems, well one...I havent been able to drive it because my wife wont let me.

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  Absolute best bang for your buck - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kevin Spacey - July 2 - 9:04 pm

  I have spent nearly 100 hours over the past several months reading/watching everything I can about midsize suvs and trucks. I test drove a number as well. I had shyed away from Subaru mostly because I was never a fan of their appearance which is why it took me so long to start researching them and eventually test driving. I was blown away at how much you get for the price. The quality is obvious the minute you see one in person and take it for a drive. The standard AWD is unbeatable. It feels heavy yet has this velvety smooth acceleration that makes you feel one with the pavement. The outward appearance is deceiving. It doesnt look huge but when you step inside its like an entirely different vehicle. Its extremely roomy inside and the oversized windows open it up even more. I test drove a RAV4 with comparable features and it felt like a large Corolla and was way pricier. If youre even thinking about a vehicle in this class you need to test drive the Forester. Itll sell itself.

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  Get The Turbo - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By mdjames - July 2 - 4:38 pm

  Just purchased the 2015 Forester XT Turbo. Great speed as this Forester likes to run! I bought the XT Touring loaded. Mfg. Sugg price was $36,640 and payed $33,000 with .9% financing with money down. Love the Forester! Very well built with the reliability its a real value, and sharp looking. The only complaints I have are the original tires (which I traded in for Michelin Premiers that were a bit wider which helped the steering response and improved the ride and noise level. The Forester has a stiffer ride so youll feel the road, but thats fine with me as I love everything else about the vehicle. Subaru really came through with this one. Its my 1st and I can see why they sell!!

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  Everything I was looking for and more! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Chris - July 1 - 8:53 pm

  2 1/2 weeks old, 650 miles, and loving every one of them. This is my second Subaru. I have a 2004 Legacy Limited Edition and I had to get another. I love my Impreza. Getting about 28 highway and about 24 city mpg. I could not ask for more. Super fun to drive. 170 hp and feels like more. To this day both of my Subarus handled and held the road like no other car I have ever driven! Cant wait for the first New Jersey snowstorm! Dark Grey Metallic paint is beautiful and everyone says so. Wish it had fog lights, they will be coming soon! Great car for a great value

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  Impressed - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By DaBoz - June 30 - 8:40 am

  Love this car! This is the finest AWD vehicle for the money you can purchase. While it does not have a lot of the bells and whistles of the higher priced competitors,check the price!.Honestly, I dont feel like I compromised anything in buying a less expensive car.The reality is that Subaru makes an awesome and reliable car with good performance and safety for a very reasonable price. This is my second Subaru and I will definitely buy another in the future. My wife drives a 2010 Acura TL and she always steals my keys. She likes the ride better and it gets awesome mileage with the CVT transmission, 27 MPG around town and 32 MPG on the highway. AWD at a reasonable price! Buy one!

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  Outback does everything - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Russ Lalicker - June 29 - 2:35 pm

  This vehicle rides smooth and solid. Plenty of space and places for my cups and phone.

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  One of Subarus Greatest Accomplishments - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By 2.5RS - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The Subaru Impreza RS is one of the most exciting vehicles on the road today. It tears into corners with dignity and grace. Then flys out of them like a Banshee. It has ample acceleration and destroys those kids with tricked out Honda with ease off the line. I give the Subaru Impreza RS a perfect 10.

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  It hauls! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By adamcera - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Still in the honeymoon stage. I am trying to learn a car w/ turbo. The lag in the low revs is unbearable at times. The understeer needs to be adjusted. Good build quality and sporty-feeling, but not as "nice" as the 03 Jetta we own. Great power, Great utility. It hauls! Love the smooth turbo.

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  2005 Legacy Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Badwater - June 27 - 6:20 pm

  First Subaru and boy I am impressed. In 1.5 years of ownership I have had zero problems. In combination driving average about 28 mpg. On a trip depending on how fast we drive we can get around 32 mpg. The car can be a little cramped on a log trip especially if you have more than one passenger. Rear seat room is tight. I am 6-1" and wish that there was a little more leg room for the driver. In summary, great car.

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  Love my grandma car! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By JP - June 26 - 12:49 pm

  I came to the Legacy in a very strange way. I had no interest in buying a middle of the road sedan. I was set on buying either a F-150 or 4-Runner (my previous vehicle). But I had been without a car for nearly 2 months and after looking at the $40k price tag of trucks/suvs, I came to the conclusion Id get a car then later buy a truck as a second vehicle. When selecting a car I typically prefer hatchbacks but dont care for the pokey 2.0 engine in the crosstrek/impreza. I also looked at some other sedans but what I like about Subarus is the large pass through from the trunk to the back seats when folded down. I can fit my bike in easily and it just has tons of cargo room. The interior is also very spacious, and I liked the extra cabin space and room around the driver (remember this is same platform as the outback). For the price of $25k (and I didnt even negotiate as I was exhausted after 2 months of car searching), it came with features more expensive vehicles didnt have (homelink, all-weather car mats, heated seats, awd). I was going to go with the 3.6 limited, but this was just a commuter car so I didnt want to spend another $7k for the bigger engine and leather. Also, I have been pleasantly surprised at the acceleration of the 2.5 engine when paired with the CVT. It is way better than what I remember when driving other peoples Subarus. Not to mention, Im averaging 30mpg with 90% city driving!!!!! So when I say I love my grandma car, I mean it is a 4 cylinder sedan that hauls lots of stuff and gets great gas mileage and is very comfortable in town as well as on the highway. I also looked at the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and VW GLI and VW GTI (which I have previously owned). All those cars have their positives. Overall I liked the space and cargo capacity of this one. I also like the easy/simple LCD display, traditional tachometer/speedometer, and well designed ergonomics. The only downside I have noticed of this vehicle is the CVT transmission can be a little rough when decelerating/going downhill at certain speeds (mostly I notice it right about 35-40 mph going downhill). But other than that, I never really notice that Im driving a CVT. The stock speakers were also terrible (I upgraded mine). A good choices for a sedan if you value spaciousness and cargo capacity. And apparently resale is excellent on these vehicles (as it is with most Japanese brands). Great practical car. You just wont win any fun awards with it.