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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  Pleased but with soem reservations... - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pa_mama - January 10 - 12:47 am

  Our main issue with our new Forester is the distinct side to side sway (floating) we see on the highway. It isnt so noticeable at lower speeds and/or winding roads. Has anyone else observed/felt this problem? I have read of sway bar and sway bar link issues in Outbacks. I wonder if there are any with the Forester. Also, I agree with the one reviewer about seat comfort. We have the heated leather seats with the lumber support and multi position driver seat adjustment but I find that after driving for any length of time my right hip and back are quite sore. I dont have any problem when sitting in the passenger seat. Also, placement of passenger assist handle above the door is odd.

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  Owned 2017 Legacy 3.6R for one week now - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Paul H. - January 10 - 12:44 am

  This is my families 5th Subaru, my last car was a VW diesel Jetta which I just sold back to VW after the big scandal. So far I am pretty happy with this model. The performance with the 3.6R is great but you do pay for the AWD and performance in MPGs but that is understandable. I looked at Hondas and Acuras but really preferred the interior on the Subaru its clean and elegant, it has a little bit of fake wood, but not as plasticky as the Acura. Handling is very good, nice tight suspension and very comfortable, the HID headlights are awesome. The additional safety features Eyesight, blindspot detection etc. are really nice features and well implemented. On the down side the voice control for GPS is a joke I wont go into detail here but the implementation is pathetic. Also there is no carplay option even though Subaru offers it on its own Impreza line. The small console compartment where the USB port is located, is to small to hold an IPhone 6 let alone a 6+, without leaving the compartment door open. The three criticisms above are really comfort and convenience issues I still love subarus but they were soooo close to getting a perfect score.

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  A fun vehicle - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Daggzy - January 8 - 3:36 pm

  This has got to be one of the most underrated cars out there, Its practicality is useful for almost situation a driver wants(except racing) unless turbod. It was my best friend in 20cm of snow and its AWD never let me down.

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  edmunds review is very wrong - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By edmunds review-wrong - January 7 - 4:56 pm

  I again read the edmunds review and i find it very flawed. Most American like the new styling. Its clean and crisp and classy. The highway handling is great but i cant comment on off road as i havent taken it off road.The mileage is great. 30.5 mpg first tank with wife, dog and all our gear. Second tank i will hit over 500 miles. I drove the 2009 model outback and chose not to buy it, but this year, well, they did it all well. Take it from a guy that drives and buys one. Any why was it chosen the SUV crossover of the year? Edmunds, get your head in gear and rate this car higher. It sure is.

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  Well rounded sports sedan - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By RocPat - January 7 - 4:36 pm

  Researched all wheel drive vehicles for several months before deciding on the Legacy for numerous reasons. Im extremely happy with my decision and always look forward to driving it. It handles rain, snow, and freezing temperatures with aplomb. When the weather is nice its tons of fun to blast down twisty back roads. One of the most well-rounded vehicles Ive ever driven!

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  best all around family car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Springer - January 7 - 1:20 pm

  First time Subaru owners and were liking it so far. We have nearly 6000 miles on the car in just 2 months. We are very pleased with the comfort level while traveling on long trips. It has been in a foot of snow in the Cascade Mountains and on the beach at Pismo. We have driven in major rain, crossed creeks, traveled muddy roads and busy cities streets. It is the most stable car Ive ever driven and that includes the 4X4 trucks Ive owned. We are getting 27-30 mpg on the highway and about 24 around town. The performance level is surprising for a four cylinder motor. The CVT Transmission is the whole reason the engines feels more powerful than it actually is. Highly recommend this SUV.

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  Love my Impreza - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Kathie - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  Love it! It handles well in any road conditions. Brought my daughter back from college in a snowstorm at night, no slippage, great handling. I felt very safe. I live among mountain roads that can be very dangerous in bad weather and I am always confident in my Impreza. Very comfortable to drive. My only problem is the positioning of the drink holders, but if thats it, Ill take it!

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  Unique in its class - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By canadian-awd - January 6 - 5:53 pm

  Ive put on about 5,000 miles since purchasing. So far, the cars been great in all conditions--comfortable cruising at highway speeds, and fun through twisty back roads. A lot of rare features in a class of mostly cookie-cutter cars - boxer engine, symmetrical awd, versatile 4 door hatchback style. Combined with best-in-class crash safety, a sporty ride and handling, and decent fuel economy, the Impreza has been a good choice for me.

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  Great to mdate - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave - January 6 - 2:16 pm

  Have over 12,000 miles on vehicle already and have not had any problems. Very good dealer treatment and attention. Switched from reg oil to blend after 2nd oil change and notice just shy of 2mpg per gallon increase. Drives as solidly as my old "92 Buick GS did and has enough get up and go for me. Funny that Legacy has the same HP of the Buick with 2 fewer cylinders!

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  Love this car - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By jons2 - January 5 - 12:58 pm

  I traded in my 04 Highlander for the Outback, primarily because I needed a small SUV type vehicle that would get better gas mileage, and be comfortable on trips etc. This Outback met all my expectations. The seats are very comfortable, gas mileage is better now that the engine is broken in and the Chicago weather is warming. I get about 27MPG in mixed suburban/highway driving with the 2.5 engine. I noticed that the mileage suffers when the engine is cold (runs richer) and can take some time to warm up on real cold days. Constant short trips will kill gas mileage, fyi. Engine has plenty of pep which was an initial concern and I was impressed on how quiet and refined it is.