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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  Love my Crosstrek!! - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Nicholas - August 12 - 3:50 am

  Crosstrek are amazing cars!! Perfect for a single adult (either gender) or small family. I have leather and heated seats and my girlfriend and I really enjoy taking trips in it. Rides easy and you feel safe no matter the road condition that’s to the steering and AWD. I highly recommend!!

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  Best Ever! - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By shilo - August 11 - 7:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many. The Baja handles great in rain and snow. It is just plain fun to drive. There is nothing that I do not like about it. My last car was a horrible 2003 Mustang convertible. I will be a Baja owner for as long as Subaru keeps them in their lineup.

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  Best Ever! - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By shilo - August 11 - 7:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many. The Baja handles great in rain and snow. It is just plain fun to drive. There is nothing that I do not like about it. My last car was a horrible 2003 Mustang convertible. I will be a Baja owner for as long as Subaru keeps them in their lineup.

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  “Oil leak both cams and chang (sic) cover” - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By Jean Young - August 11 - 4:57 am

  “Oil leak both cams and chang (sic) cover” noted by the Subaru technician on Wednesday. My 2012 Subaru Forester has been using huge and excessive amounts of oil since its purchase. First, I was told that it was part of the “break - in period. Under no circumstances should a new car or even one with just over 65,000 miles like mine that has been babied and maintained only by the dealer present such major engine issues. This is my second Subaru and it will be my last. The first one, a 2003 Forester, though far from perfect, had over 150,000 miles before needing a new head gasket after exhibiting irregular oil use. This one has clocked with irregular oil usage since its purchase.

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  Great value with a few peculiarities - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By coffeeslug - August 11 - 3:06 am

  Loving this car so far in the winter weather. My front driver I traded in got stuck 3 times this winter and Id had enough of that. I got the premium trim with the moonroof and navigation. This is a nice car at a very inexpensive price point at this trim level. 7 inch screen is gorgeous and the stereo sounds great even though its not the 12 speaker one. I got the auto dimming mirror with homelink as well and this is great if youve ever had a battery getting low on your garage remote. If you can live without leather, this is a great trim level to get.

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  New Subaru - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By MC98 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a great car, have 950 miles on it so far. Hope as good as previous Subarus.

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  my review - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By John Hewitt - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The WRX is a blast to drive. Nothing near it for the $$$. The guys at mcree subaru were very nice and helpful. no games.

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  WOW!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By andy_17 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Good for everyday driving as well as having a lot of fun on the weekends. The turbo charged engine gets you to were you want to be quickly yet doesnt eat up the gas. Overall, a great purchase for the price

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  2001 Outback Sedan - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By MartyJ - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent road handling in dry, wet and snow conditions. However, anti lock brakes take longer to stop on ice. The ride is so smooth, you can be doing 80 mph and it feels like you are doing 50. I had to monitor my speed closely during the first few months to keep myself from speeding. I like the fact that you dont have to push a button to shift gears. Gear shifting is like a manual transmission (side to side). Moonroof has a shade to cover the glass so street lamps dont distract you at night.

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  Seems to be a winner - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Ian - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this about 3 weeks, with 1100 miles so far. Absolutely NO problems with it, has several thoughtful touches (like the little blue light in the ceiling over the cup holders, just enough light without glare) - our 03 VW Golf just didnt seem to have the thought put into it that this does. The Golf cup holders block the CD player! The CVT is so far so good - no idea about reliability, but I like that it will hold the "gear" when decelerating. When I take my foot off the gas, the car understands that I want to slow down without the brakes - not just keep on drifting. Ive had none of the steering wheel shake, even close to 90, and it loves the winding roads of SW Pennsylvania.