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:

• 

  My STI - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By mrkmndza - December 3 - 2:00 am

  With 300 HP and 300 Ft pounds of torque this beast goes up hills like nothing. You guyz did a great job on desinging this machine.

• 

  My Subaru, too - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By FreBra - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Needs more head room in front and more leg room in rear. Difficult to enter and exit the front seats due to the windshield post(s) incline. Definitely not a 5 passenger (adult) vehicle.

• 

  Great car for the snow areas. - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Myron Winchester - December 2 - 8:19 pm

  High ground clearance, but not a tall car. All-wheel drive has help me out so much these 8 years. With great traction for going or stopping, I can not praise it enough. Though, with all-wheel drive, the gas mileage suffers.

• 

  Cheap, reliable AWD - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By jdl50cc - December 2 - 9:33 am

  Its hard to say anything negative about this car given the number of features that came for a pretty low price. Its amazingly reliable and seems to run on rails in the rain. Snow performance isnt bad, either. Wish fuel economy were a bit better, but the AWD takes a (worthwhile) toll. Could be quieter but, again, its an inexpensive vehicle.

• 

  Mostly satisfied - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By cboy219 - December 2 - 8:20 am

  After 1000 miles, pretty content. Comfy, good head room, fun2drive! Smooth pickup, good ride. The hum from the engine is AWESOME. Good sized trunk. Car is perfect for a single person - quick and fun, 4 door versatility, adaptable to add luggage racks. Sporty and stylish enough, but kinda flies under the police radar cuz it isnt TOO flashy. I did have a cooling hose issue (factory didnt tighten it), and it does rattle a bit which is scary considering I traded in a 1997 Ford Probe that didnt rattle at all, but overall a very great car in my opinion if it holds up over time. Other Subaru owners near me all are happy with theirs. I have high expectations for this car.

• 

  Great Car! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Real but Anonymous - November 30 - 7:12 pm

• 

  Dont think Ill buy another Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By lilrhody - November 30 - 6:36 am

  This vehicle was my first new car (2000 miles on it when purchased). The "all weather package" is sort of a joke. When the icy weather comes it doesnt clear/keep clear the ice from my windshield. The wipers completely dont touch the windshield after spraying fluid. Heated seats are a plus though. Has been leaking oil/coolant since 90,000 miles +/-. I was told I have a head gasket seal that is failing. Im at 111,000. Oil smell is disappointing when at a light/in park with engine running. Recently had a fuel line leak. Window gaskets are horrendously loud! Front windows only. My husbands 98 Forester had to have the engine replaced at 50,000 miles! I dont know if Ill buy another Subaru.

• 

  Still Breaking In - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By BooSTi - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has a lot of power. That is probably the selling point for all buyers. I only have 900 miles on it and Im currently getting around 16 miles per gallon which is still horrible. When the optional STi short shifter was brand new it was VERY notchy and hard to shift but its improving. The lock on my trunk doesnt always unlock itself when i use the alarm and this is becoming very anoying. Besides that the car is a overall good buy and Im satifyed. Im glad I chose this over RSX Type-S.

• 

  Not just a WRX on steroids - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Ichiro - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven and owned a variety of Subaru cars for the last ten years. My previous car being a 2002 WRX which Ive had for over three years. So when I first got to test drive the STi, I just couldnt believe the difference in performance, especially in cornering speed and suspension dynamics. The 6MT transmission (with factory installed short shifter) is the best manual transmission Subaru has to offer by far. NVH? I call that communication with the road. Its funny, my 2005 STi has the EXACT same rattles as my 2002 WRX. I wouldnt have it any other way.

• 

  2005 Aspen White STI - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Jamie McMillin - November 29 - 10:00 am

  New for the 2005 STI: new Helical Front limited slip differential new power steering oil cooler new wider 8" wheel (replaces 7.5") new rear wheel arch flares, body colored (because the new 8" whl?) new Immobilizer key, 3 supplied. Needed to start car new climate control new air filtration new smoked headlight lens new re-designed keyless remote fob new seat cushion side bolster material new center console cupholders, replaces the one by the center vent new sam/fm/CD changer w/ bass, mid, treble adjustments, 6 spkrs new door armrest redesigned, now cloth, includes mirror controls new colors I love this car!!