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 CAR - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By SCARWAF - November 20 - 10:00 am

  CAN GO ANYWHERE IN ANY WEATHER ANY TIME WITH CONFORT AND CONFIDENCE

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  Love this car! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By happyferret - November 19 - 10:40 pm

  We bought our first Subaru three years ago and loved it. When we needed a second car we knew we didnt need the size of another Outback so we checked out the Forester. Its great to drive and fantastic in the snow. My aunt bought a Forester in 2000 and an additional one a few months ago. Our family is committed to the bu.

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  Am impressed with the 2.5i - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By dhs1204 - November 19 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the Outback 2.5i after an accident in the snow (hit and run) that left my Prius on the side while I was going 5 mph. I was looking for an AWD wagon for under 30k that could fit my family of three and two mid size dogs. Requirements were simple: I had to be able to sit behind myself, and there needed to be enough headroom so that my head did not hit the roof. Wants were good radio, quiet highway ride, fuel economy and performance. The needs narrowed it down to a few cars, most of which had too high of a center of gravity. Only the outback and forester made the initial cut. I chose the outback limited because it felt like it was designed to be upscale. 2.5i to keep it under 30k

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  The ugliest of the ugly duckling - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  For a WRX fan, the 08 is the one to stay away from. I am now at 41k miles and cannot hand this lease back in fast enough. The suspension is too soft with an intense amount of body roll, though the ride comfort is much improved (IMO leave that for the Impreza owners, not the WRX). The interior is clean but uninspiring with hard plastic everywhere. Throttle response is slow and the traction/abs systems are intrusive. Exterior styling speaks for itself. The sound system is close to the quality of a cell phone speaker in a tin can. Hatch boom is very prevalent. The AWD system in the snow is the only reason I gave FtD category an 8 but the OE RE050s leave a lot to be desired in all conditions.

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  Finally bought the Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Dog629 - November 18 - 11:50 am

  Very pleased with my purchase, and happy I opted to go for the extras on the SE model. I find the engine to be quite capable and powerful for both city and highway driving. The car feels well grounded and handles well. Nicely designed inside and out, it returns quite a bang for the buck in regards to all the features, in my opinion.

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  WRX Made My Smile Wider:) - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Buddy - November 17 - 3:41 am

  I own/lease a 2017 WRX.And this cars despite some reviews does not ride harsh at all .I have never been so impressed with the performance .Steering is awesome and car is as tight as a drum.Get one! You will love it.

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  My First Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Norman - November 17 - 1:16 am

  8 months ago, I researched & test drove all the new SUVs listing around $20,000 for my girlfriend. We finally settled on a Forester (2002). It was love at first site for her, and we both still love that car. When it came time for me to trade in my 4WD pickup, I looked at all the 2005s again, but this time I fell in love with the updated Outback. I test drove four different models, and didnt care much for the turbo-charged 2.5i engine (trans shift was funny). I ended up with a 2005 3.0 R LL Bean addition. Black monotone exterior with taupe leather inside. It looks way more classy than a Subaru is supposed to. Could have bought ANYTHING & NEVER considered Subaru before, now I really LOVE IT!

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  MPG ? - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By fracker - November 16 - 7:04 am

  On 2nd tank ,I got 32.2 mpg on a 230 mile trip. My old Honda Civic gets 37+ on the exact same trip and was originally rated at 36 mpg highway like the Impreza. I have no options on my hatcback as I read the weight of the total cruise control package decreases mpg by 22+miles per tank(over 1 mpg). Am puzzled by the cars loss of speed going down hills. I have to gas it to maintain speed where my other vehicles can coast,saving fuel. Strange. Car is good in snow. to get accurate mpg readings it is important to completely fill the tank each time.It takes awhile to get all the air out of this cars tank.

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  Started out well then downhill - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Harstar - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was nice until the warranty expired. Within 500 miles of the 36000 mile expiration, I had to replace the stereo and the MAP sensor. The lid of the center dash compartment doesnt close right. Check engine light started coming on in regular intervals which mechanic said was 02 sensor and after another 2000 miles it was running so roughly that it needed a major tune- up. Less than 100 miles later the coil went on it. It is still not running right. Mechanic is puzzled and I am frustrated.

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  I am very SAD - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By steve - November 13 - 12:40 pm

  2016 forester with 300 miles. the gas paddel has to much delay. sometime you have to push it 3 times to get it to take the fuel, has pulled me into the traffic several times and then nothing, leaves you hanging there, started before the first 100 miles, only has 300 miles on it now, has been in the shop 3 times, they keep saying it is ok, i guess they think i am dreaming, wish i had my old 1996 van back and my money out of this junk, dont buy one of these. PS loves its gas, about 15 miles to a gal.