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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  First Subaru - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ron_in_dg - November 8 - 11:52 am

  I bought my Crosstrek through Edmunds web site; this required me to go pretty far afield - I live in IL but the dealer is located in WI. It was worth the trip to save the money. None of the local dealers would negotiate price at all. I got pretty much exactly what I wanted (plus the optional fancy rear view mirror and the all season floor mats) the first week the vehicle was available. LOVE the car. It is a lot peppier than I was expecting based on the reviews I had read. It is great in the snow. Ive got about 4400 miles on it so far. Ask me again in 10 years how its doing.

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  Nothing beats it for features and value - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By DickB - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  I am 66" and I fit extremely well in the Outback. It is roomy inside, and it can haul a ton of stuff inside with the second row of seats (easily) folded. The roof racks are great; I like the way they fold away when not in use. The visibility is outstanding. I take it on long trips to our vacation home in Maine and it is a pleasure to drive. Great gas mileage as well! Price shop this against the Volvo wagon or the Audi Allroad for cost and features, and you will find that the Outback is a greater value for your money.

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  Great do-it-all with minimal compramise. - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By GTP_Kent - November 5 - 6:53 pm

  2.5i premium Impreza, automatic, silver ext. black int. So far its a great car with a near perfect mix of everyday practicality and enthusiasm (shared use for two drivers). HP and Torque are good across the entire rev range, steering is responsive, suspension is just right. Manually shifted auto is great fix for so-so automatic. Ext. styling is handsome but subdued. Int. styling is nice and despite concerns for hard plastics the materials are good for those who have kids or other damage prone occupants. Bottom line: more sporty than any Toyota, more power than Hondas, more grip than anything, and an excellent community of owners to support anyone with questions or concerns. A great choice.

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  Awesome Car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Shmity - November 5 - 11:36 am

  Great car...bought it to race and couldnt have askd for more...takes the corners like nothin...and accelerates even better after the added turbo

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  Legacy GT Turbo - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Mac - November 4 - 1:43 pm

  There are a lot of reviews out there that suggest this car can compete with the European Sports Sedan class and I would say that it falls short. It is a quick car that offers a lot of bang for the buck, but its suspension is soft and lacks the high quality interior of its rivals.

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  Head Gasket Issues - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Ann Capshaw - November 3 - 10:27 am

  Had to get head gaskets machines at 75,000 miles and it was downhill maintenance wise from there. We were lucky that we had the warranty to 100,000 miles but we used it so much for other things that were breaking that we decided to get rid of the car before the warranty expired. The dealership was awesome in always checking to make sure repairs were covered under warranty too. The cloth interior showed wear and stains quite rapidly which was disappointing considering we are the perfect people they market the car to (outdoorsy family with kids and dogs). Spacious interior was nice. Sadly I’m off Subies until they can resolve the head gasket - my brother in law experienced the same on his ‘09 Forester and unfortunately it was past his warranty. Just can’t take the chance.

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  Forester Fun - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Derry - November 3 - 10:00 am

  No problems; drives like a dream in snow which we get a lot of.

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  Subaru WRX 2002 - DYNOMITE - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Will - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! The speed quotient is one thing, but the handling is outstanding. Only an old Porsche 356b that I had in the seventies handled better. The comfort to drive is based on your size, age and ability to handle a very firm ride. Go for it!

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  good first time Subaru experience - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SFBayDriver - November 3 - 5:26 am

  We were shopping for a Venza, Camry and ended up buying an 2010 Outback. This dealer was selling both brands and we test drove and liked the Outback. It feels heavier, stronger and more solid. We got it for 26k about 1k less than newspaper ad. This is our first Subaru, actually my first time driving a Subaru. I got to say it is pretty impressive and worth considering if you are shopping for a wagon.

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  never buy one again - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Laura - November 2 - 5:23 am

  I bought my 2005 subaru legacy gt new. This was my first time ever buying a new car. The turbo blew in March "09", they fixed it after proving I proporaly maintained it. Dec. 09 it went again. They replaced it went to test drive it and the timing jumped and blew my cam shaft and valves, they also found metal in the oil pan from the turbo. Now I am getting a hard time for proper replacement, instead of replacing the parts new (short block and the damage from poor mechanic installation) they want to put a used motor with more mileage and no history of how well it has been taken care of. I would never buy another subaru or recommend one to anyone.