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 Subbie Ever - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Brandon - August 31 - 11:53 am

  This car is fast, tight, solid and very nimble responds well and has plenty of room for a weekend get away. I needed a car to throw all my surfing gear into and this car is perfect for it. Body roll is almost non-existent, transmission feels smooth and crisp, throws are short. Engine sounds mean and agressive. Has a couple features usually found in BMWs and Mercedes. Cruising at 80 mph you still get great MPG, about 26-28 mpg. AWD works well, not too much understeer. Lots of power especially when you get around 3k RPM. Brakes are strong and work very well. Ride is smooth, a bit noisy but still comfortable. Stereo works well. This car is a blast to drive and I have no regrets.

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  plenty of thought and research - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By funky dawg - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I like Subarus and even sold them. Ive seen hundreds of new and used Subies. I love the LL BEAN. My needs were sport-luxury, utility type of car (I already have an SUV). Subaru can make some quirky decisions/designs in different makes/models. The LL BEANS are below. Subaru should take a step back (better yet, hire me as a consultant) and centralize all like functions to the same locations. The HO6 is great for the Outbacks. Stereo system is above average. The climate control is effective but can have a mind of its own. Ive gotten 21 mpg avg. Its smart, comfortable, stylish, reliable and fun to drive.

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  Impressive - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - August 25 - 3:34 pm

  While just short of one month since purchase; Im very pleased, very impressed with this car. The eyesight assist continues to amaze me. Such clever technology at a reasonable price. My daughter will start driving next year. Ill feel so much better knowing shes in such a safe, reliable car. Assuming I let her drive it. ;))

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  What a car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By scozim - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Outback brand new. Was my wifes car for the first three years, now I drive it and I have to say I havent had this much fun driving a wagon in a long time. Had 55 series Michelin Artic Alpines on for the winter and the car was unbelievable in the snow. Not one problem in three years and we have 63,000 on it.

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  yummy black beans - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By black bean - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Sticks to the road in bad weather like flies on dung. Very solid ride but smooooooth. Loves to play in the snow. Transmission seems a bit on the slow side. It feels powerful but accelerates like the manual 4 cylinder models. Fuel economy is excellent considering its a "SUV". Starter is a little hoaky in really cold weather.

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  Good handling but slow - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By PH - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cylinder is slow, but once you get it up to speed, it really does handle like an Audi. Hitting gravel or sand, the AWD can feel a bit wiggly at first - a bit awkward in emergency handling. A bit cramped in the front; my Civic has more leg and headroom. Beware of service at Santa Monica Subaru. I had to fix an air filter problem they caused; left the clamp loose. Why put in a filter if youre going to let dirt into the intake manifold? Subaru Customer Relations is not on top of things either.

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  Traction Concerns - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By detroitmuscle - August 19 - 1:48 pm

  Trading in a 2011 Suby Legacy for a 2015 Forester, we expected the same sort of traction & stability on snowy and icy roads. The Legacy was far superior on winter highway trips around the lake from Wisconsin to Michigan, and Id love to know the reason why. The Forester back end seems to want to slide out even when traveling on a highway in a straight line at modest speeds. Yes the roads were slick, but we shouldnt be the vehicle in the slow lane holding up traffic while being passed on the left by Civics and Camrys. Checking the tires next, but first Winter impressions were not good.

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  Great Used Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave from TX - August 19 - 1:56 am

  Bought used, second owner. It now has 71,000 miles and going strong. Replaced the passenger side CV boot, it sits above the catalytic converter so wears out sooner because of the heat. Cost $280 at dealership to fix but warranty covered so only $100. That was at 70,000 miles. Brakes still going strong, replaced Bridgestone with General; traction galore. H7 headlight bulbs do burn out somewhat quickly, my last set lasted 16 months. Other than the CV boot and headlight bulbs no other issues. Im 64", 215lbs and its a comfortable car albeit a little tight for my size. My girlfriend drove it and was shocked when I told her it was a 4 cylinder, she thought it was a V6 (she drives a V6 VW).

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  Passenger Airbag concerns - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By SBNP - August 15 - 7:53 am

  I recently brought the car in for some warranty issues as well as a software recall on the ECU. I mentioned to the advisor that when my spouse or 13 yr. daughter sit in the passenger seat, the airbag off light illuminates. They assured me everything was fine and that I could have them take off of school and work to come in and they would teach them how to sit correctly. With some persistence the dealer called me back and confirmed that they cannot get the light to say on with ~105-129lbs. on a brand new STI. The NHTSA says that they never tested that car. SOA told me they did, but it turns out the base Impreza was. Either way, SOA said they will not change anything.

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  2003 Wrx - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx227wrc - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been very fun to drive. The cost is reasonable, for performance, though i feel that some of the options leave much to be desired. Couldnt ask for better performance in the rough michigan winters.