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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  My 2011 SSM STI - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By turbosti - September 4 - 3:12 am

  I purchased my Subaru from Heuberger Subaru in Colorado Springs, CO. It is my first Subaru and it will definitely not be my last! The car is an awesome car! I have enjoyed it very much so far. My options I got was the navigation, short throw shifter, all weather mats, and homelink rear view mirror. In my opinion you definitely need the short shifter. The navigation isnt the best and the speakers are very good, but that isnt the reason I bought the car. The car stock sounds really good and runs well. I am very happy with the car and plan on keeping it for quite some time. You will always get people cranking their necks to look at your car too.

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  2011 Outback 2.5 limited w/auto CVT - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By mike07734 - September 3 - 4:55 pm

  Over all, the vehicle is awesome. Had some issues with rattle in roof liner up near the sunroof, front passenger door. Dealer fixed. Another issue now surfaced after the custom installed the ambient light package, now the switch for the vent on the passenger side is stuck in the open position. They also put watered down wiper fluid in the wiper fluid tank during the last oil change. Drove to upstate NY where the washer jets froze up. Had to go to the store and buy real wiper fluid that doesnt freeze, then let the car engine warm up the frozen lines. Other than that, no other issues.

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  Not even close - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Flyer - September 2 - 11:48 pm

  After months of research we had narrowed our search down to the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid. Weve driven Toyotas for years. The morning we were going to the Toyota dealer we decided to go drive the Subaru Outback 2.5 Limited. The Subaru dealer was blocks from our house and on the way to the Toyota dealer. After reading many poor reviews of the Subarus acceleration issues and the gutless 2.5 engine I was shocked by how well the Subaru accelerated. Not only was the acceleration much better than expected but the Subaru held the road WAY better than the Toyota (we test drove both in pouring rain) and felt far better balanced and much easier to control. The road noise in the RAV4 was extremely loud and obtrusive while the Outback was much quieter. The interior on the Subaru felt comfortable and spacious with great lines of sight and visibility. The RAV4 felt cramped with awkward lines of sight. If you are considering one of the other SUVs (RAV4, CR-V, CX-5, Ford Escape) I would highly recommend test driving the Outback before buying one of the other cars.

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  Steves Review - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By hazzardwarning - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive this car. So far I have not had any problems with it. I went from a dodge ram with a 360 engine to this, so I can really tell the difference in fuel useage. It does lack a lot of get up and go though (though it is not bad for a 4 cyl). I would like to see a 6 cyl or the higher performance 4 (such as the WRX). Though I know that there is no possiblity of this, I would also like to see a special edition STI version of the BAJA (such as the WRX STI). If I had it to do over again, I would have made the same decision in purchasing this vehicle.

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  Why isnt everyone driving a Legacy? - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Adam - September 1 - 9:36 pm

  Coming from an unreliable 2006 Volvo S40, the Legacy is like a scaled-down version of God! The Legacy is so reliable, so practical, and so capable. The handling is unbelieveable in the Legacy. I can take a sharp turn at 70mph and theres barely any body roll! The trunk is huge, Ive gotten 4 suitcases in there with ease. The ride is super smooth, thanks to the Yokohama tires and suspension. I drove it during a heavy snow/ice storm this winter and it never slipped! The engine also makes a great noise when you really push it. Why arent Subarus as popular as Hondas and Toyotas? They are heads and tails above the competition, and no one seems to know about it.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By MeMe - September 1 - 9:40 am

  This vehicle has met everyone of my needs and then some. I went from a Mountaineer which I liked for space but hated for gas. The Tribeca surprised me in how much room was in the back for loading and hauling. It is quiet (I drive interstate for work), smooth, and looks great. I have had minor wear and tear problems (what car doesnt) but everything has been covered by the warranty and been fixed immediately. I also get great gas mileage (have never seen it under 18 in town) and I am not overly-cautious or a slow driver! I plan on owning this car for many many years!!

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  Forester Fan Forever! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Tom in FL - August 31 - 11:10 pm

  This is a small SUV that just loves you back with its performance, economy, and looks. I have never had a car before where people seeing it just stop and stare and then all nod their heads to their friends! And I thought the Outback was great; it is but the Forester L.L. Bean Edition is a luxury car with a good value price. And I dont want to forget the wonderful service by my Subaru dealer which is seldom needed!

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  What a car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By jeeper16 - August 30 - 8:33 pm

  This car has got to be the best handling vehicle that I have ever purchased. It go through the turns like its on a slot-car track. Ive put 2,000 miles on it so far and am getting 28.5 mpg on the highway. City is about 23mpg. The leather seats are firm and comfortable and with the 8- way power driver seat, you do not tire on longer trips. The 6-CD player has decent sound and all of the driver controls are easy to read and reach.

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  my Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By jb - August 30 - 4:36 pm

  Really handles well on dirt roads. Has plenty of pick up and go! Love the extra leg room.

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  2005 Legacy GT wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By mikexray - August 30 - 5:36 am

  I bought this car used with 86000 miles, now has 96000 miles.The cars only issue is a whining noise from the engine that I hear only when it is cold.This noise goes away after about 3-4 min of warm up.I live in Montana where there are serious long distance stretches of open highways and I just love the way this car holds the road it feels almost as if its on rails but still rides comfortable.The 250 hp engine really gives it up when you need it.The manual transmission is such a perfect match to the engine that turbo lag is never an issue.After 4 1/2 months I still love it every time I get behind the wheel.Now winter is here and the car is proving its all weather capabilities in the snow.