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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  Ive always wanted.... - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By liswal - August 29 - 1:00 pm

  I read the reviews, did my research, and bought the car Ive always wanted. Ive only had it for 4 days. Things I love. The car is comfortable, easy to drive. I love the camera back up feature and the aux for my iPod. Taking my first road trip tomorrow and I cant wait to get it on the open freeway.

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  It just keeps going! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Scuby - August 28 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for its size, performance and reliability. I now have over 100K miles on it and it has had no issues and drives like the day I bought it. I will say the OEM tires had to go at about 15K miles. I also installed sport springs and stiffer sway bars. Those simple improvements greatly increased handling. The automatic has performed perfectly but could use a extra gear which would help in the gas mileage. I do get about 25 MPG overall as I do a lot of highway driving. The fits well in my small garage too.

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  Incredable - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By rickrover - August 28 - 10:00 am

  World class performance all the way. Absolutely increadable - I have never been more satisfied with a performace car purchase. I think this car is an increadable value - I have to stop typing now and go for a drive :-)

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  2014 Subaru Outback Premium w/ Moonroof - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By mdavis10 - August 27 - 12:30 pm

  On December 30, 2013, I purchased a new Subaru from Ciocca Subaru in Wescosville. In that short period of time, I have accumulated 2100 miles and have found the vehicle to be responsive and well-mannered in city and highway driving. The ride and handling for a vehicle of this size is excellent. Seats are firm and the cabin is relatively quiet. Interior materials seem to be of good quality. I appreciate the convenience of the winter package which incudes all-weather winter mats and a large rubber cargo mat w/ cargo net. As recommended, I check the oil every 400 miles and have no noticable consumption as the dipstick indicator still shows as full. Decent fuel mileage 23 city/30+ highway.

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  So far so good. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By gir - August 26 - 4:56 am

  We have had the forester for 7 months with no problems. Took it 900 miles round trip with 2 adults, my one year old, and two 80 lbs dogs without any issues. The ride was comfortable. No rattles. Interior is okay. We dont have any abnormal wear. We got the PZEV and we love the lower emissions. MPG is about 24 in mixed driving in Atlanta. I, like others, wish it had a 5 speed automatic trans., a better stereo, and round cup holders. If I had to do it all over again, I would buy the same vehicle at the same price.

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  Great car-Bang for the buck! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Nick Manno - August 26 - 1:43 am

  Ive owned SUVs in the past (97 Nissan Pathfinder and 05 Acura MDX) so I was a little nervous going to a wagon. But after thoroughly researching vehicles that fit my needs I kept coming back to the Outback. I opted to get the 2016 Outback 3.6R with Eyesight in the gold color. This car matches the ruggedness and utility of my Pathfinder and the classiness of my Acura with unrivaled safety equipment to boot. After waiting nearly 12 weeks for it, I am 100% glad that I went with this car. So far Ive owned it for a several weeks and have logged several hundred miles. Most of the concerns that have been mentioned in blogs or forums (eg wind noise, transmission hesitation, weak engine) are a total non-issue now for me. I have not noticed and am not bothered by any of it and really have limited things that i could pick on. Maybe something that might be an area for improvement is the under storage compartment where the spare tire is. It really is minimal and not much room to put things in. The other item is the tow hitch, factory only offers a class 1 hitch instead of a larger 2" receiver hitch. Other than that I love this car. looking forward to the first snow fall. Really am hoping to be able to keep this car for at least 10yrs.

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  ride in luxury without the cost - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By mary li - August 25 - 4:00 pm

  do your homework. work with reliable sources. talk with friends and/or Subaru owners. If the dealership works with you ie no pressure than you can work with them.

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  Finally found the SUV of my dreams - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By lisa - August 25 - 12:33 pm

  I love it! I tested all the others and found this to be the most stylish, comfortable, fun SUV there is out there. I have the back up system that beeps if you get to close and a premuim sound package. It all just adds to my total enjoyment. I,m short and have no problems seeing out windows. Love that the backseat headrests are not in my view. I also got a great deal so Im happy.

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  Subaru hits a home run in 2007 - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By fish&skibum - August 24 - 5:20 am

  We went to the dealer expecting to buy the 2007 LL Bean. I was disappointed with the automatic tranny. Test drove the XT turbo w/ manual shifter and fell in love with it, as did my wife. As ski instructors in Western Colorado with a 50 mile round trip commute, we need a car that works in snow. With VDC, traction control, and snow tires this car will be unstoppable. BTW, Edmunds does not show that this car comes standard with traction control, but it does. With the SI selected to Sport#, this car runs neck and neck with our 02 WRX. Corners like it too. Heated power leather seats, dual zone auto climate control, and quiet ride give this car a lot of upscale standard features.

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  A true enthusiasts car! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By dheyde - August 23 - 8:20 pm

  This is my second Impreza WRX STI, and third Impreza. It is an amazing automobile at a very reasonable price. Performance is outstanding, especially after you make the move to Cobb "stage 2". The car is extremely reliable and is built for the long haul. The car is great in the twisties and the torque available powers you out of corners effortlessly. Comfort isnt at the top of the list, so if you are looking for something cushy, you may want to opt for a Legacy GT or a Premium Luxury brand car. I have owned five Subarus, and I always seem to come back to them when its time to purchase a new car. They are a true drivers car that perform at the same level as much more expensive cars.