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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  Amazing until 100k - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By _herzog - April 16 - 10:57 pm

  I loved this car and would purchase another, because Subarus are safe and handle amazing. Worse luck though, I had a blown head gasket at just over 100k and that was the beginning of all sorts of engine problems, resulting in eventual engine replacement; and this, despite faithful maintenance from the dealer since I purchased it at 14k.

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  True Drivers Car - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Nick - April 16 - 3:13 pm

  Ive put just over 10K miles on my WRX & I have a smile pasted on my face every time I drive it. Its extremely safe, capable, and fun-to-drive. To enhance performance I added a Cobb downpipe, a (second-hand) SPT exhaust, and a "street" ECU tune from a local Subie tuning guru. I also added slightly thicker sway bars & replaced a few suspension & chassis bushings for a tauter ride (I suggest Whiteline products - theyre top-notch). Now the car is nearing its performance potential, but it still delivers a very comfortable ride on Oklahomas junky roads. I looked at cars in the same category (turbo & 4-doors), but the AWD & hatchback sealed the deal for me.

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  Love It So Far - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By DogMomCT - April 14 - 9:20 am

  Recently purchased, 7/25/09. First Subaru and AWD vehicle. Wanted an Outback due to New England weathers and having cargo room for my 2 Labs. Really grips the road. No snow yet obviously but it does great in heavy rain. Stereo is supposedly premium: speakers seem to rattle a little if you really turn it up.

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  Jack of many trades, master of none...but thats fine by me. - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By rickallen - April 14 - 8:00 am

  I bought this to replace my wifes aging Toyota Corolla. We wanted something with AWD that was more roomy than her old car and still got above 30mpg highway. On paper, the Subaru fit the bill perfectly. With the updates to the transmission, engine, and chassis for 2013, I was much more impressed than with the 2012 and older models as far as throttle response, steering, and overall feel of the car. It was an easy decision to get the added room and 30+ hp over the newly redesigned Impreza.

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  Very Good, Could be Better - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By jbwilliams25 - April 10 - 1:13 pm

  I find the seats uncomfortable as they push my shoulders forward. the headrest causes me to tilt my head forward unless I recline the seat. Then either my hamstrings or lower back hurt depending on how I adjust the seat. Drove with a Lancer Evolution and did well from Lake Arrowhead to San Bernardino CA (6000 to 1500 ft). Brakes faded then melted. Suffers brake overheating at 65 mph in the mountain and I have to hold it in 3rd gear as advised by the dealer to prevent brake overheating while mountain driving. Too much body roll. Great performer and very fast, beat crotch rockets on the curves. Needs aftermarket brakes and anti-sway bars to be near perfect! Also, speaker that dont blowup.

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  First Subraru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steven Ennes - April 9 - 11:33 pm

  Other than Subaru uses recycle vote batteries on new vehicles had to be jump started, twice under 500 miles once new battery was installed no problem!

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  Basic All-Wheel Drive - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By DJA - April 8 - 3:30 pm

  This car was great in the snow. It also could tow a small pop up with ease. If you like to camp or any out door activity this is the vehicle for you. I avg. 22.5 mpg city/hwy. The down side is road noise and ride, but it was the base model. It is a good work horse of a vehicle.

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  4 vs 6 - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By weldonm - April 8 - 10:00 am

  If you think the 2.5 is what you want, dont drive the H6-3.0. We drove both, no doubt about it, the H6-3.0 is heads and shoulders above the 2.5. The Special edition is very well equipped and has plenty of spunk. The vehicle is solid and handles as well as any Ive tried. We are very pleased with the quality and we look forward to snowy weather.

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  Great - but just misses it - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By tlhcpa - April 7 - 3:07 pm

  Ive hqd my 2013 Outback 2.t Limited for over a year. I wanted a 6 cylinder. The choise was between an Acura RDX and Outback. While I like the Outback, for the amount of money I think the RDX would have been a better deal. The price was about the same except the Outback does not have drivers seat memory, a LOUSY almost unusable navigation system, no auto assist parking, no power tailgate. In addtion the OUtback is noisy as all get out. The heat/AC fan is so loud you cant hear the radio. Road noise is loud as well. Gas mileage is 5-7 MPG below what is advertised. Not exactly the best choice in the $35K-$40K price range.

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  A Little over 2 years old - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Claire T. - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has more than enough power. Handles well under all weather conditions.