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:

• 

  WRX grows up but still has the moves - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By szr1 - May 21 - 1:47 pm

  Overall - the new WRX is an excellent handling, attractive, quick car that can haul 4 six foot humans. Bang for the buck it competes in features and performance with cars 50%+ more expensive. The first 1500 miles have been a lesson in restraint to keep the revs down and break in the fast reving 2.0L turbo slowly. No issues or problems, this is solidly built car. It corners with amazing accuracy and traction. In the rain, its like cheating. The WRX is not just for boy racers (as the press likes to say) - but for 50-somthings looking for responsible fun in all weather.

• 

  Our First Subaru! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By GT - May 21 - 7:19 am

  Well, after one month and 1,100 miles on our 2017 Outback 3.6R Touring, I cant say enough great things about this wagon (I know some think its an SUV, but its not). No regrets moving from the American Blue Oval (Ford) to the Japanese Blue Oval (our car was made in Lafayette, IN, incidentally - I think all U.S. market Subarus are; I could be wrong). Ford just didnt have what I liked or needed this time around (a Fusion (my previous car) wagon would have gotten my attention if they made one - I liked my 07 Fusion a lot), so for the last year, weve been doing the on-line research and always came back to the Outback 3.6R as the prime choice. At the Chicago Auto Show, we got to test drive one for the first time. We also test drove something we hadnt considered previously and that was the Kia Sorento which is more crossover than wagon, but it had us thinking. In the end, it was the Outback itself as well as Subaru dealers (and the one we bought from in particular) over the Kia dealers that sold us (we didnt get much meaningful response from the Kia dealers (on the phone or internet) - maybe they didnt take us seriously; at least not until after wed had our Outback for a few weeks!). So anyway, the Outback has been a dream to drive! After less than a week of ownership, we needed to make a 250 mile round trip trek through northern Illinois with a good mix of country road and interstate driving. On the interstate, I got to experience the adaptive cruise control - a gem of a feature in that the car adapts to the distance of the car in front of you; very handy when you get cut off by a slow-poke - no need to hit the brake, the car slows down for you. And when slow-poke moves over out of your way, the Outback smoothly moves back up to your preset speed (or to a safe distance from the next car in front of you). The other feature I experienced with great joy was the blind spot indicators - wow, this is great! On the interstate, it always seems like theres a car driving in my blind spot! Now I dont have to take my eyes off the road ahead to know theres a car invisible to me on my left or right. Out in the country, the Outback is in its element; not that weve tested it much yet, but we did have some soft, mushy areas to drive through that would have been a challenge to a vehicle without AWD and the ground clearance of the Outback. Other things Ive come to appreciate over the last month with the Outback is the CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission. I know its been around on several cars for years, but its new to me - and I actually prefer it to the step shifting of the traditional 6 speed I had in my Fusion. Ive read lots of car enthusiasts opinions who wont go near a CVT (favoring a manual transmission), but I think for me (and a lot of people like me) its a welcome change - though I do have to watch our for speeding since I dont have that step sensation through the gears on a rather powerful 3.6 liter six! Which brings me to another primary reason for going with the six; towing capacity through, potentially, mountains. Havent tried it yet, but I just couldnt see winding up the 2.5 liter four with 1 1/2 tons of stuff through the Rockies. I know Im not alone on that assessment either, having read concurring remarks in professional reviews. I have no fears whatsoever with the six. Its a powerful and peppy power plant! The ride of the Outback is smooth and comfortable. The suspension smooths out some of the worst washboards I drive on better than any car Ive had before. And because we opted for the Touring sub-model, comfort is better than anything Ive owned before (this is the first car Ive had with heated leather seats (though my wife had them in a Buick LeSabre Limited more than a dozen years ago) AND a heated steering wheel!). Im still learning all the electronics - right now Im happy with just figuring out the radio and how to play my iPod Nano (3rd gen). I was a tiny bit disappointed that my Nano doesnt play well through the iPod function (which displays the information from your iPod on the infotainment screen); it will play a couple songs and then blank out; Ive read where this has been happening to many people with even newer iPod equipment than my 10 year-old Nano. So all I do is run it through the Aux function and things are as good as in my previous cars - except for the sound system which is a spectacular Harmon-Kardon layout! I LOVE the sound! The navigation system is super spectacular for me, having come from a 4" screen on a Garmin pasted to the windshield. Its a nice big, 7" display that is very intuitive. Well, I was going to write more, but I guess theres a character limit. Suffice it to say, I love our New Subaru Outback!

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By fuzzyhead - May 21 - 2:16 am

  Ive owned about 8 cars from different manufacturers, and this is the best car Ive ever owned. Ive gotten as high as 33 mpg on the highway (with intake and exhaust). The seats are pretty comfy. Very adjustable. The wagon is a great touring car. Ive done several cross-country trips with it, and they were great. The interior is very roomy. Ive even put a full-size wooden-framed futon in the back before. We used to go camping all the time in this. Great to haul a lot of gear up and down mountains. Wagon handles great with 235mm summer tires. Performs awesome with snow tires. Built very nicely. No rattles or trim problems in the cabin. I look forward to owning more Subarus!

• 

  Surprising - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Pukfan - May 20 - 6:56 pm

  Long time Outback sport owner looking for a replacement - test drove this, Impreza & WRX. A new driving experience that the entire family loves. Moonroof and excellent visibility combined with solid AWD traction is something that just needs to be experienced. Interior well- designed but material seems cheap. Transmission a key addition IMO - manual setting perfect for onramps/passing, off-roads. Tip to buyers - agree on price then say you will buy if dealer throws in accessories (that used to be standard) like cargo cover & tray, nets, etc. Also read the manual - a lot of things can be adjusted that might not consider. Looking forward to another 180,000 miles like I got on my last subaru.

• 

  We now have a pair - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Barry M - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 1998 Forester after only owning American cars. It now has 120K on it and Im still driving it. The LL Bean has all the features including a sunroof that is larger than any Ive seen, almost a convertible! The heated leather seats are my wifes favorite feature. My favorite feature is the cargo space (the LL Bean has the "tuff stuff" liner for durability) and the handling. No other car does AWD better. It laughs at Midwest winters. The new climate control is a good feature along with all the cup holders a man could want. The 6 disk sound system that plays MP3s is great, I dont hear the same tune for weeks! This wont be the last of the Foresters in our family.

• 

  Liked 97 much better - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kiko - May 20 - 9:40 am

  Very disappointed with the fuel economy - 16mpg in winter, 19 in summer. Climate controls are confusing, impossible to get fresh, cool air into cabin w/o A/C. Continue to have issues with noise and vibration in front drivetrain. Dealer has not been able to correct after vehicle being in shop over two weeks. Should have stuck with the old reliable.

• 

  Our dream car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By G B - May 20 - 6:35 am

  Its not HUGE.. feels like it though. Dont buy a Subaru if you must have fancy electronics or luxury. Its bare necessities just enough to make it a 2016 vehicle. Safety, reliability and value is why we got this. AWD, road control, off-road capability enhances the value from just being a commute car. I personally prefer Gen 4 design, but Subaru made the Gen 5 more polished and refined looking. We have had it only for 3-4 weeks but already took it to the mountains once.

• 

  piston slapping Subarus - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Phil Mag - May 19 - 5:03 pm

  My Forester has the 2.5 engine that has developed the infamous PISTON SLAP which makes it sound like an old uncared for car. We service per the manual, so it IS cared for. It sounds like loud lifter noise and it doesnt go away when warm. The dealer, after several visits, says it is just normal. Guess what car I will NOT buy next time. & Im telling everyone I know.

• 

  My first New Car - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Will Cushing - May 19 - 2:39 am

  You will not be disappointed.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Nikko - May 19 - 12:53 am

  Im as happy about purchasing the car as when I first got it. This is a great car. Comfortable, great visibility, plenty of power. The only negative so far is the UI for the Satellite Radio. Its horrible. You only get one piece of information (artist name OR song name OR channel name), and only 10 characters. When you use the up/down button on the wheel, it cycles through all 150+ channels, not through my presets. Stupid. I didnt get the nav kit, cant say if that has the same issue.