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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  2001 Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Beaver - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I am a long time Subaru owner and my current Outback is the fifth I have owned. Its overall performance and reliability are excellent. The styling is excellent as well. Based upon my experience with this model I most likely will buy another Subaru when I am ready to trade this one in. My only real complaint is with the transmission. It is solid and reliable, but it is rather clunky. By that, I mean it does not always shift smoothly and I often feel it slightly hesitate and "clunk" rather gracelessly into gear. I dont think this rough shifting fortells a more serious problem.

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  Now Im Sure! Its the Outback Sedan - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By emjantam - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Mazda Millenia S for the Outback and was a little hessitant at first, its a whole different beast. The more I look at the cars interior and exterior and drive it, the more Im sure I made a good choice. I tried the Audi A4, VW Passat, Land Rover, BMW IX ect since I was looking for All-wheel- drive. Nothing came close to the Outback in price when options were added up. To get the A4, BMW or Passat with the same options, Id have to pays thousands of bucks more. Its a nice classy ride. It not the quickest nor does it have the prestigous name but its the best deal - reliable, unique and comfortable.

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  Second-time Subaru Owner - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Laura - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Our first Subaru had 137,000 miles without any major problems before we decided it was time to let go. The Outbacks interior and exterior design is stylish and high- quality. In comparision to my husbands SUV, as well as other cars we test drove, the ride is extremely comfortable.

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  Second-time Subaru Owner - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By laura - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Our first Subaru had 137,000 miles without any major problems before we decided it was time to let go. The Outbacks interior and exterior design is stylish and high- quality. In comparision to my husbands SUV, as well as other cars we test drove, the ride is extremely comfortable.

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  I love my Subie - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Dawn - February 13 - 6:10 am

  Recently purchased 2008 Subaru Impreza wagon w/ premium pkg. after trading in 2001 Forester. Impreza styling, handling and performance are outstanding. I travel at least 100 miles daily and wanted a car that could handle the inclement weather and get decent gas milage, this is the car to get. Presently averaging 30mpg w/ AC! Love everything about this car.

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  Awsome Handling Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Nick - February 13 - 2:36 am

  I love my Subaru. It grips the road effortlessly no matter what the conditions are. It goes through snow with ease. Power is lacking from what I want. I have a non turbo and it feels like I have to push the car to get it up to speed on the on ramps, then again Im 18 and I can never go fast enough. If you dont have a lead foot its fine. The front seat is very comfy and still felt comfortable after a 3 hour drive. Back seats are okay and my 6 brother can fit. The interior has a basic design and look adequate. I have had only one problem with my Subaru. If forget to put on your gas cap your check engine light and cruse light will turn on. I went to the dealership and they took care of it.

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  A 98 out of 100 - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Edward - February 11 - 11:53 am

  This is my first Subaru. I traded in a 2012 Genesis in for the Outback. The Genesis was great but living in the northeast, the rear wheel drive was a problem on snowy days. I could have gotten an all wheel drive Genesis but I couldnt justify the 54k it would have cost. (I prefer my vehicles loaded). So after doing much research I decided on that the Outback a closer look. And when I saw it at the auto show in NY, I was surprised by the interior quality. I have only put a little over 1100 miles on it so far and find only a few things that I believe should see improvement. While driving I rest my left knee against the door. It needs more padding. The next item is the gas fill door release.. I challenge the engineers to find it at night when you pull into a gas station. It is on the floor between the seat and the door rim. Invest a couple engineering dollars and either move it to an easily found point within the drivers reach. ERGONOMICS PLEASE. (Have the switch illuminated). The last thing I will knitpick about is the rear door button that you must engage to close the hatch. That should also be illuminated. My 3.6 is loaded. It was almost impossible to find a 6 to test drive, and I was happy that I finally found a dealer that had one I could road test. The 4 would be ok if you did mostly stop and go city driving, but if you have 3 adults in it and you are merging with traffic on the highway you may want to open the windows and start beating your wings. The engine needs a lot of help. The 6 is just great. The ride quality is almost as nice as my Genesis, and I believe it takes the bumps better. The interior is top notch. Very little wind noise. And I am happy to say that I am getting better MPG than are advertised. All in all I believe you would be hard pressed to find a better car for the money. BTW, I ordered the car on Sep. 2 and had to wait 14 weeks to receive it. I hope your wait is less. I made them kick in extras for the inconvenience.

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  5 Years,8 Months with an Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Paul Hudson - February 11 - 8:20 am

  Car is great, dealer support for maintenance has deteriorated after 100,000 miles. Some "techs" tend to recommend repairs for issues without detailed research into problem source. This sometimes leads to un-needed repairs and cost without correcting the original problem. Dealer not anxious to offer any compensation for un-needed work.

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  Still in Love 5 years later! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By EJGauthier - February 11 - 5:53 am

  Did my research before buying my Subie. Used to drive 4X4 Cherokee 4.0L. Rented one for a few weeks to test it properly, but it wasnt a turbo. Test drove the new 2004 Turbo and bought it on the spot. Has every feature possible and most accessories. I changeover my tires Winter(use Toyo Walnut shell composite)/Summer( still have my factory tires). The AWD, antilock brakes and low center of gravity has proven to be an extremely stable, safe and solid vehicle for me. I would buy the same again in a NY minute. Love the rearview mirror with autodimmer and compass. Love the weatherband radio! Love leather smells awesome everytime I sit down. Love the great big sunroof, increases my big sky country!

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  2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Celia - February 10 - 4:33 am

  I wanted a vehicle with AWD, more cargo space and good MPG. I narrowed my search down to the Rogue and the Forester. As for the Forester, visibility is amazing.The handling is great. Very car-like and corners well with the stability control. Im getting 26 MPG average so far. You cant beat that for an AWD SUV. The sunroof is huge! My biggest complaint so far is on the highway I was behind an 18 wheeler and I was pulled a bit from the wind difference. But thats it. I love this car and I am very happy with it.