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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  DFW WINNER! OUTBACK HANDELS TEXAS LIKE A PRO - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Lonestar Driver - March 12 - 4:03 am

  I researched this and other cars before buying my Outback 2.5i Limited in July, and its curious to me if I have the same car as the reviewers. Ive read much about the lackluster acceleration of the 4cyl engine and the quirkiness of the CV transmission. I simply dont experience the negatives described. Yes, the engine is not a rocket by any stretch but it more than gets the job done. Dallas drivers are typically heavy on the throttle and theres no lack of stop-n-go traffic, yet when I need to move the car takes the command in stride and it responds. The so-called, jerkiness of the CVT and sensitivity of the braking, is a mystery. Ive had this car on the open road and in heavy DFW traffic and the shifts are as smooth and effortless as Ive ever experienced. The reviews of this combination just dont add up to my experience. This car is quiet, very comfortable and well mannered. Interior materials are excellent. I will agree the clock placement and size need improvement. The A/C is excellent and quickly cools the interior from the Texas heat.

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  09 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx STI - March 8 - 6:23 am

  This car gets looks and not just a glance, a full on stare from people as I drive by. Its a pretty cool feeling. The car is loaded with features and amenities. AWD, 305 hp, airbags, and safety and convenience features are numerous. If youre looking for safety and power with AWD this is the car for you. It can be expensive if you add features.

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  Ive enjoyed my WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Zach D. - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 5 months and find it to be a blast to drive. Handling is fantastic, and I like the tight feeling to the ride. Has a lot of quickness. The power is good when the rpms are high, but it does lack power at low rpms. One problem in my first 7,000 miles: someone hit the molding surrounding the fog light, and now it is VERY loose and will need to be replaced.

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  Perfect... - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Goodtimes - March 7 - 7:20 pm

  This car will change the way you look at wagons!

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  An Excellent Value - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By ScoobieDoobie - March 6 - 6:40 pm

  I have ~5000 miles on Scoobie and it is a fine car so far. My wife wanted a wagon and I wanted a Mustang GT - a good compromise? I think so. Decent performance but this car is rough around the edges - the ride is firm, mechanical clatter and road noise are always present. Scoobies economy car roots show through at times.

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  2006 Subaru Outback not a hardy 4WD - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By aurora - March 5 - 7:03 pm

  Three big disappointments: 1. it is promoted as a 4 WD with high clearance. So you would think you could take it on a mountain road. Although it has high clearance there is no "low gear" so it doesnt have the umpf to make it up a steep hill (I do not mean extreme steep just a somewhat steep hill -- like to a trailhead). 2. I have owned this car for 3 years and I have had to replace two rear wheel bearings. A mechanic told me that when Subaru redesigned the Outback the rear wheel bearings werent of the quality as the previous design. 3. We had absolutely no steering control on a powder snowy road last winter & crashed 5mph. Ive never experienced anything like that in previous cars.

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  Great Car - But easy fixes overlooked - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Craig - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Subaru after trading in my 01 GTI 1.8T. Still getting use to sitting up high, but happy to be in a car with AWD and some very nice features like Bluetooth and the rear view camera. While I miss the sporty VW, the Outback handles much better than a Grand Cherokee. Paddle shifters great for snowy conditions. Upgraded to the HK stereo but the $400 media hub can not access IPOD play lists and requires you to scroll through artists in alpha. order. The exterior/interior look great but wish there wasnt such a gap between the body and the wheels. The while good interior Subaru over looked some very easy upgrades, like automatic locks and four one-touch window buttons.

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  Great allround vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By sneaux - March 5 - 12:40 am

  Bought this in October of 2008. Pretty fun to drive. Handles great on the road. Plenty of cargo space. Works great with rack on top. Leather feels good. Solid car inside with no squeaks despite all the compartments. Ive heard some people complain about the back seat. I dont think its that bad considering its a car. Have yet to really test the all wheel drive at my lake house. Cant wait.

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  It Does the Job. - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Pacman 2004 - March 3 - 11:46 am

  Car itself has been flawless. The rotors warped at 20,000 miles but dealer replaced them under warranty.

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  After One Year - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By downsouth1 - March 3 - 10:17 am

  I have owned my 2011 Subaru Forester Limited for one year now. Here are the facts: Fun to drive Good gas mileage (getting around 22 in town and 28 on highway if not loaded down). My wife has the 2011 outback and gets even better mileage but it has the CVT transmission instead of the Foresters 4 speed transmission. Waiting for Subaur to change the transmission in the Forester. Rating: Consumer Reports (which I trust) rates the vehicle very high and is one of the reasons I purchased the Forester. The other influencing factor was the AWD. Ride: I found the ride to be good and I am satisfied with it. Quality: The interiors materials and the exteriors metal not so good.