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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  Legacy 3.6R limited with Navigation - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By senseless1 - November 24 - 7:59 am

  Between the Infiniti G37, Audi A4, Ford Fusion and Lexus IS250, I decided that the Subaru Legacy 3.6 Limited was the best AWD value. I have to parallel park this car often, so the relatively short length was important. Speaking of which, its EASY to park this car, especially with the backup camera and the general visibility overall. I drove the 2.5 four cylinder and then the 3.6 six and its like 2 different cars. The Boxer 6 is smooth, quiet and effortless. I prefer the conventional 5 spd automatic that comes with the six cylinder, even with the small trade-off in fuel economy. The leather seating is awesome and the drive is secure and peaceful. Theres some highway wander over 70mph.

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  Versatile and Fun - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By socalh2oskier - November 21 - 11:56 pm

  This is my fourth Subie. I have owned all sorts of cars, from a Mazda Miata to a Mercedes CLK AMG, Mercedes SL, Jaguar XK, Jaguar XJ8, Lexus and several others. Subaru is one of my all time favorites, especially the Outback. This is a reasonably quick, versatile car with reliability second to none. This is truly one of the most comfortable vehicles you would ever want for a long trip. The ride is quiet and smooth, and gas mileage is suprisingly decent. I average about 17-20 in city driving, with 26-30 highway. Handling is much better than most SUVs, the driving position is high with excellent visibility and it has character. Great value.

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  Rides Hard - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By EricB - November 20 - 7:50 am

  I test drove 7 vehicles before buying my Subaru 2.5 GT LTD.(auto). I like the car a lot, however the ride is sporty, i.e. rides a bit hard if you are coming out of a car like an Accord V6 like I was. Power is great. The left-side rearview mirror is distorted and getting replaced (dealer was helpful, no problem). I miss a few things like radio controls on the steering wheel. I have the optional subwoofer and the radio sounds great. I find the seats a bit hard but finally found a good adjustment for me. No turbo boost gauge. My first tank I got 19.6 mpg., fair enough considering I was in the go pedal a bit. I love the way it looks, mines black. So far, so good. I recommend it.

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  Subaru Legacy GT - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Todd F - November 17 - 8:53 am

  An exceptionally designed car that is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The turbo-charged version gives it a great fun to drive quotient, and its handling is absolutely superb for a family sedan.

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  Fifth Subaru....First New One - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Schoenrock - November 9 - 7:10 am

  My 2009 Subaru Outback 4 cylinder with a four speed overdrive tranny....the last year the Outback was built on the Legacy frame, with 96,000 miles on it....fresh out of the recommended 100K maintenance service (timing belt and radiator/tranny flush)...is going to my youngest son in Fort Collins, CO. Hell likely drive it for ten years. Love this car....handles like a Beamer. It also has a passing gear that puts you back in the seat when need to move. Bought a new 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring last week. IMHO, the 2.5i engine and CVT combo do not offer enough performance in terms of acceleration....its weak. If you need to clime hills or pass cars on two lane State highways....go with the six. This larger Outback has more ground clearance and a higher center of gravity that increases body roll in curves at pace, but the ride is firm and comfortable. The cabin is quiet...no squeaks or knocks...recommend the sunroof windscreen (optional add-on) as it keeps the cabin whisper quiet. Stereo system sounds great and can be EQed to your preference. Its a pricey vehicle, but quality doesnt come cheap often. No buyers remorse here.

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  120k and still a great car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry - November 8 - 7:20 am

  We now have 120k on our Suby. Yes, we had to replace head gaskets at 100k miles. And we had a fuel pump go at 105k, but since then our car has been bullet proof, as it was before these problems. It is regularly used to go up into the mountains and for a brief period I towed a trailer and go kart with it. This is my wifes car and while I would appreciate better gear ratio and spacing, she loves driving it. Seven years old and still going strong. My fourth Suby and not my last.

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  Wait for the 2011 - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By CarProGA - November 8 - 12:16 am

  This car has terrible squeaks and rattles. It drives well but feels underpowered in the mountains of Georgia. I would wait and see if they work out some issues for 2011. Fit and finish and power anemic as well as strange feeling seats after about an hour in the car.

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  New to Us - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By 759397 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car three months ago in May 2003 with 28K miles. Obviously I have only driven it for three months but 5K miles have been put on. I like the design of the car, the interior space and winter performance were the selling points for me. The seats are comfy, the manual shifts nice. The clutch is alright, not great and has some shake, but no big deal. Brakes are a little mushy compared to what I am used to. Stereo is nice for a stock unit and the headlights and foglights are killer for seeing through the darkest roads. I dont have any wind noise and I have the full rack on top.

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  Not Your Fathers Impreza - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By lowkey - November 6 - 1:15 am

  I gave my 2009 Impreza Outback Sport to my college daughter as a replacement. I thought I would go out and replace it with a new one and get the same performance and ride. Wrong. This car travels from the foothills to Denver in winter snow conditions. I dont even recognize it as a reliable snow performer Subaru is noted for. I have 3,700 miles on the Premium Sport and heres my experience. (1) The traction loss fault light flickers frequently in snow and unstable when crossing over 3 or 4 inch snow build up. It gets my heart pumping. (2) Bad manners in cross winds. After 800 miles I was exhausted. (3) The 2.0, CVT, struggles climbing grades at 8,000 ft. I have to put it in 3rd manual mode.

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  A 3 Year Review of the Outback XT - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By 3year-review - November 5 - 5:00 am

  I have put about 42,000 miles on my black on black Outback XT that I leased brand new. This is a great wagon for hauling your junk around. I only had one trip to the dealer for any warranty issues, and that issue was a minor wiring fix. The turbocharged engine has plenty of power on tap. Amazingly, the OEM tires (Potenza) still have decent tread remaining. I average 22 MPG with 75% highway miles and a heavy foot. Drives great in the snow although it does have a tendency to fishtail. I would surely buy one again.