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:

• 

  Great ride - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By MikeyEv - January 17 - 7:56 pm

  I bought this car in February of 2008. Im not a big fan of the 4dr, but I do love my 5dr wagon. I had a great buying experience and I got a great deal. I love the way the car drives. Great all-around ride and suspension. Lots of power. It has very little turbo lag. Its great on hills. With the seats folded down, there is a lot of space. The car is very practical, reliable, and mostly importantly fun.

• 

  If Youre Deaf This Cars for You - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By crestfallen - January 17 - 6:53 pm

  I reluctantly traded in my beloved Audi Allroad because it was at the end of its life. I was shopping for a manual transmission sports wagon and someone suggested the OutBack Turbo. I drove the car and was mildly impressed with the acceleration and ride so I decided to buy it. I never expected to be in the situation Im in now. The tailgate rattles to the point that nobody wants to be in the car. I cant turn the radio up loud enough to mask it. Its been repaired 3 times and each time it rattles on the way out of the dealership. Subaru has no suggestions. Before you buy this car check out internet blogs about Outback rattles. Theres literally dozens of them. This isnt uncommon!

• 

  Excellent Buy - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By mira4 - January 15 - 11:00 pm

  Solid build quality, although the some of the plastics look cheap. Will not find a better car for the price.

• 

  Mistake - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Hardcore - January 15 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Chevy Trailblazer to save money on car payments and in gas. I do feel like a made a mistake by not really shopping around a bit before making my decision. I was trying to save money but making sure that I got a vehicle that had AWD. I wouldnt recommend getting the Impreza and would tell anyone who asked to look into other AWD cars. There are plenty out there, they may be a bit pricey but I believe its worth it to love what you drive. I also have been looking into a few other cars that have AWD and if you look online, you can find lists of cars that have an AWD option. On top of not "loving that car", the dealer that I bought this from just wanted to sell a car.

• 

  Great car...but the seats... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - January 15 - 1:07 pm

  I looked at cars for months. Took a hard look at the Murano, Edge, CX5, and Grand Cherokee before finally getting down to two: Acura RDX and Outback 3.6. After multiple dealer visits to both and a lot of research, I found the lack of trunk space and higher price tag of the Acura (along with outdated infotainment on Base model) pushed me to the Outback. Outback has been everything I hoped (with one exception Ill get to below). The 3.6 with the CVT delivers the best driving experience Ive ever had. Its not a BMW to be sure, but the acceleration and shifting is so smooth, Im blown away. So happy i got the 3.6. And I love the fit and finish inside, high quality, and definitely a luxury look. While i found the infotainment screen a little cumbersome at first, once I spent 20 minutes or so with it in the driveway, i love it. Nice big touch screen and great phone interface too. I also like how the arm rests hit me while I hold the wheel, and the headroom is fantastic (I opted NOT to get the sunroof). This care feels more like a luxury car inside than the RDX did. The only thing I dont like are the seats. Im 61", and the drivers seat is way too short. I realize 90% of Outback drivers are 54" women, but these seats are awful. I havent done a roadtrip yet (only had it two weeks), so Im interested to see how I hold up. For anyone over 510", be very sure you are ok with the seats on this car before you buy. Do a nice long test drive or keep it for a day if you can. Im looking into some after market bolstering options, but I dont think theres much that can be done. Its a shame too, as I couldnt be happier with everything else about this car.

• 

  Quite the little power house! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ruben Escatell - January 15 - 6:46 am

  This Subaru (my first!) exceeded my expectations of a mini SUV ... handles more like a sports car with its breathtaking acceleration and road-hugging suspension. With state-of-the-art sound system, this car as a highway cruiser year round has no peer, whether in snow, sleet, rain, or sun!

• 

  just gets better - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By alzada - January 14 - 6:35 am

  Odometer just turned 20,000. Have had none of the problems some other owners reported. Wish Subaru had some of the things found on practically everybody elses cars at this trim level [doors that lock when you put it in gear, turn signals on mirrors would be nice] but without a doubt, I feel more secure driving this than ANY other car (or truck) Ive ever driven since I started driving in 1963. [and considering I am a "car-aholic", thats over 50 vehicles!]

• 

  WRX Crazy! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ofixit - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have just purchased my WRX, due to moving to CA and having my 00 Civic Si stolen. You barely hit the gas and youre gone, I was so used to whining up my civic to 7-8k rpms to get good power. I am super satisfied with the car, I thought I would be a loyal Honda owner forever, but subaru has taken its place. Broke the car in for 1000 miles, then took it out on the racetrack for the weekend, love the way no power is wasted with the AWD.

• 

  This car is awsome. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Scoobyvroom - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I used to have a 350HP AWD Talon but this thing is great. It has loads of bottom end. Its o.k in the snow however I belive that the tires is what hurts it most in snow traction.However the AWD makes up for it. Very good interior build quality. Feels sound and sturdy, yet the seats are great for long distance travel. I have driven my car from MN to Chicago, IL many times and it was a wonderful car. After 3-4 hours my legs felt great no cramping or anything. Definatly worth the money for this car. I had looked at many other cars. and this blew everything out of the water for the price/quality.

• 

  Luv my Scoobie! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By diane - January 14 - 12:03 am

  This little SUV with the Turbo will move when I need it to. Its so handy to haul items, easy to fold seats down, easy to remove the headrests. I love the auto climate control, great stereo. I have great control of car in adverse weather conditions - I feel SAFE driving this car. Doors feel solid when you shut them.