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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  Good Car, could be great - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By VOLFAN - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for its all around utility, performance and price. I am a little disaapointed in some of the build quiality but I knew this going into it as many others have complained of thin paint, thin windshields, and build quality just slightly better than a Dodge. My biggest concern is the CEL that has now come on twice and I have only driven the car 125 miles! Loose fuel caps can cause this thing to light up?! Sounds like SOA needs to redesign that. I love the car though even though it is quirky

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  Great even for daily driver - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By philw007 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my mitsu 3000gt vr-4 for this awesome upgrade. Although same hp, the sti just feels so much more responsive with minimal turbo lag. The interior could be nicer, but its way better than the evo. The suspension is a little easier on you than the evo, making this a better choice if you are using for daily driver. I love the AWD coupled with the DCCD and supersport ABS braking system. The Defi gauges in the beautiful glowing red and cool starting sequence is excellent. Dont think about buying this car...just buy it!

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  A decent vehicle - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By hai - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We have driven our OB for 45k miles now. My wife drives it to work in the High Sierras during bad weather conditons. We did have warped front disc brakes when we bought it. It took three different dealers before they corrected the problem. Otherwise, no problems to speak of. Oh yes, I tightened the intake carburator manifold housing with a hose clamp and improved the gas mileage by 4 mpg! It is a 4 cylinder. Yes, it is slow on pickup. But we werent looking for a racer. Just a safe, reliable, economical, all-weather vehicle. The only mechanical complaint I have to date is that the auto trans shift lever binds when shifting from park into gear.

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  subaru forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By epatrovs - October 16 - 6:36 am

  Great little SUV. Fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.

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  2016 OUTBACK...LUXURY REDEFINED FOR THE BEST MONEY - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By JP Robertson - October 15 - 11:54 am

  This is my fourth Subaru, and my third Outback Limited. The new changes in the 2016 are very noticeable. I looked at the 2015s, and the 2016 drives so much better. Noticeable is the retuned steering, suspension. Other new additions are Starling SOS. What is so noticeable about the 2016 Outback Limited is how quiet the cabin is for a PZEV 4 cylinder. Acceleration is good, not great - 174hp. Fuel Economy is good average 21 mpg around city, and 35 mpg hwy. I wish the warranty would match that of Hyundai or Kia...but being a Subaru, there are hardly ever any problems. The leather is much improved from the 2014 old design, the dash is absolute luxury, and the harman kardon stereo is 10x better than the 2014 model. The touch key board is very user friendly and you really dont need the book to read on how to use it. Lane Assist Warning works like a dream, as does the blind monitoring...My favorite feature is when someone walk by behind you or drives behind you - you are warned immediately. A bigger moonroof, and my favorite fun toy - voice command (you can do anything from call phone, to change your speed on your fan)...and it is fast and responsive, and understands you. Unlike the 2014 model. Overall I love this car! a lot of car for the money, especially when you compare it to Audi Allroad $55,000 MSRP or Volvo XC60 $50,000 + when you add all the goodies the Subaru has. Why pay more? when you can get all the luxury, safety, and 4WD at such a great price $25,000 to 35,000 (limited loaded PZEV). I totally recommend this car, especially the new 2016 Outback. Its an amazing vehicle with all the upgrades!

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cwTX - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Outback in late February and it has been a great car. Ive put over 18000 miles on it commuting to visit my fiance in Dallas (Im in Houston) about every weekend, driving to Flagstaff,AZ and back and then driving up to Maine and back. I have had 0 complaints. The power was more than sufficient in the mountains and canyons in AZ and the gas mileage has been superb-low 30s on the highway, high 20s in the city. Comfort has not been a problem, even for the 20 hrs straight the fiance and I spent inside the car on the way back from Maine. Between my moms BMW X5 and my Outback, I would pick my Outback. Definitely recommend.

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  1st Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By A.J. - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased Subaru for my wife. Just moved to Vermont so her corolla wouldnt make the winters there. I drive an Audi. After taking the outback for a 3rd test drive. We could not see spending the additional money for the Audi Q5. The Subaru is truly priced well from the get go, and is an excellent value. The steering is not numb and my wife feels it is "FUN" to drive. Now i know why it seems to be the Vermont state car. A.J.E.

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  This car is been great! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Bobo - October 13 - 6:50 pm

  I have owned this car since I bought it from the show room in 2004, when this new style just came out. I still love my car and its still running strong with almost 90K miles. I havent had any problem with regular routine maintenance.

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  Subarus are great cars - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Steven - October 13 - 6:10 pm

  This is our first subaru with VDC. It is fantastic. The car is wonderful with the only complaint being the power band really kicks in at 4000 rpm and above, which is a bit high. Under this it is marginal for a six cylinder. It is nice to own a car that does not look like everything else on the road.

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  broken rod at 84K - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By joebabi - October 12 - 8:36 am

  I believed all the hype about the reliability of subarus til I bought one. 3 Recalls and then the engine blew at 84,000 miles (broken rod). Subarus customer service offered me a whopping $500 toward a new one. Would not recommend these cars. Ride is uncomfortable and interior is cheaply done. Good in snow but not if engine doesnt run.