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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  Liking it so far - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By new2subi - November 21 - 7:20 am

  With a new baby, we had to ditch the pony car for this one, and we are not disappointed. We liked the interior/exterior, acceleration, comfort, etc, which is why we bought it. We are very happy with the car thus far, and cant wait to take it camping, skiing, and on the road. Wind noise is noticeable, but coming from a convertible, this is not a problem. Stereo is great, as is the 6 disc option and steering wheel controls.

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  Performance AND Utility - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nhesketh - November 20 - 2:43 pm

  I could not decide between a used WRX and an older LL Bean Limited Outback wagon (pre-2005). I am a car person, and love performance, but need the room too. Until this vehicle came along, I was not sure what I was going to do. When I saw this, I was amazed that you could get a turbo AWD wagon, and had to have one. I have been happy with it ever since. It drives wonderfully, and is very comfortable with the leather upholster and heated seats. The stereo is okay, but I am not an audiophile, so it is good enough for me. It would be nice to have an iPod jack though. The acceleration on this car is amazing, and the traction is excellent. I have had Subis for years and love the AWD. Buy one.

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  Solid and reliable but quircky - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Gregg - November 20 - 9:46 am

  Transmission shifts are odd with AC on. Needs more interior storage cabbies. Trunk light is a joke. Passenger side and rear window/lock controls dont light up at night. Seats could be a bit more comfy. Radio controls could be more intuitive. Wish it had speed sensitive door locks and a light in the glove box. On the positive side it is solid,smooth,free of squeaks or rattles and has great build quality and ratings. Wish front passenger seat would fold flat.

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  Buy ANYTHING but the turbo model - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - November 19 - 11:52 am

  Maybe when they were new it was fine, but I bought a used one and the turbo destroyed the engine on the trip home. Buy any other non-turbo model, theyre probably fine, but the turbo is so unreliably my mechanic basically said theres no guarantee its going to last more than a year. This is after I spent $8,000 to buy it, and another $6,000 to put in a new engine. Not worth it. This is a nightmare. Never buying a Sub again. Avoid under any circumstances, no NOT buy the turbo model.

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  Michigan review - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Subuaru Impreza - November 18 - 7:56 am

  The car has really kept us moving. It it good on gas (about 25 hwy) and rides smoothly. The turn radius is good for parking. The hatch back is ideal for around town for a trip to the grocery or even hardware store, as the back seats easily fold down (2/3 split) to allow one person in back while extra room is created for long items such as garden tools or lumber. The ride could be a little quieter but then that would mean more weight thus increasing mileage. So cant have everything. The AWD is great in heavy downpours or when snow begins to fall. I really feel secure to the road, even during these conditions.

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  Subaru wont stand behind its product - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By shemonkey - November 17 - 10:51 pm

  My air conditioner compressor failed in my 2008 Outback after 45,000 miles. The compressor was no longer covered by warranty. It cost me over $900 to replace the compressor, including parts and labor. My mechanic suggested I write a letter to Subaru of America to ask for reimbursement. I wrote a detailed letter to Subaru of America. Subaru of America wrote back with perhaps the lamest correspondence I have ever received, stating that "Subaru is not responsible for defective parts or workmanship from subcontractors." Needless to say, I will never purchase another Subaru product. My Outback is average or below average in every way, from handling to craftsmanship to fuel economy.

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  Second Subie in 4 Months! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By htx3 - November 17 - 6:44 pm

  Awesome Car! Bought my wife a 2011 Forester Premium in July. Our first Subie. I loved it so much I went and bought a 2011 Forester for myself. Got the 2.5 X(base) 5 speed. I was a GM owner for a number of years. I am sold on Subaru! Solid reliable cars. I have no complaints!

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  Buy a radar detector - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By slewis - November 17 - 9:30 am

  This car has it all. Comfort, safety, and fun. All wheel drive 250HP turbo is unbelievable. I test drove a WRX but realized it couldnt be the family car I needed. The Legacy GT was the answer. I test drove 330s, TL, TSX, 9-3, A-4. Nothing comes close to the fun of the Legacy. The all wheel drive along with the power is an unbeatable combination. Youve got to test drive it to understand.

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  2007 Legacy Wagon Does Well - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Altair108 - November 16 - 9:56 pm

  Owned the Wagon for 13 months. Love the sleek but understated styling. This is a great looking wagon: lines, wheels, every angle looks good. Mixed driving around town & on local hwy gives 24 - 26 mpg. Hwy gives >30 mpg using regular fuel (2.5i). Manual trans helps but shifting is sluggish and no short throw available for wagon!? Crazy! After pushing dealer several times they finally corrected an engine hesitation w/ a "reflash", basically a software update. If you have this issue, get it fixed! Cabin is smallish and finish not up to my 1998 Acura Integra which I enjoy driving more. Ergonomics are OK but not quite as good as Acura/Audi. For a wagon its great fun to drive. Recommended.

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  I love my new outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By John Cavanagh - November 15 - 8:38 pm

  Love the outback. Hot car.