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:

• 

  stealth wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By arizona - June 18 - 10:56 pm

  Car is pleasant to look at but doesnt attract attention. The turbo gives it a serious turn of speed. Has been comfortable on long (7 hour) highway trips. Has performed well on off road camping excursions. Did very well last year during a major snowstorm and snow covered roads in Colorado (where every third car seemed to be a Subaru). Holds a surprising amount of gear. Longer wheelbase gives it a more comfortable highway ride than the Forester.

• 

  Different strokes - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By mikeb - June 18 - 1:03 pm

  Obviously people have had differing experiences. Mine have been superb. I had a 2004 Outback with 100,000 miles; loved it, but decided it was time for a change. Tested the RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Acura RDX; kept coming back to the Outback. After 2000 miles, its nothing but delightful. The ride is firm but quiet. The transmission selection system works well; gear selection on hills is much better than with the 2004. Biggest surprise is the mileage; guided by the gas consumption guage, and trying to maintain a fairly light foot, Ive been getting 23 mpg in-town and 27 on the Interstate (contrary to the 17/24 official rating). The car is great fun to drive.

• 

  2004 Subaru XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By desh - June 17 - 4:40 pm

  I like the performance of the Turbo XT compared to the standard model. It seems so effortless merging into traffic and if you need it, really has the get up an go. The negative is that the mileage is much worse than I expected - about 20 mpg. I also like the heaters in the mirrors, under the wipers, and in the seats. I had to have the discs turned at 33K due to brake pulsating, but that was free under warranty. I also had a fog light burn out which to my surprise was covered under warranty (bulb costs $20.00). All in all, the Forester is a great car and I love it.

• 

  as expected - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By spencer - June 15 - 4:30 pm

  Our family has had at least one Subaru in our fleet for more than a decade. The 2007 basic Outback features a nice combination of performance, comfort,and versatility. The fact that Subarus feature AWD, solid reliability, and good resale value keep us coming back. Subaru also partners with Chase Bank to bring you a Subaru credit card that makes purchasing and maintaining your Subaru less financially burdensome. Subaru continues to move forward with quality and design improvements. I wouldnt say the 07 Outback deserves to be called "luxurious", but it is not far deserving that moniker. Price of this car goes up quickly with the addition of creature comforts.

• 

  Subaru - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By duck123 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive

• 

  My fourth Subaru - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Vince Toman - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I havent had this particular car long but it is my 4th Subaru and I know what to expect. So far, this vehicle has met all of my expectations of fit and finish and overall performance. I expect the winter driving experience to meet all of my expectations as well. I picked this car up on Tuesday and drove it 1200 miles to Ohio without a mechanical problem. There was some wind noise at speeds around 45 mph that I didnt expect and when I returned, I mentioned this to the dealer and they were able to correct that by adjusting the glass track and replacing a mirror gusset (?). It now has the quiet ride I anticipated.

• 

  What a great surprise! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By 2 Bees - June 15 - 5:06 am

  My husband brought his Subaru down to the states from Canada 10 years ago.In South Florida it was an "oddball" to say the least. When we moved to Las Vegas it was in much better company but getting old. While in the dealership for service we watched the Bajas get unloaded, once I saw the yellow one I was hooked! Between the quality and finish I love this car. (No, its not a truck!) What a blast dashing through the Las Vegas wash in this vehicle, great for off road adventures! I now participate in art festivals and only a minivan will out do this baby. We had a kayak carrier built we love everything about our Baja!

• 

  Love my Subie! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By kmaurer - June 13 - 6:46 pm

  This is my second Legacy. I previously owned a 2008 2.5i Limited. This is a great car! Powerful, quiet, stunning, roomy... the list could go on and on! My 6 friends fit easily in the back. The Satin White Peal paint is wonderful, and I usually dont like white cars. Transmission is very smooth (5-speed), and the 6-cylinder delivers more power than you could ever need. Cant wait for the first road trip! The "eco" gauge is dumb and doesnt make much sense.

• 

  10,000 miles follow-up - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By kb - June 13 - 1:56 pm

  After 10,000 miles my 05 Forester XT Premium 5M is still wonderful. I average 24.7 mpg city/highway with a 5 day-a-week 100% city commute. So far best mpg 33.4, worst 15.2. The car is an excellent value, lots of standard features, great handling and excelleration. All better than its primary competition, like the CRV, Rav4, and Liberty. I looked at them all, including more expensive vehicles like X3, Touareg, and 4Runner (any anything else you can think of). Its a little difficult to pack all my gear into, including my dogs crate, but it can be done if you were any good at Tetris. I use a roof box, a Thule Cascade 1500.

• 

  Great choice - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Marc Lobell - June 13 - 10:00 am

  After careful research, we opted for this car. Coming out of 2 Saabs, this is a totally better built and better thought-out machine. The Saabs were more fun to drive, but had serious reliability issues. We expect to have this Subaru for years and years and cant wait to take a long trip. The car has so much room inside and aside from the extra height, drives like a car, not like an SUV. The only critique is that lacks a bit of oomph getting on highways, but the paddle shifters are a good remedy for this :-)