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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  forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By jaynie - August 7 - 10:00 am

  fairly quiet ride especially compared to the CR-V. nice smooth acceleration uphill. doesnt mind "high speed!" lots of nice extras come standard. SO FAR SO GOOD...ONLY 600 MILES!

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  Went from 4x4 pickup to Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By trakonus - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck about a month and a half ago, I wish it came out when I bought my dakota a few years ago. It fit my needs perfectly. It handles great and the upgraded sound system is great. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. My neighbor used to be a mechanic for subarus up north, and he said as long as i use their oil filter and follow the maintenance log it will last a long long time.

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  Almost a great car - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Leo Paquette - August 5 - 3:06 pm

  Bought new in 2007, currently has ~ 55,000 miles. Mostly driven by my wife. Great handling (though no traction control, but very good in snow). No mechanical problems. LL Bean version has self-leveling rear struts, which I thought would be better for trailer towing. Only pulled a utility trailer a few times, so not sure if it helped. Had to replace the struts at 45,000 miles - very expensive (> $1100!). Never rode in the back seats, but the front seats arent very comfortable for very long. Seat bottom is too short, so thigh support is lacking; needs better arm rests; sun visor doesnt cover the center of the windshield, and when turned to the side window it doesnt extend back far enough to keep the sun out of my eyes. Radio display is hard to see during the day. I really like driving it, but the ergonomics arent that good. I might check out an Outback for my next purchase.

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  Tribecta Review - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Diana Dunn - August 4 - 1:33 pm

  I fell in love with looks of this SUV the minute I saw it. The car is real comfortable and looks great. I love the moon roof. It has the navigation system but I havent had time to really learn it yet. However, I bought it because I haul around 4 grandkids all the time as well as I am a realtor and I wanted room for passengers. However, it is a tight squeeze to put more than four people in this vehicle. Three is really more comfortable. The worst part of this car is the extremely poor gas mileage. I thought being it was a 6 cyl. that I would get much better gas mileage than the Lincoln Towncar I traded in to lease this.However I get only 15.6 miles per gal. Also you must use 91% oct.

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  Big improvement! But room for more! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Murphy - August 3 - 5:06 pm

  Ive owned many Subarus, and many other cars for that matter! This car is by far the best Subaru yet. The interior is beautiful and the whole car is carefully engineered and assembled. Its really a shame that they stuck with the lethargic base engine (only 163 HP in the northeast and California). If you enjoy driving, do what you can to stretch your budget to get the turbo or 6 cylinder. This puts the Outback in somewhat of a paradox, with the 2.5i slightly underpowered and the 2.5XT slightly overpriced. Otherwise I find this car a wonderful place to travel! My best suggestion is to watch your dealer carefully, I almost got swindled for $1000 before I caught it!

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  Room for improvement but still a very good option - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By kathy kraholik - July 30 - 11:53 pm

  very comfortable road ride. great mileage for class. over 34 mpg on highway. very loud engine noise. lots of road noise. blind spot monitors not good in bright sunlight, need a larger warning sign, power rear hatch is very finickey needs improved would like to see a foot activated hatch like the ford escape, engine is underpowered, bluetooth constantly disconnects the phones, hard to hear stereo due to road noise, seats in front need a little more support in seat, headlights are not good would like to see bi-xenon headlights, turn lights work well, adaptive cruise control needs work, does not return to speed soon enough almost caused me to get rearended several times, do not like to be forced to purchase a sunroof to get eyesight system, needs front and rear parking sensors, radio controls and options need improved. mainly not enough torque when accelerating and way too much road noise are the biggest drawbacks for me, my ford escape was much better in these areas (2013 titanium) as well as having better headlights, nav system, audio system, front and rear parking sensors and RCTA were all much better and also had a foot activated rear hatch

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  Never EVER thought Id own one! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Frank V. - July 30 - 1:20 pm

  Had a 2010 Nissan Rouge with 140k miles when the CVT transmission went. NOTE: Previous vehicles were a Lexus and Infiniti - now more value conscious. Narrowed search down to: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota Highlander, and the Subaru Forester. When looking at the Forester I drove the Outback and was sold immediately. Post two months of average use and one 1,500 mi. road trip, its actually beat all expectations. EyeSight rocks! Came loaded with everything except the keyless entry - still have to put the key in which is a minor annoyance. Have the green exterior with light color cloth seats which Im somewhat concerned about keeping clean. Cargo space and access (to) are exceptional. Front seats are very supportive. Cargo and back of the back seat protective mats come in handy. Am looking at purchasing the black plastic wheel arches. Tips: Spray glass cleaner onto a cloth rather than directly onto the inside of the windshield so as not to get any cleaner on the EyeSight cameras. Have Subaru tech walk you thru EVERY button and its use - they can be "quirky". When using the UBS cord with your phone, dont expect to keep the cover closed - itll really crimp (the cord). Dont attempt to run it on empty nor "overfill" when fueling. The performance information provides all that youll need. Cant wait until the first snow!

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  Not too bad - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ted - July 30 - 11:56 am

  I have been driving a civic hatchback for the past several years. I loved the civic, but with a growing family, I had to buy something a little roomier. The Outback was a good compromise between the civic that I loved, and the SUVs that I hate. It has enough room inside for me, my wife, and two small children in the back, with car seats. Being a family car, I also like the various standard safety features . The cargo area along with the roof racks, make the outback a great "errand runner". My only complaint is the the lack of power. I describe the outbacks power as barely adequete. It could really use about 10-20 more horsepower. Not terrible, but noticable. Overall I do like the car alot.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By cat - July 28 - 1:10 pm

  This little car is fun to drive, safe and reliable. I have never had a single mechanical problem in four years. When I buy the next car this one stays too I never giving it up.

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  I came back to Subaru! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Tammy P - July 24 - 3:43 am

  After having Mazda buy back my 1st CX 7 and now finally getting out from under and trading in my 2nd CX 7 with many problems, my 08 Subaru XT Limited is GREAT. I get 23 miles to the gallon and yes it takes premium but what would you expect when buying a turbo? I drove home in a snowstorm and the car handled like a dream, unlike the car I traded in. I dont know why I didnt stay with Subaru. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for an AWD buy a Subaru!