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 vehicle but poor dealer service - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By sewel - April 7 - 4:42 am

  My Tribeca has been a great car but factory dealer service was terrible- On my way home from their shop the dashboard lit up like a xmas tree- with only 40k miles it needed some regular service. They reported to me that the electic wire harness was faulty-critters had chewed it and it need to be replaced at more than $1000- was told it was a common occurance on Tribecas???? This one is parked inside athome so wtf- Since that visit the car has had many new problems my advise is to keep away from the Subaru dealer in Plano, TX when times are hard some people go beyond to create more business

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  Nice machine...on snow - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Stan - April 6 - 6:00 pm

  Very well build car. Exceptional on snowy/slushy roads. Great road drivability. Bought just several months ago but love it so far. Not too keen with the outdated design though.

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  Best Commuter for 4 Seasons - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Strand - April 4 - 8:10 pm

  Bought this car as my commuter ride - 90 miles/day on mostly open roads, only a hand full of lights and stops. Believe it or not, Im averaging 34-35 mpg for the last 10k miles. This likely has a lot to do with the lack of stop and go and the elevation (5500-7200). Im still amazed that an AWD car can be this nimble, get this kind of mileage, and do so well in the mountains.

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  Safe but uncomfortable rear leg room. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Amthony - March 30 - 9:26 pm

  This is a great vehicle, great pick up for a 4cyl. and a great design. The rear seats are uncomfortable as far as the foot placement. Front seat floor racks impede the rear passengers feet rest.

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  Legacy Limited Sedan, 2.5L 4 cylinder - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve05 - March 30 - 6:03 pm

  Car handling with AWD is great. Steering feel also very impressive with good suspension. Car rides solid and is comfortable. 175 HP engine provides sufficient low end torque.

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  Love my new Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jkk1943 - March 30 - 5:48 pm

  I love the versatility of my new outback. It is comfortable, quiet and great for long road trips. I am impressed with the fuel economy I consistently get 27-28 mpg in the city and 29-31 on the road. The seats are comfortable, visability is great and the layout of instrumentation is driver friendly. Have had a minor warranty problem with fault in emission control system. Dashboard lights went on and cruise control was on longer operational. Took it to a dealer and they found and fixed a cramped emission hose. Be sure to lock down gas cap after filling or you will get the same effect.

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  Just couldnt get comfortable - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Phylo74 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked Subarus, especially the AWD. I had an 83GL; 91Loyale; 97Impreza; 98Outback Sport, and an 01 Legacy. However, I recently sold my Legacy after only one year and 12000 miles. Its a reliable car with great traction, it just didnt have enough leg room, the steering wheel didnt go high enough, and there is a hard bar or something just under the seat cushioning that would make my thigh numb after about 20 minutes. I now drive my 2000 Mazda Protege instead- really comfortable.

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  Check Engine Light Horrors - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By yifinguy - March 22 - 4:10 am

  I loved my Roo until the Check Engine Light came on. First it was the O-2 sensors code that came up. After a $400 cost to replace those, then came a code indicating Random Misfire and I replaced the plugs, then came a P20296 code showing eventually that it needed a new computer which will cost over $600 for a 2nd hand one - almost $900 for a new one. You have to get it re-keyed with a new Electronic Control Module. Nickel and dime to death isnt the word for it! When those codes come up, you have no cruise either! All of this has happened within a few weeks.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mark Campbell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Moves well in the snow is reasonably comfortable on long trips. has ample storage for a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage is horrible. The final drive ratio is far too low. 20 MPG on freeway at 80 miles per hour. Had a Passat GLX that got 26 at same cruising speed with V-6 same basic power. Reliability has been spotless thru 53K miles. Service costs have been very reasonable. Paint is not terribly chip resistant and scratch resistant not up to expectation level. One squeek in the interior since new which is due to dash and a pillar sleeve contact. Wind noise at speed. Engine noise minor. I would buy again

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  subaru outback - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Len Kitchen - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The only thing that I dont like is it is hard to get in and out of the drivers seat if you leave the seat in the drive position. Some would find that the power was lacking but I am fine with it. For the size of the car the fuel economy could be better. Everthing else like. It is a solid car that rides well and I have not had any problems at all with it. It goes anywhere and handles well and I would buy another one when this wears out which will be a long way down the road the way it is built.