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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  Feeling good - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Subahonda - January 18 - 9:43 pm

  The interior is nicely detailed and very modern - the interior and exterior look like Subaru has tired cloning an Audi A4 wagon with some success. Best gas mileage so far is only 28 mpg on the highway - should improve with more miles on it. The non-turbo engine is much better than the older ones (my 95 Legacy is slower and less sporty) - certainly more than adequate for normal driving. The auto heat system is baffling and some things are missing that are in the competition (VSC, 5 or 6 speed auto, telescoping steering, auto up windows, integrated key fob). But the AWD trumps everything else - remarkable handling and control under any condition. Impressive crash test results from IIHS!

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  Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Hamilton - January 18 - 7:20 pm

  This is my second Subaru and all I can say is Subaru has done it again. With the new redesigned interior, the car is a dream to look at, and can easily fit 5 to 6 adults comfortably. As far as performance, the car not only handles like a dream (smooth and efficient) but the 3.6L 6 cylinder engine is a monster. Overall I am extremely happy with my new Subaru, and i would highly recommend taking a look at this car before spending a lot more on other cars whose performance doesnt even compare.

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  3000 miles and still liking it - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Sf Guy - January 18 - 5:50 pm

  Wife and I returned to Subaru after we decided to replace our 01 Legacy GT Sedan. The OB 2.5i with CVT does a very nice job regarding comfort ability and mileage. Regarding handling? If I compare it to our old land cruiser its fantastic! If I compare the handling to our old Legacy GT its terrible. The OB is a very good handling SUV and a very marginal handling car as to be expected with the SUV ride height and ability. Rear seat is king when it comes to big kids car seats and comfort etc. The CVT took some getting use to but it does a fantastic job keeping to the power band. Subaru needs to build a turbo and non turbo Legacy GT wagon! Not everyone will find the SUV/Car performance likable.

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  Love this car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By soldonsuby - January 18 - 11:26 am

  I love the way this car does what it does. Traded out of 1/2 ton full size pick up. I am very impressed w/ interior design, layout and comfort. I have big feet so the pedals could all use some more spacing but is not a problem. I like the aux audio jack but wonder why its hidden the console compartment. This does make it easy to "hide" what you have plugged into it. Hmm. The engine power is adequate and fuel economy is great for AWD vehicle of this size. Handling and ride comfort are excellent. Note on the cruise control... would like to tap the accel/decel buttons a number of times and have the speed change the corresponding number of MPH.

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  2003 Legacy Sedan - Excellent Family Car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By dupre29 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I researched many cars, including Camry, and Accord, for my family with a max price of $20-21K. I was very pleased to see the Legacy sedan in this price range. I reviewed not only the specs of the car, including AWD, but the crash tests as well. If you do your homework, and you want the absolute most safe sedan under 21K for your family, pick this vehicle! We love it!

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  Great family adventure mobile - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Gabe - January 17 - 6:23 pm

  We were on the waiting list. This is a great car. We needed to balance fuel economy, AWD, rear leg room, affordability, reliability, and storage space. The Subaru 2010 outback fit the bill.

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  A blast to drive!!! 2016 base WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Josue Lopez - January 17 - 2:03 am

  Im loving this car, I had a 2009 WRX and this car is completely different, interior, engine and suspension wise. This car turns flat there is no roll, the suspension is stiff, you feel like you are really driving a sports car. Tire and wind noise can be improved. Interior is a big improvement over old WRXs, now it is a nice place to be. Materials and design are much better and the sound system even though is not the best is much better than the one that I had before. ( Hate that sound system ). I got the short shifter and is also way better than the long throws of the old 5 speed WRXs. The engine delivers very good torque starting from 2300 RPMs. When driving on the highway on 6th gear you dont need to downshift to get the car going, with the old engine you had to wait until 4000RPM for it to really start moving. As one reviewer said on this new engine, it feels like in Research and Development stage. When you press the gas pedal halfway (maybe much less) from 2300RPM you feel like a nice surge of power that decreases around 4300RPMs it feels very nice and fast without using the whole tachometer. Now if you press the gas pedal all the way down there is no linearity in the power delivery, is like you can feel the turbo easing up then spooling up a couple of times before reaching redline. It is part of its personality. The sense of solidity and good grip give you a nice secure feeling. The WRX that i had got flooded 5 years ago with 7k and truth is I didnt like that car. After reading the reviews of the 2015 model year I decided to give it a shot , test drove it, like it, and now after 2k I want to go to work, and after work home just to drive it. It is not perfect but you learn to appreciate how good it is!!

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  My Sports Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By genee - January 16 - 1:46 pm

  This is my 3rd Subaru. Although I love my Outbacks, my goal was to treat myself to a fun-to-drive awd sedan w/great handling and smooth, powerful acceleration. Oh yes, I want the one w/all the perks too. Mission accomplished! For someone who hadnt driven a turbo, I needed to adjust (and Im glad I did). I test drove this car 4 times at various dealerships to make sure this car was for me. Im sure.

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  More than Worth It, The XT is the one! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By tolyja - January 15 - 8:03 pm

  Purchased a 2009 Subaru Outback 2.5XT in Diamond Grey w/Quartz Silver with slightly off Black Interior. In general this is the perfect vehicle to buy, especially in this trim if you want a sporty SUV alternative. It sits up like a small SUV, handles like sports sedan, accelerates like a small turbo coupe, and brakes like a champion. Im still in the break in period but I have a feeling once this time passes this car will truly shine. Car rides very smooth and balanced, and when bumps are transferred to the cabin they are controlled. Interior is pretty quiet with windows up and wind is buffeting noticeable with windows down. Engine is powerful in all ranges especially with boost up.

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  GET POWER SEATS - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Polishsausag - January 15 - 11:00 am

  I love everything about this vehicle except for the non power seats. If I could have any one feature over again, I would get power seats. I may try to get my hands on one from a junkyard. The bed is amazingly useful. I have used it for a ton of large objects, and the hose off ability is also great. The interior is quite stylish and the turbo definitely makes it feel like a high powered six cylinder. I am a tall guy and wanted a truck that handled like a car and got the gas mileage of a car. This vehicle is everything I wanted. My only complaint - no power seats only recline and slide back. Power seats tilt and adjust in many ways. Go for the power seats, and it will be pure fun!