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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  First Subaru - 2015 Outback 3.6R - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By echodave2004 - December 10 - 4:29 am

  Was originally interested in the 4cyl Forester, but after reading about Oil Consumption Issues with the 4cyl engines, decided to go for the 6cyl Outback. The 6 cyl with the CVT is very Smooth/Quiet and has nice pep. There is a little lean with turns, but no big deal (taller car). The interior and infotainment system is much improved over previous models. Speakers are clear, but seem to lack some depth to the sound. USB ports are GREAT for music. Did not get the eyesight/nav system cause of the extra cost. LOVE the blindspot monitoring system. Very happy with the purchase and look forward to the next 10+ years with this vehicle. Bring on Winter!!

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  Subaru STi Rocks - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bulletboss - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I planned to test drive a number of performance 4-door sedans, but then I test drove an STi and was so blown away I bought it on the spot. This has to be one of the best, if not THE best, high performance car bargain ever. I dig everything about my STi and have to open the door to my garage several times a night just to gaze upon my resting blue devil waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting motoring public. As a bonus, I have instant respect from the fast & furious crowd (and even the grayinig, detroit iron bably boomer crowd, of which I am one) anytime I pull up to the gas pump or stop by the local cruise night. This car rocks!

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  Exceeds Expectations! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ladywclass - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of new cars including several Suburbans. With kids grown and a move to snow country, I bought the OB new and have found it to be the best car I have owned in my life. Any other cars had to be taken back to the dealer within about 2 weeks with a long list of fixes. (Maybe they lowered my expectations for this car ... lol) I looked for several months before buying, and had intended to purchase a small SUV. The OB gave me the best of two worlds - the AWD and the hauling capacity of a small SUV with the comfort and better ride of a nice car.

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  We bought two. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By A new Subaru fan - December 5 - 7:08 pm

  My wife and I car shopped for two months and nothing compares to the 17 Outback Touring. She decided on the Touring, not me. Since it was "her" car, I didnt drive it a lot (my daily driver was an 05 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 that has 14k on it. I am the original owner.) We live very close to Sequoia National Park. What I fell in love with about her car is that you can throw any road condition at it with no complaint or hesitation. Through all of this, you can balance a dime on the dashboard. Its basically a Legacy 3.6r chassis with a wagon-ish body. The Forester is a bit too tall for us. Rather a bit ungainly (just my humble opinion). Soon after we bought the Touring, we took it on a weekend to Monterey/Carmel. Old money is there. They can buy anything. Guess what? we saw a lot of new Outback Tourings with the 3.6r. Wow! Ferraris, Maseratis, and 3.6r Tourings. Crazy. So I told my wife that I was totally sold on the 3.6r Touring. We proceeded to buy another. Now that one is my daily driver and I placed the SRT-6 in mothballs. Ive owned over 50 cars in my life and this one is my favorite. Having 2, obviously I have no complaints. Extremely well designed and engineered. A bargain compared to the competition. From a die-hard Toyota customer, Subaru now has my business. Lastly, the only vehicle that Toyota makes that is truly comparable is the Land Cruiser and that is waaaay more expensive. Just my 2 experienced cents.

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  This car is a great value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By bh123 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  It makes the commute to work actually fun! Great performance and comfort.

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  Go drive it! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Mathias - December 3 - 6:36 am

  This is an awesome car. Looked at the Mazda 3, Hyundai Tiburon, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Ford Focus, and more. The Impreza is in a class by itself, and sells for about the same price as the others given the amount of standard options. Very safe car with AWD for the winter season and a blast to drive. I cant say enough good things about it. Anyone considering a sedan for under $20K needs to check this out. Keep in mind the mechanical advantage over the competition (ie: AWD and the boxer engine).

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  Concept SUV in Production - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ronzzo - December 2 - 5:53 am

  I first saw the Tribeca in March at a special invitation by Subaru. The styling of the vehicle, especially the interior had me sold, but I wanted to wait until I was able to test drive it. I finally did drive it and purchased it two weeks ago.I absolutely love driving it. The ride is quiet and it handles very well in turns. The instrumentation controls are at close reach and the brightly lighted gauges are easy to view. The five passenger vehicle is roomy and the adjustable rear seat supplies plenty of leg room.

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  Really loving my legacy - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Craig Bonvechio - November 30 - 10:42 pm

  I havent been able to find a flaw in this car after 6 weeks of ownership. No it is not a sporty sedan but then I didnt want nor expect that out of this car. Love the eyesight aids I was worried they would bother me but they work flawlessly. Remind me when I get out of lane or if I havent started moving at a stop light. Looks very sharp and lots of cargo room. We had a blizzard and being used to the old forester I had wasnt sure if the legacy would be that good. But it was actually better stuck like glue to the roads. Negoitating with dealer was a breeze they honored the Edmunds quote perfectly and gave a fair trade for my car matching what Edmunds said it would be. Seriously I have been buying cars for decades this was the easiest by far. 6 Months nothing really changed still love it. Had a flat tire but that is hardly the cars fault.

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  not just a yuppie car. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By james333 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  A sturdy car built to last. It gets me through quick turns, bottomless pot holes and icy roads. A great car for the price, dont pay more than invoice...make the dealer show you what they paid for it, money is everything these days. Anyway, just test drive one. If youe have a dog, children, bikes, snowboards etc. save yourself the trouble and get a Forester.

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  Best car I ever owned ! - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By walt - November 28 - 10:10 pm

  I feel very lucky to have purchased my Tribeca Limited.I get a lot of stares while driving it and it is a true pleasure to drive. The Boxer engine puts out great passing power. I dont always relax when driving it because Im afraid someone will be on their cell-phone, not pay attention and hit me.My wife test drove the car and a young girl on her phone tried to cut in front of us and almost caused an accident. I love my Subaru!