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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  Great ! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mike - October 1 - 11:33 pm

  This was my first Subaru. We got this vehicle because of ist outstanding safety ratings. Only 6k miles so far its been all good. The front end (exterior) is different, but it grows on you quickly. The interior is just great. Rear seats are on sliders like front seats, it makes for plenty of room even taller people. The AWD and vehicle stability control features make it sure footed in the northern winters. Id recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  New limited 2.5 with nav and eyesite - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bill Ppwell - October 1 - 12:52 am

  I searched for just the right combination of size, cargo capacity, saftey and economy. I decided on a fairly well equipped Limited 2.5 with sunroof nav / eyesite. Once you have decided on sunroof nav the eyesite is just an extra 800 or so. New to car. Will update as I own. Buy experience : ended up working worth Danny at Goldstein Subaru in albany. He was patient, answered all my questions, sought expert advice to answer questions he was not sure on. Saw him at 5 pm Monday. Picked up at 10 am on Wednesday. I recommend this dealer and DNny Update 5/30/16 17,000 miles Car is great. All as expected. Have used for regular dailey driving and a NY to Grand Canyon and back. Car handles well in all situations. Eyesight is gear.

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  Overall, just a great deal - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By cogset - September 30 - 4:53 pm

  Great handling and pickup. Interior is now competitive with anything in its class. I dont use CDs anymore so the 6 CD player (in dash) is gathering dust (using an MP3 player with FM transmitter). Some complain of the turbo lag but I dont find it bothersome, especially as long as you give it some revs. AT 4k miles, two 8 hour trips and one big snowstorm: very, very happy. Im in the NorthEast and forgot how much AWD helps all the time. This much HP in a FWD car would be a bit scary, RWD would be almost useless in snow here. Anyway, AWD comes in handy more often than I thought... you just feel it.

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  Great car for tall drivers - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By JRV - September 30 - 4:33 pm

  I cant tell you how many cars I sat in trying to find a comfortable drivers seat with good leg room (Im 61"). The Outback is just perfect. Love the heated seats, the padded arm rests and the steering wheel stereo controls. Auto dimming mirror and puddle lights are also a nice touch. This car is so smooth on the road, but more than stiff enough on the off road bumps.

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  My Forester Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TotalBlank - September 30 - 10:00 am

  First time owner of an SUV/4WD vehicle. Selected the Subaru Forester for its looks and safety record. Really am impressed with the way it handles and the way it hugs the road. Love the way it drives.

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  Almost perfect - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By benthedog - September 29 - 7:48 pm

  Got a 2013 3.6 with the special appearance package. Car is a joy to drive with plenty of pwr and torque combined with the paddle shifters. This is my first Subaru and I am impressed with the fit and finish. The interior space is more than adequate for my wife and me. The car is easy to get into and out of. The car seems incredibly solid.

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  Bad Ride - 2014 Subaru Legacy
  By rtk3 - September 29 - 4:58 am

  I only had this 2014 Legacy 2.5i Premium for only two weeks. Its my first Subaru. It has a lot of good features, but im having a hard time enjoying them. The ride is hard, it seems like you feel every little bumb in the drivers seat. Im very disappointed! Traded a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix with 136,000 miles, it had its issues, but rode great and was still fun to drive. Cant say the same for the Legacy. Ill have to give it some time. Maybe its just me, but I dont think so. I might have to take a lose and try something different. Let me know what you think!

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  my subie - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By my subie - September 28 - 9:03 am

  Great car. When you step on the gas it takes a second to go then it takes off. The seats though can be more roomier and needs more leg room in the back. Never had mechanical issues. Love the all wheel drive it is great in the snow!

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  A dream car made real - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By bigtrick - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 8 months now. For 7 months, I drove this baby 660 miles almost every weekend between MN and IL. I can say that as competent as this car is as a performance beast, it is also a collected highway cruiser. My gripes would be wind noise (noticeable above 70mph) and long-term comfort of the seats (on a drive from Chicago to Denver and back, the padding on the seat is noticeably flat and uncontoured). Besides that, its an awesome car. So fast its silly, yet spacious and utilitarian. It hauls ass and hauls goods - I fit 3 people, a drum set, and a saxophone in there. In short, I love this car!

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  love subarus - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Erin Casey-williams - September 26 - 3:51 am

  this is the third subaru in our fam (2nd forester; there was also an impreza). great gripping, reliability, resale value. we hope to keep it for the next 15 years.