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 Value - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Daniel - July 13 - 10:06 pm

  First Outback and likely we would get another. Good performer for the price. Got ours brand new for just over $20K. I have had brake noise issues since day one. I have taken it on several road trips, holds a nice amount of cargo and good MPG.

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  Awesome - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By mike - July 13 - 3:03 am

  This car is awesome. Getting 30 mpg overall and beautiful leather and features you wont find anywhere for under 35,000 dollars!! Heated wipers and washer fluid, All wheel drive, heated seats with 4 settings and heated mirrors, this car is awesome. This car has been excellent for the past week Ive owned it.

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  First Subaru Purchase - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By chief47131 - July 11 - 10:21 am

  I have owned Ford vehicles all my life, but due to quality issues, decided to purchase a 2011 Subaru Outback. After owning this vehicle for over a year, and with 15,000 miles, it has exceeded my expectations and is worthy of all the positive reviews. I have no issues with the 4 cyl. not having enough power. It does very well in all driving settings and my gas mileage is averaging 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Interior room is great for a family of four. Handling in snow is terriffic with no issues whatsoever. The Outback is a great reliable, economical, safe family vehicle.

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  My 3rd Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Hemlock99 - July 9 - 6:40 pm

  Enjoying the new roominess of the larger 2010. Getting very good mileage for this size car, averaging 29-30 every tank. Handling is a little stiff for a brand and model that has been around a while.

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  Impreza 2.5i M5 Wagon - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By ZB - July 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an update to my first submission on 9/12/2005. We have since acquired 116,000 trouble free miles on our 2006 2.5i M5 Impreza Wagon. There have been zero mechanical issues with the vehicle since purchased new. Fuel economy ranges from 28 - 32 mpg in mixed driving. Brake pads and rotors were changed twice once at 64k and once at 100k miles. Timing belt,battery,water pump, struts and springs replaced at 109k miles. Overall we have been very happy with our Subaru and intend to keep this vehicle for another 150k miles. We are so happy with Subarus we bought an 08 for my wife and I inherited this car.

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  Head gasket nightmare - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By speedballjet - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Outback new 2/2002. During warranty, the automatic seat broke & would no longer adjust for height. It was fixed free of charge. Soon after warranty expired, the same problem. Ive never fixed it because the cost is over $600-- ridiculous. Ive only got 65,000 miles, just put new tires on the car, and my mechanic informs me that I have an oil leak and need head gaskets replaced. He showed me a Subaru Service Bulletin which extended the warranty to 8 yrs and 100,000 miles if vehicle leaking coolant. Long story short, even though I wasnt yet leaking coolant, Subaru agreed to pay for 1/2 cost including head gaskets, water pump, and seals. Cost to me $800. I still love the car.

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  Great, little things need to be fixed - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DK - July 8 - 10:00 am

  We had a steering shimmy at 60+mph, but was fixed with dealer changing wheels/tires upon pick-up. Great all around car, but for a "Premium" trim that costs about $28000, missing too many little details. My Scion($18000) has one-touch auto up/down windows at ALL windows, the Subaru only has the drivers side. For an "outdoors" car, the door cup holders should hold a Nalgene Bottle. Throttle response in Reverse is horrible. Great off road, great seats, awesome amount of space in second row and rear cargo area. Folding cross-members are an excellent idea. the front seats are comfortable and seat heaters are quick to heat. Driving for MPG, I can get around 30-33 highway/city mix!

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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By lad - July 8 - 10:00 am

  ive been driving my forester for 6 months now. Drives great-love the handling-it really grips the road. Good gas mileage-avg. 27 mpg. Back seat is great for kids-very roomy,they love the reclining seats and center console with cup holders. I do wish their was more room in front center console for purse- I removed partition, but it eliminates one cup holder when doing so. Drivers seat is comfy but wish it had memory for when my husband and I switch. Passenger seat should have 10 way power as well because it is very low and at only 5 2" I have a hard time seeing. Overall I have been extremely satisfied with my purchase and cant wait to try my AWD this winter.

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  WAY better than last generation - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By DC Person - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I used to hate Outbacks. (We have driven in one on several occasions for approximately 400 miles on at least 5 occasions). In fact, we refused to test drive this one for a while until I convinced her to give it a try. Instead, we were looking at the 2010 Passat Wagon and liked how that one handled and felt the engine had enough power. I also disagree with Edmunds; the ride is not "doughy" at all. I have never been in a wagon at this price point that has performed this well on the road. The V6 is quite zippy and I routinely dodge around "sportier" vehicles downtown with just myself in tow. The interior is much improved over the last generation and is far more comfortable.

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  Nice toy car! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Rexmaster - July 7 - 1:23 pm

  I only had this car for 4 days and must say I really enjoy driving this car! Handling is superb for a stock suspension. Nice alternative for the pricey STi.