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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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By ob-skier - September 23 - 6:40 am

  Bought based on my mechanic recommending only Toyota, Honda, or Subaru. Had several friends with Outbacks. I considered the RAV4, CR-V, Accord, Legacy sedan. Would have gone with the Legacy, but no fold-down seats limits its utility. Gas mileage is ok - but expected with AWD.

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  Update on bad seats from 4/28/10 - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve G - September 23 - 3:03 am

  I have now had the Legacy for 4 months and about 3000 miles. After $700 spent on 5 trips to an auto upholstery shop for modifications to the driverÂ’s seat, the driverÂ’s seat, while not comfortable, is now tolerable. The adjustable lumbar support works by pushing the foam padding, which is quite rigid, deeper into your back. It is not inflatable as I first thought. I had this seat back foam trimmed and had additional foam in the shape of a wedge and made from softer, less dense foam, added to the seat cushion. I can now drive the car for 2-3 hours without getting a back ache.

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  Poor initial quality - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cwprph - September 22 - 6:33 am

  Upon delivery of vehicle, everything was as advertised. However, once the temperature dipped below 30, the problems surfaced. The emergency brake light flashes and the traction control light stays on while the engine is cold. I took the car back to the dealer who has now had it for 8 days, with zero results. I must say I regret my purchase of the Outback. I had heard good things about Subaru, but unfortunately my experience so far has been terrible. If you like constantly going back to the dealer and using loaner cars, this is the car for you.

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  Very reliable ride! - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacy Lover - September 22 - 5:36 am

  I bought this vehicle new in summer of 2000. It has proven to be a very well made and reliable car. The only glitch has been an engine knock sensor that malfunctioned at 70,000 miles and had to be replaced. This repair cost less than $125. Otherwise, I replaced the tires and performed scheduled maintenance. Feels like a sports car to drive! Goes great in snow and ice with all weather, siped tires, but this Sedan has lower ground clearance than the Outback, so 8" or more of snow can be difficult.

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  2000 Forester what a drama - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Lori Welch - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 00Forester and loved it, even though it was constantly in the shop. Problem is with the rear wheel bearings they constantly go.

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  Great, with a lot of wind noise - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Rideabout - September 22 - 2:00 am

  2003 Outback limited: - Smooth engine and ride feeling. - Good handling. - Overall good interior design with the exception of the bulky dash which stands out towards the driver. - Gearbox sound less painfull and less stressed under any accelleration than the previous model. - Wind noise is a big irritaion from the side mirrors a roof rack especially for a vehicle of this price range.

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  4th Subaru; 1st Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Brian - September 21 - 8:47 pm

  This is a solid package and a relatively good value for the Touring trim. The gas mileage is ok, not great - I think 26-27mpg is about as high as we will see based on the first 1000 miles of driving. We love the overall package though. It feels roomy for such a short car, and the sunroof is incredible...lets in a ton of light, even when its rainy and dark out. I dont love the seats- I feel like Im always sliding forward in them, and the bottom cushions feel too short (Im 6) but are otherwise comfortable. Went to the snow last week and the car did great (as expected). This is a really great car for the money.

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  Pay MORE - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By leebo4 - September 18 - 7:59 pm

  Do yourself a favor by opting for a higher trim...if you have a BACK problem. I purchse 2013 base model just because of the color. It is brown/burgundy (new for 2013) and either wait 8 weeks or take the base model. After 13,000 miles later, I regret my purchase only because of the lacking(or Non) lumbar support and a thigh support. I have a back issue since purchasing this CUV. Of course, if you are moderate sized person, this would not be an issue. Otherwise, it is a very solid vehicle. This is my 4th Subi and would not be the last.

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  Could be better - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By B9CT - September 18 - 7:16 am

  I picked up my B9 yesterday and found things that I didnt during test drive. Woefully lacking in the pick up department. Almost seems the car is too big for the engine. SOA should address with factory authorized aftermarket performance upgrades. Loved the look and feel of the interior, dials and gauges well laid out, informative and good non-intrusive coloring (Blue/Orange). Front, middle and cargo areas have great amounts of room. All in all an ok vehicle.

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  ENGINE PROBLEMS????? - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By linkinparker - September 17 - 10:42 pm

  If my 2000 outback has engine problems then i say thank god the old owners took care of them, i inherited it from my folks when it had 160k miles on it, after 6 years, its just over 270k miles on it, i write this review mainly for my love for my outback and mind you i have to get rid of it soon and the new models arent as reliable if you see this and want something that reliable, practical, and can carry a occasional heavy item then this is your car. Since ive gotten this car ive only really spent about a grand total into minus the norms, gas, wheels, oil changes, ect. wish subaru made their cars like they did back in the early 2ks.