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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  Eyesite feature great, Navigation maps outdated - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By MR - February 22 - 7:14 pm

  Very happy with the Eyesight System & features. Navigation maps are about 3 years out of date in a new car with no updates available. I have contacted Subaru customer service several times and they dont seem to care and dont offer any prospects when an update will be available. Cannot see the clock or outside temperature display (which are poorly placed) if you are wearing polarized sunglasses. Some of the apps are a waste. I miss the calendar and calculator that was available on my 2011 Outback. They could redesign the display of the steering wheel and dash switches to make them more easily readable during the day. At a glance you do not know what some are for. At night with the red display on the buttons they are easier to identify. I dont understand why they havent changed that over the years. Other than that I am quite happy with the car but very unhappy regarding the maps. I would not have bought the navigation system knowing the maps were out of date. Frequently have to use my iPhone for directions.

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  Solid choice - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Spec - February 22 - 7:16 am

  Youll be hard-pressed to find a family-sized wagon in this price range that has a decent reliability record. I opted for the Outback because of its very smooth ride and generous cargo space compared to similarly-priced SUVs. I have not been disappointed. Enjoyable to drive. City mileage for me (~17) is a little disappointing, but highway mileage (~29) has been a pleasant surprise. I wish at times it had a little more power, but in most cases it is more than adequate.

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  Great Little Stationwagon - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Ernie - February 22 - 2:00 am

  After much research and checking out competitors vehicles, my wife and I settled on the Forester. We liked the styling and comfort. Living in the California foothills and mountains we wanted all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. Being a 4 cylinder, I thought it was a little underpowered, but after three months of ownership, we are both convinced, this car needs a 6 speed automatic to perform and keep up with traffic, especially in the hills. Being promoted as an outdoor vehicle for use in the hills, it seems funny most cars have a 6 speed automatic and Subaru has a 4 speed that was common in the 70s. Keeping the engine rpm in the higher ranges would make this car stellar. A good car.

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  great ride - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By lazymedic42 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  owned 97, 05 outbacks. 2011 version much improved in interior space, comfort seating and ergonomics. 3.6 engine is needed for highway; gas mileage much better than listed. Cant throw the new car around like the older models, miss the weather band radio and engine block heater. Back-up video takes time to get used to but worth it;

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  Wheel Shake - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - February 21 - 6:23 am

  Update on the 2010 Legacy with wheel shake and constant correction needed to keep the car straight. Weeks later and the dealer has advised me that other 2010 Legacy owners are coming into the dealer with the same wheel shake and highway drift problem but that Subaru Corp has not found the fix. Im in the process of seeking legal recourse to return the car. For those owners who dont have this problem consider yourself lucky. For potential buyers consider this car with caution and be warned that the test car did not have the problem.

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  Small Commuter Truck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By workb4play - February 21 - 6:10 am

  I bought this Baja Sport as an economical alternative to my RAM 2500 Diesel for a round trip commute of 70 miles. Being only 59" and 180#, this vehicle seems harder to get in the drivers seat than any I have ever owned. It also lacks the power of any previous vehicles. But, I did not buy for power and once you are in the drivers seat, this is one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever owned. It has a sports car ride and feel. Interior finish sets the standard for its competitors. Base vinyl/fabric seats are supportive, top quality, and everyone thinks it is leather. Door panels are equally impressive. Engine is very quiet. Transmission shifts smooth but downshifts at the slightest hill.

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  Getting worse on gas every tank - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ski08071 - February 21 - 2:09 am

  I owned an FJ Cruiser and went to the Crosstrek because of its advertised fuel mileage. In the beginning it was getting 28-30 mpg, now it is 2 months old with 3,000 miles and it just barely gets 20 mpg. I should have kept my FJ, it may have only gotten 16 mpg but at least it was built like a tank.

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  Nice Car! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By jlawson - February 20 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were searching for a safe and roomy second car that had enough room to haul around two small children and the gear that goes along with it. The Forester proved more than adequate. There is plenty of room in the back for the two car seats, and the kids enjoy looking at the stars through the oversized moon roof. This is an extremely comfortable and fun car to drive. The premier leather package contains lots of extra features for a modest price. The Forester is a great family car at a reasonable price.

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  The Best - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By brian denryter - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest Subaru Ever

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  I Love it, Wife hates it - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Angus141 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the engine so much that it overshadows the ride which is poor. But i knew what i was buying. Wife is not auto enthusist(sp) and dosent understand why i would buy something so small and harsh riding. Fine with me.