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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  Subaru Forester is a Good Buy - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By gido gido - April 27 - 2:00 am

  The visibility provided by the cars height along with the low rear window makes driving and parking easy. The engine has enough power for the freeway and around town. The car has a very solid feel. The seats are also very comfortable both front and back.

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  Rex Rules - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By jsc - April 26 - 5:31 pm

  Still under 1000 miles and have been babying the motor to break it in; have not been able to unleash the full fury of 268 horses and 258 lb-ft. That said, it is pretty obvious that the torque curve is steep to 2500 rpm and then flattens out after that- one can really feel the engine pulling at 3000. Ride is rough- but thats to be expected; the base car, which I purchased, has 18" wheels wearing the Dunlop Sport Maxxs have stiff enough sidewalls as it is without the need to go any wider or squatter. The car will definitely get winter tires when the season changes. The infotainment (if one can call it entertainment) works well enough, but the interface is klugey and having both "Home" and "Apps" softkeys seems redundant. Sound quality is good enough, but no one buys the WRX for the radio. Hearing the chug-chug when the engine starts is the kind of sound you do want to hear. The interior is nice, if a bit spartan, but the motive technology is what sells the car. The car has been averaging 25 mpg combined; I notice it will get exceptional mileage (30s) on the highway when driven exclusively that way, so while it may not be the most comfortable tourer, at least it can be called efficient. I would have preferred leather seats but you have to get the sunroof-equipped Limited to do so, and I did not want to give up 2" of headroom.

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  As Advertised--But With Minor Annoyances - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By VERY selective buyer - April 26 - 7:53 am

  Handling, safety and stability are all as advertised. I waited until I had driven this car on unplowed back roads in a New England snowstorm to post this review, and I must say the car handled extremely confidently in conditions that I otherwise would have shied from in previous vehicles. There is a feeling of solidity while still retaining an edge of sportiness with this sedan, and because there are relatively few 4-door Outbacks out there, it is a unique driving experience. Although I would recommend this car, please be aware it is not without some mind-boggling minor design flaws that make one wonder what some of the engineers were thinking when they put the finishing touches on this baby.

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  Great all rounder, with no reliability - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ABB - April 25 - 10:00 am

  My first new car. Had no problems at all until 36K. Engine overheated and ruined it. It was fixed under warranty. Then again at 50K car was leaking lots of coolant. Turned out to be the water pump, but again fixed under warranty. Other than reliability, its an overall decent car. Though a bit underpowered, its still fun to drive in all conditions. Very smooth and quiet ride as well. Good clearance for off-roading, but terrible approach angle. With everything fixed, I hope it will take me upto 200K.

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  Great wagon - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By may ma - April 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a wagon for less than 20K. This is it!

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  good value in its class - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By health - April 16 - 8:19 pm

  Large sun roof, alot of features for the money, gas milage has exceeded expectation. 5 speed is fun to drive.

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  Great car with a few issues - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By drfire - April 14 - 3:49 pm

  2015 2.5i Limited. I have owned for about 4mos/4000miles. Great car overall. I will list a few pros and cons for the new model as I have owned a few OBs over the years. Pros: infotainment system works better than most, rear seat room better than most, few luxury touches like powr gate and blind spot warning are nice, maintains grt ground clearance, now with much improved ride. Cons: seriously excessive wind noise (I believe this issue is being addressed by the factory), MPG less than advertised, far less interior storage from prev models, esp in the rear cargo area. CVT works well, but has a very annoying lurch during initial acceleration, lthr seats too short under thigh, too hard.

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  So far, so good - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By AustinFromBoston - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car about 6 months ago for my wife... it was by far the best driving small SUV we drove. Ours had 24,000 when we got it and it has about 30,000 now... no real problems to speak of, except some annoying rattles with interior body parts. I had a 18 year- old BMW that never had any rattles!

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  bucket list - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jeri Ray - April 10 - 8:47 pm

  As my husband put it, the Outback was on my bucket list. We just took it for a weekend getaway and I love it, even he said, didnt even have a silent thought of wish she wouldnt have picked this car. The whole buying experience was good, highly recommend Royal Subaru in Charleston, WV and Kevin Jack was my salesman.

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  A home run... - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By rwoavon - April 10 - 1:33 am

  I purchased this car to replace a 2000 Volvo x-Country wagon which fell apart at 59,000 miles. I bought the Subaru Outback because 1)it provided wagon- like features; 2) it was cheaper than a Volvo; 3) the 2.5 ltr. turbo flies. We are now at 45,000 miles and have been DELIGHTED with 1)its reliability- never a problem; 2) the engine- wow, does this car move; 3) its capabilities- all wheel drive makes this car indestructible on snow, ice and rain. Negatives- we wish the car was a wee bit larger. Also, lack of a telescoping steering wheel is annoying. We love this car but looked at the new and larger 2010 redesign. However, without a 2.5 liter turbo option, we prefer our car. Zoom Zoom!