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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  B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John - January 22 - 1:13 am

  After six months, am still very impressed with this vehicle. Came out of an X5 and feel the Tribeca is closer to the drive feel of the X5 than the price difference suggests. Extremely nice interior and nav system.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By H. Hudson - January 21 - 10:23 am

  We have had zero problems with this vehicle. Has a lot of punch and great to drive. Fair gas mileage. Passenger seat too hard for me.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Boston Bloviator - January 20 - 6:36 pm

  I bought XT Limited this primarily for my wife, who had been nursing along a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Laredo with 130K+ miles. The new Subie is a pleasant driving experience! The turbo provides a distinct but not overpowering reminder that this Forester is no longer a narcoleptic Sunday drive with Aunt Millie and Uncle Olaf. Plenty of room. Im 6-2, and theres still headroom. Our 2 boys like the moon-roof. The 09 Forester is wider, longer, and taller, making it larger than other "small" SUVs, and very close to what I expect from mid-SUVs I have to laugh - the coffee-cup holder is still flimsy and cheap looking - just like in all Subarus, including our 99 Sub Outback wagon.

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  2001 Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Doug - January 20 - 1:13 am

  The Outback was our first "new" car, and we can certainly afford anything. This car has been completely troublefree, aside from the cupholder in the back seat that my kids stepped on (and broke). There is a lingering concern regarding head gaskets with the 2.5 engine. We have had no trouble at all. I do not know what incidence exists for these engines. We have a Subaru fanatic nearby who will change both sides for about $1500. Would I buy again? You bet - in fact, were shopping right now for a Forester for her, so that I can start driving the 01 Outback - my 91 Loyale has 209k on it, and running fine but a bit of an embarrassment in this neighborhood.

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  Fantastic car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By budrew - January 18 - 2:01 am

  I have previously owned Outbacks: Gen 1, 2, 3 (turbo). I skipped Gen 4 as I did not like the styling at all. In the interim I leased a VW GTI, a very different (fun) car. However, it did not fit our lifestyle and made my family car sick, so I longed for a return to the Outback. The 2015 Outback is simply amazing - it seems to surpass all previous Outbacks in most every way. The styling is vastly improved, sharp in fact. It is a very comfortable car with a great ride. Acceleration is perfectly fine, steering is nice and tight, CVT is better than expected. Audio is very good if not fantastic, nav and other "tech" work great. Twilight Blue Metallic with dark interior - super sweet!

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  Happy with car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By flamanatee - January 17 - 4:22 pm

  The OB matches the comfort level of my 04 Rainier. Love the gas milage especially on longer trips. Over all very pleased with this car. Chose Premium version because we live in FLA and do not need the all weather package that is standard on Limited.

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  I love Subaru Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By research - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  I just purchase this vehicle for couple months and made 2000 miles on this car with a trip to Tahoe. Kind of lack of power when up the hill on the Tahoe but thats 4cyl car design. The only thing I dont like and realized after the trip is the armrest too low, I have no place to rest my arm. So far this is the first Subaru car I bought and its fun to drive.

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  New Subaru Owner - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By ICW - January 15 - 5:00 pm

  Just got an automatic 2005 XT turbo Forester last week. Took it on a trip to New York city for Memorial Day weekend from PA (approximately 350 mile round trip). We love everything about this car so far! We were looking for a car with more cargo space than our two compact sedans, but were not interested in a large SUV or minivan. We have a 1 1/2 year old baby and what initially attracted us to Forester was its high safety rating by Consumer Report. We also are looking for a AWD or 4WD for the winter. After looking at various small SUV and wagons (Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4, etc) we decided to go with Subaru based on many positive reviews. I personally love the extra power turbo provides.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By FirstTimeSubaruOwner - January 13 - 6:16 pm

  I owned my last car for over 10 years and I bought this with the intention of owning it just as long. This car has the best combination of utility, good mileage, low emissions, and safety (my priorities) that I could find...only the Forester came close. I was fully aware that to maximize these qualities I had give up a bit of power (Im not passing many cars when driving up to the mountains), but this was a trade-off I was more than happy to make. I went for the comforts of the Limited because I plan to have the car a long time - the sunroof and leather together made that decision worthwhile. Everything about the car exudes solidness and smart design. I couldnt be happier!

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  Review for Rural Mail Carriers - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By oldgoatrr1 - January 12 - 7:23 pm

  Ride and seat comfort is comfortable, neither too hard nor too soft. Interior room is huge for its size. Drivers seat very adjustable. If you are tall, leaning over console armrest is no problem. If you are short, your seat back will be in front of the armrest so you can slide over the cupholders to reach boxes on the right side. Side windows are large and go up/down quicker than most. Outside mirrors are good size and are more tall than wide, so pulling up to boxes is easy. All windows seem very large as well, visibility is the best of any vehicle I have driven. Lots of room all through the Forester for tubs/trays and can be stacked as high as you dare.