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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  Overpriced. Needs a LOT of Expensive Repairs! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By bob - November 9 - 10:07 am

  Our 2012 has needed a new transmission with under 65,000 miles, new head gaskets, and a new timing belt. Altogether, we have paid well over $10,000 in repairs. It also go through oil very fast, the tires and brake pads wear out quickly, and the transmission fluid costs more than $300 per bottle!

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  BUY ONE NOW! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By WRX STi - November 9 - 4:13 am

  I have had many so-called sports cars and this is by far and away the best car for the money. The price performance ratio is solidly in this cars favor as it is as fast as many cars that are twice the price. Peerless handling in all weather conditions inspires complete confidence. If you are a new driver, however, this is NOT the car for you. It would be for someone who is experienced enough to use it to its full potential. I have had no problems with the car at all, and it is just a rocket sled. Dont look for big MPG numbers, especially if driven in anger. My only other advice: Buy one NOW!

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  High Tech needs auto locks - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bernie - November 8 - 2:47 pm

  The doors do not lock when put in drive, this must be done manual. With all the high tech in this vehicle this would be standard. Rest of vehicle works great.

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  Fouth one is stilll depentable - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By s u - November 8 - 1:55 pm

  I am on my forth Subaru and still recommend them. I have never had to do any repairs, just normal up keep. My only complaint about this 2007 model is the heating system changes. They made the heating ports for the leg and feet area very small. Does not keep you warm in colder weather. And less outside air comes in the vent at other times of the year . It would be nice if Subaru gave you the option of taking the car out of all wheel drive when not needed. This would improve the gas mileage. Still a trust worthy car.

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  2.5 Limited - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By dsk - November 8 - 3:03 am

  First time Subaru buyer. I owned two Hondas and cant believe how much more I like my Outback. Great fit and finish. It feels like a luxury car inside. I am excited for some inclement weather as well. I will never buy another Honda again.

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  Still love it, but... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By drobine - November 8 - 12:30 am

  I reviewed this in October 2004 soon after buying it. After seven months, 11,000 miles a cross country (MI to AZ) move and several light off road expeditions, I still stand by my review of it, and would buy another. One caveat, though. We had a blow out on the left front tire leaving it unrepairable. Due to the wear on the tire being greater than 3/32" (4/32" on the front and 2/32" on the rear), Subaru required the tire store to replace all four tires to prevent damage to the transmission. That was quite a shock! It still doesnt strike me as reasonable that a transmission cant accommodate a 4/32" difference in the front tires. Just beware.

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  Liked car - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By kusumanja - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Over all the car was good. We had issues with the wheel bearings making noise. After about 92,000 miles the transmission started shifting funny on occasion. We really liked the AWD very much and the ABS worked well. The clock above the center console and the radio display started to intermittently not work. The cruse control indicator light stopped working. Auburn Subaru sold us this car when it had been wrecked without telling us so it never did drive down the road straight.

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  Good car for the price! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By SJH - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Am a Subaru driver since 1990 ... this is a fine car, with very good reliability and, for an SUV, good gas mileage. Works great for me, someone who needs a wagon for dog and equipment. Appreciate its sportiness, as well.

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  A solid, reliable performer - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Irwin - November 6 - 2:00 am

  In severe climate my Subaru Outback starts on 20degrees below zero temps, gets 27 miles to the gallon, handles like a sports car on mountain roads and is an outstanding performer on snowy, icy, muddy or rain-slick roads. Not tempermental and thoroughly reliable.......A winner in Vermont and Colorado!

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  Great car but Pain in the back - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By rjsps40 - November 5 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my car used in February with 52,000 miles on it. I havent driven it very far just around town/errands, etc. I took a 2 hour trip in the car and all the niceties in handling/reliability paled as the seat was so uncomfortable, a week later am still experiencing low back pain.