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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  The poor mans supercar - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Steve - August 12 - 5:16 pm

  The car drives like it is on rails, and has almost limitless power. The torque is amazing compared to my old 99 Honda Civic Si. The STi is an amazing machine. I am still in awe. People look at me like Im a rock star.

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  Avoid light colored leather seats - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Janet Preis - August 11 - 5:54 am

  Love, love, love my 2016 pzev 2.5 safety option loaded Limited Outback. The leather is as soft as butter. That is the only problem with my car. I chose the taupe colored leather and it is so soft the part of the drivers seat cushion next to the door started showing that I wear jeans (blue was rubbing off on the cushion) after I had the car 3 months. Advise black leather. In case youre wondering: 1. I always wash new clothes before wearing them. 2. None of my jeans were even near new.

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  First Subaru and really like it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By David W. - August 10 - 8:47 pm

  I have only had this Outback 2 weeks so cannot really speak to reliability, just going on what Consumers Reports and Edmunds reviews. I really like this vehicle. I traded out of a Honda Pilot I have had for 10 years and really liked the ride, storage, seating, comfort, and style, but gas mileage was poor, and my Children are adults so we do not need that big of a SUV. That said we backpack, fish, camp, kayak, ski, etc. so needed a vehicle that could tow light trailer, do forest service and gravel road, snow and mountain passes. Went of the 3.6 engine for towing, lost some gas mileage, but like the extra acceleration when needed. Does as well as my pilot. The ride with the 18" wheels, and suspension is delightful, smooth and handed the rough spots well. Comfortable seats, love the eye sight features. The mirrors that adjust at night keep me from being blinded in the sideview mirrors. The navigation is really nice and the satellite radio has been a surprise I did not expect to enjoy as much as I do. It handles well, steering give me a feel of the road without being annoying. The braking is fantastic, so smooth and even. I look forward to many adventures with this vehicle and hope it lives up to its safety and reliability ratings. Buying the vehicle was no hassle. Did it through Edmunds, the dealer beat their suggested market price by over a $1000. Up front pricing, relaxed, no pressure, got the color, features, and better price. That was amazing. Dealer and Subaru corp. seem very interested in customer satisfaction unlike some other make I have had in the past and have never bought again. Go Subaru

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  Lots of good things in this WRX - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By jlevy2 - August 9 - 7:43 pm

  I had one of the original 2002 WRX cars and loved it. The trouble was that stock it had way too much squishy rubber to satisfy any potential buyer. New motor/trans mounts, ALK, smaller brake booster, and a bunch more urethane parts finally made it feel like a sports sedan. The 2015 feels like a sports sedan right out of the box. I hear people complain about road and wind noise, but dont find it to be an issue at all. My wife and mom dont find the ride too harsh, which surprised me. Its definitely firm, but not jarring.

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  Disappointed with the radio - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By mitch79 - August 9 - 2:14 pm

  I bought my Subaru CrossTrek about a month ago. I fell in love with this car at first glance as I was already looking to buy a Subaru (possibly an Impreza). So when I saw an "Impreza on steroids", it was kind of a no-brainer. So far I like almost everything about the car. Im not too impressed with the gas mileage. I average 25 MPG but I figure thats not too bad for an AWD. My major complaint is that the radio seems to be outdated in this car as it is not compatible with any of the I-Phones (even my already outdated 4S). Ive rented 2012 and 2013 cars and have always been able to control my I-Phone through the USB port but its not gonna happen in this car. Very disappointed.

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  great car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mary - August 9 - 2:06 pm

  Havent had the car long but it is a pleasure to drive. Handles very nicely. Love the exterior design, but especially love the features and interior design.

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  Rear headrest - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Thomas1965 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Not exactley the best raar visibility, rear headrests are too large as well as not removable, large blind spot, left and right, backend too high, the latter 2 items take some time to get used too, gets tons of compliments looking forawrd to many years of driving, have taken it off road...handles well, we actually have the 2003 1/2 model year couldnt find a review for it, Baja yellow rules. gas mileage equivilent too most cars 22-24mpg,love the sunroof,handles well in both rain and snow. The torneau cover adds some privacy but is not burglar proof, fun to be a passenger in the bed durring apple picking season. Pass. in the back seats love the forward view.

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  On Velvet Rails - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Conductor - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ride/handling is superb,like riding on velvet covered rails. Power is ample, even w/ A/C on, to pass on the turnpike or climb a steep hill. Excellent controls for air, dash lights, wipers, etc. The radio is awesome but the steering wheel arrows move you to the next station, not the next preset, as Ive had in the past. The sunroof opens real deep, and with the windows open, it is like riding in a convertible. Over all, it is the ride that makes the best impression.

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  Solid, Safe & Fun to drive - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dan S. - August 9 - 6:33 am

  This is my first Subaru and though I got it used and have only had it for a couple months, I know I made a good decision. The HUGE sunroof is wonderful. Comes with many safety features and this car sticks to the road like glue. I never anticipated it would be so fun to drive, with responsive handling and such a solid road feel. Interior materials look and feel well thought out and well put together - however there arent many luxurious bells & whistles, just the necessities. If you want fancy features, this isnt the car for you. If you want fun, safety and moderate room for an active lifestyle, youre in the right place. Car is very well thought out, with an eye towards function.

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  2005 Outback rocks....! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By dsulliv6 - August 8 - 2:03 pm

  I was amazed at how smooth and refined this vehicle is. I have the option of picking many kinds of vehicles (this is a company lease car for my use), and I was not disappointed in the Subaru. I got the 05MY Outback VDC with the 3.0L H6/5sp auto transmission. This car has one of the best rides in any vehicle Ive been in (including Mercedes, Audis, BMWs, Lexi, etc.), and handles really well on twisty roads also. The H6 engine is super-smooth, and is a good match for the car, although a little low on torque. The interior is super- comfortable and quiet. The trim is also top-notch. I cant get over how nice this car is...highly underrated.