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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  Great Safety Features - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By David - August 4 - 2:01 pm

  Purchased the 2016 Outback Premium 4-cyl in Jan. Very impressed with the safety features (have Eyesight). Talked with about 5 Subaru owners before purchase...all were very pleased. The vehicle is great in almost every way . Had difficulty with drivers seat for a while.... Found the drivers seat more comfortable when moved my shoulders as far back as possible. Had a 1550 mile round trip and did ok. Believe the Outback is a very good value for the $$$.

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  I love this car!!! - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By JL - August 4 - 3:05 am

  This is a great car. I really love the Eyesight system!

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  Good while it lasted! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By AshJWilliams - August 3 - 3:50 pm

  In the last year Ive experienced a complete engine failure due to spun rod bearing (as have 100s of others US and abroad), driven with an intermittent CEL for 2 months and been to the dealership 4 different times to have the problem resolved, I have multiple issues with the factory ECU tuning including a severe occasional hesitation, and about a dozen other manufacturer defects and dealer workmanship issues including a damaged intercooler, multiple components installed improperly, multiple components not installed at all (missing bolts, etc), and the vehicle now makes a wide array of abnormal noises. Was fun to drive when it was running properly, but trust me its not worth the hassle!

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  Best Bang for your Bucvk anywhere!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Shabba - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I cannot say enough good about this car. No problems whatsoever, speed enough to thrill, looks and admiration from anyone who knows what it is, you name it. I wanted this car for 10 years from the time the 22B was released in Japan..now I have one.

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  Enjoying my new 6 cylinder Subaru Outback. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Eila K - August 3 - 5:52 am

  Ive had my Outback for 9 days, and have driven it for only 3 days. Overall, Im glad to be driving my 2017 Outback. It is a comfortable vehicle inside, rides well and I am glad I got the 6 cylinder vehicle for better acceleration, especially on the highway ramps. Ive made use of the blind spot assist, back up camera, lane assist and I believe once the eye sight engaged when I was driving quickly towards the car in front of me, stopped at a stop light. Im still getting used to the car so I dont know much about the GPS and blue tooth. I use my phone GPS anyways. Im glad I extended the star link for safety reasons. Ill know more in a few months and will update my review then.

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  Legacy - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Don - August 2 - 10:53 pm

  I have no idea why these people gave the Legacy such a poor review. It is by all means more capable than the 2006 Passat and much more aesthetically pleasing as well. I found it to be a well built car with a lot of get-up and go as well as a nice interior.

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  I wish Id have purchased one sooner! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Karl Meyer - August 2 - 10:40 am

  Ive had my Legacy for a few weeks now and have enjoyed driving it. Its not going to blow people away when the traffic lights change, but its pretty nimble and responsive. Its a fun car to drive. The stereo is nice. The handling is excellent. Its quiet inside the cabin with very little wind or road noise. Gas mileage has hovered between 24 and 26 mixed city/highway driving and I got over 31 mpg on a trip up the interstate over Labor Day weekend. Its getting better gas mileage than I expected it would, which is an added bonus.

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  Living in luxury!!! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Linda Oeftering - August 1 - 5:29 pm

  I had a basic forester prior to this. We love Subaru! The AWD is a must for us and Subaru has it all! This time I pampered myself with bells and whistles! I couldnt be happier!

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  Fun and reliable - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Renee - July 27 - 4:47 pm

  Owned my car 2 years now. Its a fun car to drive, great handling, superior in bad weather and snow! Comfy interior, smooth drive, have not had any problems. Cargo space is great for a compact SUV. Only drawbacks is that the paint seems to scratch and chip easily, a few bad blind spots because of the slope of the car, and the car is a little loud once you get over 80 miles an hour. These are slight things in my opinion, but might annoy others.

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  Our Subaru - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Jmk - July 27 - 12:07 pm