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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  Surprising Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By xtdriver - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  At my spouses behest we traded our Volvo XC 90 for the Forester XT. I wasnt initially enthused about this plan. However, after a weekend of driving this vehicle on hilly, curvy roads I became a convert. The XT is remarkably agile for a vehicle that has over 8 inches of clearance and the acceleration is stunning for a car with this much utility. Its essentially a station wagon with the heart of a rally car. How it feels on an extended road trip is the only factor that hasnt yet been put to the test. So far I am positively impressed.

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  Great car, easy choice - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Alison Young - March 8 - 9:18 pm

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  1200 miles in - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Tom D. - March 8 - 7:28 pm

  Have had the car for 2 weeks and drive mostly highway (almost 30k/yr). My only real complaint so far is Starlink. The Nav system is OK and the sound is great but the "apps" for use with a smartphone are awful, slow and buggy. Played with them for a couple days and just gave up. There are some diagnostics and car status features that might be handy if a problem arises. However, the limitations of Starlink are quickly overlooked compared to the benefits of the Eyesight system. Set the car for the speed you want and turn on the lane monitoring & cruise control and off you go. It was strange at first to feel the car decelerate (or even brake) when it senses the car ahead slow but you quickly begin to feel comfortable with it. The gentle nudge it gives to keep you in the lane is also unsettling at first but I find myself liking the it more and more. Ive had one instance already when someone cut me off as I was looking over my shoulder to switch lanes and the breaks were applied quicker than I would have. Overall, Im very happy with the purchase so far. Hopefully it will be a safe and reliable ride for some time to come.

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  YE-HAAAAAAA - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JAVA-STI - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a true performance car that just happens to have four doors. Power is when and where you want it and is very streetable and smooth. Short throw six speed is all thats available and that is the way it should be. Firm ride is not for everyone, but those that want "feel" and "control", this is your car. Brakes...OH YEAH, Brembos all around. Large fully functional hood scoop and absense of radio is reminiscent of a 68 Hemi Dart. MPG (18- 22) is above average for this performance level. FUN FUN FUN!

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  the punisher - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By danny01 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  With the reliability of the japanese product and the best performance for your buck without compromising handling like most of the domestic models. The car has better hardware than that mitsu car. how can you compare drive trains. It $ 4,000. more but in after market cost would not even come close for the wrx to meet the parts cost bin or the evo for that.The car ifyou brake in proper can do sub 13.15 quater miles and handle if you know how to drive 72.1 in the salom. After all who is in the rally know and who dropted out last season!!

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  brentwoodboy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By d tush - March 6 - 9:40 pm

  I formerly drove a 2006 Acura TSX, but needed more interior room to meet the needs of a growing 9 yr-old son whose legs were always invading my driving space! Bought the 2.5i Premium/4cl. with CVT in the silver/black leather, and I love the added space and nice build quality Subaru put into this affordable sedan. After 3 months and 4K, only real negative seems to be excessive engine noise and general sluggishness at low speeds. Not sure if that is a trade off with the CVT, or expected. Dealer told me they hear this comment often. I do miss the more nimble handling of my TSX, but enjoy the Legacys roominess. A solid value for an AWD family sedan, indeed!

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  My Second Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By cruadin - March 6 - 12:53 pm

  I traded in my 03 Forester (which I loved) for an 09 and Im very happy I did. The 09 has a quieter highway ride and much improved interior room, both front and back. It has a slightly higher stance which makes it easier to get in and out of as well as improved visibility in traffic. It has a sportier looking dashboard -- I like the blue gauges. Clutch and transmission have a much smoother feel, and the Incline Start Assist is a big improvement over the old hill-holder function. The double wish bone rear suspension gives slightly better handling and a much smoother ride in most road conditions.

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  Drop in mileage after recall - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Johnson Burdge - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Love my 2011 Outback Limited. Size, handling, CVT, and comfort are great. Loved the gas mileage until there was a recall for updating the software for the pollution control system. Letter said it would not affect mileage. That was not the case. I had a significant drop in highway, city, and combined driving mpg. I have just gotten excuses from customer service. This is my sixth Subaru and I have been an advocate for years, but his situation is disappointing. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  My Subie #6 - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Robb - March 4 - 10:59 am

  Get the Eyesight system. Very intuitive and a great safety addition

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  Second of Many Subarus! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Teenbiker - March 3 - 10:56 pm

  This is an absolutely amazing car. Bought it this November and it far surpasses the 97 Outback Limited that it replaced. The 97 was a 2.5H4, so the upgrade to the H6 LLBean is unreal. Such a smooth engine, lots of power, and the transmission is light years better. The interior is beautiful: wood, leather, 2 sunroofs! The gas mileage hasnt been too bad either. Since the car has only been with us in winter cold temperatures and with winter-blend gas, Id say 19mpg is pretty good. The 97 got 17mpg in cold temperatures, so Im very pleased. We put in regular gas with no difference in the drivability of the car. This car is AMAZING in snow too! This is no doubt my second of many Subarus!