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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  Begin of an love affair - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By wolfgang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a high expectations in this car, coming from a SUV having driven before a 325ix wagon which was just too small. I have considered teh A4 wagon, but the value of the Bean Outback was just not to beat. Car is within 5,000 miles the second time in for repair for some minor electronics problems. Love the 4x4 handling, the build quality and the versatility for everyday use. The car does not feel like 212 horses, more like 150 below 4,000rpm, Subaru has to work on that. Fuel economy does not reach factory promises and stays around 20-22mpg. Otherwise I would feel comfortable to recommend this car as everyday 4x4 around-town-zipper.

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  Lovely Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By anil - July 1 - 8:43 am

  Have been driving it for about 3 months now and LOVE everything about it. I average about 23mpg combined with a 5spd and i think that is just fine for a vehicle so fun to drive. Also the build quality is very nice like an audi or bmw ( both of whose entry offerings are smoked by this ). would certainly recommend it.

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  2005 Outback 2.5XT Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Hauff - July 1 - 3:36 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. It pulls through snow, ice and wet pavements with very impressive handling. On dry roads it takes curves and corners better than any vehicle I have every before owned. The acceleration with the turbo boosted engine is very impressive and is probably quicker than the last "muscle car" I owned, a 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 with a 305 hp Police Interceptor 352 cu.in. V8 engine. The interior layout is very ergonomic and the instrument cluster is right where it should be and very visible. Everyone who has ridden in this or driven this car has had nothing but praise for it. I have seen a number of people "checking it out" when parked in lots. I am very pleased.

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  2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SE 4A - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By hubertus8 - July 1 - 2:56 am

  I bought this car 2 weeks ago and couldnt be more pleased with its perfomance. I test drove few Hondas and Toyotas and the legacy gave, by far, the best performance on the road. This is the best car for your money.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I had a Camry and an Accord and was looking for a new vehicle. I drove the new Camry and the Accord...Ho Hum. I wanted something different that was actually more in touch with the road and the driving experience in general. I found it in the Legacy. Driving this car is a dream. It is so tactile and accurate. It is like the car is on rails. The quality, fit & finish is impressive. Acceleration is responsive. It is just so fun to drive. Instrumentation is well organized, and lots of safety features. Regular gas too. You will love this car.

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  Excellent car, some minor issues - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By bhorek - June 29 - 12:50 am

  Traded down from an Acura MDX to save some $ and obtain better fuel economy. Our driving is mostly in suburban areas with some highway driving. The car suits our needs very well providing space for the occasional hauling of large items with much better gas mileage than the MDX so overall we are very happy with the car. Somewhat underpowered but we knew that before we bought and still find the car fun to drive with excellent handling.

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  Replaced a 1998 Forester L - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By toddtas - June 28 - 10:56 pm

  New Forester is tighter and way more fun to drive with the improved acceleration.

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  The good and the bad - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By sailormex - June 26 - 5:19 pm

  I bought this Car new in feb of 2012. I had ordered the 4 cyl but ever came on promised delivery date. After going to the dealer to complain about the non fulfillment I drove the 4 cyl model again on hills and found it seriously underpowered, deciding to take the 6 cyl model. At first this car was great (1 month). Then I had to make an emergency lane change and almost lost control of the vehicle. After 16 months I almost lost control of this vehicle 4 times, and decided to sell before getting hurt or worse. This car is very quiet and smooth, and is great if you drive REALLY slow. The engine and tranny are the best Ive ever had (Ive driven Audi, VW, Mercedes, jeeps and more) the

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  Dont buy this vehicle!! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Stacey - June 26 - 3:17 am

  Subaru has ruined what was once an an unstoppable vehicle in the snow by installing Traction Control/VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). The car is unstable and dangerous when TC/VDC kicks in; sending the driver off the road or into oncoming traffic! The driver has no ability to take over the car and drive without the TC/VDC, despite the availability of an "OFF" button. Maybe its just me, but off is a definitive word that means quite simply, "off." My prior Forester (2006) was stellar and unstoppable, its 2016 counterpart is worthless in my opinion because it no longer handles well in snow. Quite the contrary, it is actually quite scary and the driver has no input and has no ability to countersteer in a slide; the vehicle takes over and does what it "assumes" the driver is attempting to do. A horrible and dangerous idea that is also deceptive marketing. Had I known that the bloody "OFF" button did not truly turn off the TC/VDC, I would not have purchased this vehicle. The TC/VDC kicks in even with the "OFF" button engaged, both below 20mph and above 20mph. Its junk and it has ruined this vehicle in my opinion and I would caution anyone considering this vehicle for snow who has any expectation of it handling well.

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  New impreza outback sport - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By malcolm - June 26 - 12:13 am

  First, why have two different vehicles both named, "outback"? With the impreza, you wind up getting Outback parts that dont fit your car. Cheap radio---10 speakers, if you can find them--Probably the worst sounding radio one will ever find in any automobile. Paint is so soft, just looking at it will start it to peel! Passenger seat is so low, it actually hides the passenger from view. Does not have the fit, finish and refinement of other cars in its class. You are purchasing a working-mans auto, for basic transportation. No thrills here, but the 170 HP engine is a bit surprising, due to his high torque #s. You get what you pay for....and this automobile is down market.