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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  Affordable Winter Luxury - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jmelby - November 10 - 3:23 pm

  Excellent value with high quality components. The limited model provides luxury features at an affordable price. I have the regal blue--both that and the atlantic blue are stunningly beautiful (dont go by the pics on their web site). Nice smooth drive with a capable engine and competent acceleration even in a non-GT model. The improved interior and exterior design in the 2005 model, combined with the standard winter features, makes for a perfect blend of style and practicality.

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  2006 Subaru WRX Best Road Car Ever - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Don Adams - November 10 - 11:23 am

  Ive had the Subaru 2006 WRX for 3000 miles. Its much faster then expressed via various web sites. Not much on the road can touch it. Easy handling. Kinda drives itself. Power, handling, easy to control the car, decent mileage and just OH so much fun to drive. Ive driven Mustangs and other power cars, only thing better then the WRX is the WRX STi!

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  Finally - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By jagboypotts - November 10 - 10:50 am

  I moved to the US 2 years ago and have bought 7 cars since. A Porsche 911 was impressive, a 2006 GTi lasted 3 months, various other boring stuff. An 05 Legacy gave me a hint of what I really needed. The STi is a average motorwar car, it uses more fuel than I expected. Its also everything a sports car should be, effective, fun, fast and makes you want to get in and drive just for the joy of it. Unlike the 911 you dont need to worry all the time, SUVs dont cut you off for fun, you just sit in your blue and pink world and smile at the sheer joy of a sorted chassis and engine that sounds like its CD would go platinum. As for when the snow comes. LOVE IT.

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  My Forester and Me - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Jan - November 10 - 10:05 am

  Mileage is surprisingly good. Feels safe on the road.

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  Fun to drive. - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By 138MustangGT - November 10 - 5:16 am

  This is an exceptionally well mannered car. My wife has driven V8s by preference for 6 years now. BUT, the switch has begun. After being tired of the shoddy build quality of domestic automobiles, she decided to go import. Of course the M3 was her first choice, but that will come after she gets a job. For now, the fun to drive STi is her new favorite means of taking our sons to school and to the park and groceries and shopping and just driving because its FUN. The ride remains comfortable even though the suspension is quick to answer the call of performance, and the cabin makes you feel more comfortable than one would think when looking from outside. She still hasnt stopped drooling.

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  Turn off the Alarm Please! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By E. Knight - November 10 - 4:43 am

  For a first time new car buyer, the Subaru Outback is great! The only thing I dont like is the seatbelt safety bell rings constantly when the car is running and you are not even in the car. The alarm goes off when no one is in the passenger seat because it was kicked back too far. The drivers seat even went off when I was driving down the highway and buckled up. That was scary! The other thing was that the rubber molding in the rear wheel well fell off. It needs more behind the seats pockets for holding goodies. The glove box never shuts on the first try.

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  Heads above the Pilot EXL - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Amy - November 10 - 12:51 am

  The only concern I had going from a 2013 Pilot EXL was the cargo room. As a direct sales business woman I have a traveling boutique. So far the decreased area has not been a problem. The controls are not even comparable. The Pilot does not even hold a candle to the Outback in the controls. The only down fall is there is no charging port for the back seat. There is a 12v charger in the cargo area. The Bluetooth system is MUCH clearer in the Outback. My husband said I no longer sound like I am in a tunnel when using the Bluetooth for phone calls. There is ample room for my tall husband. The seats in the Outback are wider than the Pilot. We live on a dirt road that is currently filled with potholes. In the Pilot I felt every bump and dip. The Outback has a MUCH smoother ride. The suspension absorbs most of the impact. Granted I am driving MUCH slower in the new car. I picked the 3.6r because I do not like slow response cars. When you step on the gas you know it right away! There is PLENTY of power in the 3.6. The lane assist takes some getting used to. The review from the editors said there is body roll in the Outback. My husband and I 100% disagree with the assessment. Once you go from the Poilot to the Outback you DO NOT feel ANY body roll. At first I was sad to trade in my Pilot. After I drove the Outback for a little bit and got familiar with the car I am no longer sad. We traded up FOR SURE! This is my forever car!

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Josh - November 9 - 5:23 pm

  When I first purchased my STi it was perfect. Now 6 months later I cant get enough. This is the first vehicle I ever owned which made me not want to go home and park it. Its very satisfying, very addicting and is better than a drink at the end of a hard work day. Not a dull moment. Believe it or not, I am a family man whose family enjoys going everywhere in it.

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  What Fun - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Hedley - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This WRX is amazing. Nothing has come loose,fallen off or stopped working, unlike all the American cars Ive owned. Its been to the dealer twice, for regular maintenance. Its great in bad weather.

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  First Impressions - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By awm - November 6 - 9:47 am

  WOW...Amazing! We just purchased the 2016 Outback Limited with EyeSight. Its basically fully loaded. This is our 3rd Subaru. We started with a 2012 Impreza (which we traded in) and then a 2013 Crosstrek. As Im ready to retire, I was looking for a new vehicle that included the latest safety features. As I learned about the EyeSight system, I was intrigued. Simply put, its totally amazing. Everything seems to work as advertised. The display when one engages the adaptive cruise control shows the vehicle icon and the vehicle in front of it. The lanes will blink if one is crossing lanes without using the turn signal. The lane assist is amazing. When engaged, it gently but firmly steers the vehicle back in its lane, but is inactive if you mean to cross lanes and use the turn signals. The display even shows when the vehicle is braking. The vehicle will brake on its own when EyeSight is engaged and you keep your foot off the brake pedal. Were still learning how all of the safety features work. The 12 Harman-Kardon speakers are great, and the Infotainment system looks impressive, but I have to learn all of its features. The Outback feels very luxurious inside. We like our Venetian Red Pearl exterior. The alloy wheels are sharp-looking. The car has a solid feel to it and the ride is smooth, but not too smooth so that you lose the feel for the road. The Outback definitely has better acceleration than either the Impreza or the Crosstrek. Its amazing that the stated fuel economy is exactly the same for the 2016 Outback and 2013 Crosstrek. The side mirrors do indicate when there is a vehicle in the blind spot. All in all, a very impressive technological tour de force. But, it is still an Outback, with lots of "for people on-the-go" features and great interior human and storage space. Over the years I have observed that many people who retire buy a new Cadillac or Lexus (or similar). The Outback is meant for active people of all ages, including those that are retiring. Cant wait to use it in the snow. In short, the Outback is the "lets go and enjoy the outdoors" vehicle that we all expect, and much more in terms of quality, features, performance, and safety. Great job Subaru!
  
  Additional Review After 6 months of ownership-
  
  Our overall impression is still very positive. The EyeSight system is amazing, and appears to be working very well. I especially like the alarms that tell you if something is coming your way when backing up. This works well even for children walking along the curb to a school bus stop. Very useful feature. Having seen some specific negative comments from others, I can address them from our experience- - Wind noise. Yes, there is some, when driving on the Interstate. However, its very similar to all of our other vehicles, so its really not an issue. - The heater works very well and quickly, including the seat warmers. - The leather seats are of high quality. Very attractive. - Yes, the clock is not in the best spot. You have to teach yourself where to look. - Now that its wintertime in the East Coast, we did notice that the 2.5i engine is a bit noisy during a cold start. But the noise dissipates as the engine warms up. - We do have a small dog, and we put her crate in the back on occasion. The crate fits easily, thanks to the generous space. In short, were looking forward to warmer weather to take the Outback out for longer drives.