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 in Snow. Fun to Drive - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Tommy K - December 17 - 11:33 pm

  I bought mine in January and had 2 snow storms to deal with. It handled the snow better than my previous Mercedes ML350 did or my current Hummer H3. Great handling, safety ratings, comfortable for all. Tiptronic steering lets you accelerate very quickly when needed.

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  reminds me of my Audi - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By wienerfingers - December 17 - 12:13 pm

  Four days now with new OBXT LTD (silver). Lovely car. No chance to push it yet - supposed to wait til after 1,000 miles. Very comfortable, very stable. Tank-like even (this is a good thing on ice and snow). Excellent interior - simple and functional - and a very nice looking vehicle as well. I looked at everything in the <$35k range, and this was an easy pick. VDC might have been nice - I did demo the 6cyl. model - but it is not an option with the turbo.....and I did have to have the turbo. The 6 cyl. is a slug in comparison. No available MP3 on the XT either. But I suppose if Subaru had made both VDC and MP3 optional on the turbo, no-one would bother with the 6.

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  Subie Newbie & loving it - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Oakwise - December 16 - 6:33 am

  Requirements for my next car included versatility, build quality, mileage and a clean, responsible engine/transmission. I wanted something that didn’t suffer from “me too”, and it had to be comfortable for me (6’3”) and my wife (5’2”). The 2010 Subaru Outback does all of this and more. Even with me driving, there’s plenty of room in the back seat for another 6-footer. Coming from a V6 Highlander I was worried the Outback’s 4-cylinder would feel underpowered – but the 350lb lighter Subie scoots along just fine… with 20% better fuel economy. Looked at RAV4/CRV/Santa Fe and there was no comparison. The closest runner up was actually the Subaru Forrester.

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  Very Nice! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jason R. - December 15 - 8:06 pm

  I recently purchased this car, so I dont have many miles on it yet. My first impressions are it has a very nice build-quality, perfect for the family, and the (AWD) all-wheel-drive is spectacular! I previously owned a BMW 528 and going to a cross-over like the Tribeca was easy.

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  Snow Angel - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Janice Marie - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a reliable and fun car to own. It looks great on the road and drives even better! The Legacy has a clean and classy look that stands out against other automobiles.

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  Subaruy - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By realreview - December 13 - 10:16 am

  FXT is a great example of a Subaru. Its not perfect but it makes you happy. Dont know what else gives you what the manual/turbo Forester has for a reasonable price. But I like and bought because of ride height, performance, utility, reliability. I prefer this to my 04 wrx and 05 legacy GT. If you are thinking about this car things you get are: great visibility, ride height, 4wd, utility, reliability, performance (as easy or easier than wrx to mod if you want to). Things youll have to live with: ugly (it is but its ok) gas mileage (good for what it is but not amazing), bit of wind noise. Not perfect but just does everything and makes you happy.

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  Everything I Expected - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By bakems - December 12 - 4:23 am

  Bought my Impreza in 2/08. I have put 4000 miles on it and am getting 30.9 mpg consistantly. Have experienced everything a Maine winter has to offer and this car handled great. Bought it for AWD, safety features and price. Fun to drive.

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  Great car - disappointing build quality - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Subarusud - December 11 - 3:13 am

  Love the looks and the design the best. Drive is nice on highway, but bumpy on urban streets. I have had a lot of rattles and they appear to be with the rear seat and the rear hatch. Dealer cant seem to get it right. Otherwise all of the features of the car are great! Would be very happy but for the bumps and rattles. Subaru should offer standard features on certain trim levels. When buying this car it seems like I could never find the same model with the exactly the same features twice.

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  Love is what subaru is about is right! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By mlevato - December 8 - 4:09 pm

  Never had a Subaru before. Son & daughter in law have had a few. Live in Michigan where winter is rough. Son convinced me to lease new Crosstrek. I love it!!! I get super great gas mileage. In fact one time I went 20 days between fill ups. I usually get anywhere from 25-29 miles per gallon, in the city. I dont drive freeway often. I cant wait to see how it handles in the winter. When lease is up I am considering going to an Outback or Forrester. Son drives Forrester, says ride isnt as smooth as CrossTrek. Outlback is. So may be that one. I have no complaints what so ever. I love love my CrossTrek.

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  2007 Limited 7 Seater (Diamond Gray) - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ed G - December 7 - 12:43 am

  Sleek exterior and diamond gray color is awesome. Front grill is toned down with less chrome. Interior ergo is good and quality is up there with European cars. Ride is comfortable yet firm enough to handle twisties easily. Quiet ride as well. Brakes good. Could use a bit more power but adequate for an SUV. Honda Pilot a bit roomier since its a box but after test driving both, youll take the Tribeca for everything else it offers that the Pilot doesnt.