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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  Could be better - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By soulcougher73 - January 3 - 2:50 am

  Ive had my Forester for a year and half now. Overall i like the car. It looks great but there are a few nagging annoyances. The ride can be a bit harsh. This could be due to the OEM tires. Lot of door and dash rattles. Fuel economy is avg at best. I avg 21mpg with about 80% city/20% highway. Stereo and speakers are very weak as well.

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  STi Performance with RS Style - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Pitt Boxer - January 3 - 2:36 am

  I previously owned an Intrepid with roughly the same MPG, but nowhere close to the responsiveness, handling or acceleration of the Japanese Monster. Prior to purchasing the STi I did a little research on the Evo MR. For the price and resale value, you just cant beat the Subie. Granted the Evo has a slight advantage in most categories, the Impreza is much more fun on a daily basis and as a daily drive. IMO if you are looking for a strictly track car get the MR, if you plan on having a life outside of direct competition, you better bet the STi takes the win. Subaru has an awesome track record, unlike most of its Japanese-American counterparts.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Danlo - January 2 - 7:56 am

  I bought my Legacy used with 7000 miles. After 2 months of driving, this car is trouble free. Havent driving on snow yet. This is my first Subaru & I am very happy with this car. Gas mileage is around 25 combined & 34 on highway. Only complains are loud engine noise when cold starts & lack of storage.

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  What a really nice surprise - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By superhoncho69 - December 30 - 6:02 pm

  For starters its the first import Ive ever owned. We traded in a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 that averaged 16.9 mpg no matter how easy you were on the gas pedal. It NEVER got stuck, but the mileage was backbreaking. The Jeep weighs 4700 lbs, and the Outback 3400 lbs, yet the ground clearance is nearly the same and acceleration with the 2.5 feels just as quick if not faster. Over 3 days of mixed driving were averaging 29 mpg with better handling and tangible money saved at the pump. Interior quality is good, sound insulation very good, with TLC this vehicle will last many years. Looking forward to the first blizzard of 2013!

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  First Time Subaru OB Owner - Happy Driver - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bmwshin - December 30 - 1:49 pm

  Ive driven my 2011 Subaru Outback about 1000 miles so far. Bought it used with 37K miles. I was at first hesitant to jump in for this crossover, but decided to give it a shot. Id say that CVT transmission and some Subaru quirks are something that I needed to get used to, but once I was acclimated, driving any other car is not fun any more. I love the spaciousness of the interior, and the performance of the AWD and boxer engine. You get respectable gas mileage at around 25 miles combined. Everything the Edmonds / CR experts talk about is spot-on, but nothing that youd want to worry about. I love driving this thing around my town and cant wait for next road trip!

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  Excellent job but not flawless - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Avishar - December 30 - 5:40 am

  Everything good has already been said. Irreplaceable problems include horrible sensitivity on key (goes off while in your pocket), the stuttering phenomena (when accelerating from low rpms), inability to replace deck, clutch stink syndrome for beginning mileage. These are minor quibbles however which you can easily get used to and overlook for the brilliance of things like performance, reliability, sleeper looks, elegant interior, and of course the AWD 250 HP Turbo setup. Definitely worth considering as a competitor to 3 series, A4, S40, 9-3, TSX, TL, etc. To me the decision was made not after looking at it but driving it; in terms of performance and joy of driving TSX is only competition.

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  Never again, going back to Toyota! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By msshrink - December 30 - 5:20 am

  I bought this 2.5i Subaru Outback used about two and a half years ago, after totaling my previous car in a nasty rainstorm. The four wheel drive was barely needed overall (milder winters) and my gas mileage plummeted from the mid 30s per gallon (Camry) to more like 20 mpg, sometimes a rare 25 on the highway. Then an annoying clicking sound developed when I turned the wheel and, only two years into the vehicle, both axles were shot. Naturally, they were very expensive because they could not be after-market, only Subaru. Several mechanics told me this is not unusual for Subarus, and after I had to plunk down over $1,000 suggested I head back to Toyota-land.

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  Lasted 36 miles - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By buccaroooo - December 30 - 4:41 am

  After having issues with my Legacy (transmission, AC, tire pressure gage, vibrations, etc) I somehow decided it was a good idea to get another Subaru. We leased a Forester, drove it roughly 35 miles and the starter, alternator, battery died. Brand new Forester, dead as a doornail. Jumping, charging... nothing but clicks which means the starter is DEAD. Leased it Saturday, now its a Wednesday and we still have no new car... we have a small little rental car. BEWARE of Subaru, this is 2 for 2 with troubled cars... Be your own judge but just know that we have had nothing but issues with the two cars we got. We will NEVER buy another again.

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  Why I bought the 2008 Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By bgk - December 30 - 3:20 am

  After talking to persons who own a Subaru I knew they were onto something. I test drove a few friends who own them and could feel the solidness of the vehicle. Since I dont buy new cars every few years (previously drove a 97 Blazer) I wanted to make sure this was the car for me. It is. Reading the reports on Subarus reliability also moved me into purchasing it. Size wise, its perfect. Not too big or small. Driving the Tribeca one can feel the responsiveness of it. A good, linear feel, like you are on rails, plus great stopping power. Good road feel too. Not too soft or harsh. Like Goldilocks porridge, just right! Plus quick acceleration when stomped on.

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  Subaru B9 Tribeca Ltd. 5 pass. Gold/Beige - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By mw1 - December 29 - 11:13 am

  This is my third Subaru. 98 Legacy Outback, 03 Forester XS. Added features: crossbar aero, luggage compartment cover, auto-dimming mirror/compass, cargo net rear & back seat, all weather floor mats, rear bumper cover, cargo tray, & puddle lights. The Tribeca so far is the BEST. Very comfortable and lots of room for back seat passengers. The V6 engine gives good power for highway acceleration. The control panel is easy to reach. Rides like a car and takes bumps pretty good. Did have a problem with the steering wheel clicking. Brought it in for service and they repaired a loose steering knuckle bolt. Had in back within 1 hour. Im hoping the B9 will be as reliable as my other Subarus. I LOVE IT.