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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  Like my Outback - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By J. Coulter - January 30 - 11:40 pm

  I have been really pleased with my Outback in general. The only problem I have had with driving it is going up moderate hills. A lot of my driving takes place in the lower Sierra foothills, usually less that 1200 ft, and the car seems reluctant to climb even small grades, at one point, even bucking a bit. The dealer told me I was lucky I had a 6 cylinder. and that Subarus didnt like hills. Structurally, it is made with a kind of depression in the lower part of each front door. A number of people have pointed out to me that I have been "hit." Looked that way to me too, before I realized that the car was that way on both sides.

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  My 2nd Subaru. - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By M.Koewalski - January 29 - 5:44 pm

  To test drive both engines to confirm if the 4 cylinder has enough passing power. I traded in a 2007 Rav4 with the V6 (it had generous torque/horsepower), and from various reviews-I felt the 4 cyl wouldnt cut it for me. This engine with the cvt has enough hp, but I think the cvt affects torque output. Ive only had this 3.6R 5 days and have put 100 miles (mostly city) on it, I need to take it on a trip to get a better feel for: the handling, drivers seat comfort/support, the sound system, and how well the hvac functions. My 1st Suburu was an 87 wagon, a nice solid car but much has changed since that car. Some coworkers whom I told about this car were knowlegable and impressed. Actually I have a friend who was extremely knowlegible about the Legacy and its features but deceided to purchase a new Prius instead. I live in the Pacific Northwest and the awd and the safety features got my attention, the 3.6 sealed the deal for me.

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  So far so good - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By derek - January 29 - 4:33 pm

  After doing much research, and based on my needs, I decided to purchase a used Baja. Finding one in Pittsburgh, it was a 5 speed turbo, and I can say thus far that I am very happy with it. I do a lot of driving and the Baja is a very enjoyable ride, from the power. The sport like handling and feel, then mix in the versatility of the pick up bed, plus its good and/or unusual look, I am very satisfied so far. Then add in Subaru safety and reliability, I guess you can say I am now a convert. I picked up a bed cover, a bike hitch carrier, plus a few other accessories, and am good to go.

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  excellent - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By orlando - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The best buy i could had made.

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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By irishmac - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Good, reliable & fancy looking SUV with tinted windows

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By DWL - January 28 - 6:00 pm

  It is not a high performance car but I knew that when I bought it. It is peppy for its engine and body size. It also handles curves really nice. As for comfort, it is comfortable as I need and it gets good gas mileage considering I drive 78 miles everyday to and from work. I am getting in the upper 26 to lower 27/mpg.

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  Fun, fun, fun! - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By kmcglynn - January 26 - 4:35 pm

  After driving my clunker of a car for about 7 years, it was time to trade it in. I looked at all of the good reviews Subaru has recieved for their line up of great cars, and decided to go with a brand new steel silver 2011 Impreza 2.5i Hatchback Premium. Subaru lives up to its reputation and then some! It is so comfy on cold mornings with its heated seats and feels like it is glued to the road, no matter how rainy it is. I love the size--just perfect for my and my boyfriend and all of camping/outdoor gear. My Subie is so much fun to drive! Great value for your money if you get the Premium model--nice wheels, all-weather package, Bluetooth, and an upgraded sound!

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  2002 Outback Wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - January 26 - 8:53 am

  After twenty-six months, this wagon is as much fun to drive as it was when purchased. It is comfortable, economical to operate, and handles wellin any weather and on any surface. Cruising at highway speeds all day is noproblem, but it really stands out duringa major snow storm. We look forward to many more years with this vehicle and will very likely belooking for another Outback Wagon when its time to trade.

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  You will love this car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By southern_boy - January 25 - 10:55 pm

  This is the first Subaru I have owned and love it. It is comfortable, fuel efficient, quiet, and the build quality is better than anything I have owned. We looked at the Toyota RAV 4, and Honda CRV. Both were loud, under powered and clunky. The Outback drives extremely well, has a good sound system (not great), quiet, and solid. I too have not heard the noises that others have talked about, but would suggest that they not have their roof rack cross bars across the roof. The only Con I can think of is getting used to shifting from reverse to drive takes a second or so. I loved mine so much I recommended Subaru to my wife who ended up getting rid of her Toyota and trading it for a Legacy.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By subieconvert - January 25 - 10:20 am

  I had always liked the previous model of the Outback but wasnt sure about the new one. My son recently had back surgery and had a hard time getting into the low doors of the old Outback, so when we tried out the 2010 model we were thrilled to see that the access was no issue for him. This vehicle is comfortable and very satisfying to drive. The mpg is great with the CVT, but when you need power it is there. We recently drove the vehicle in the mountainous SW Pennsylvania region and had no trouble going up and down the roads. The overall mpg was still just over 27, which is incredible for a vehicle this size with AWD. I hope to have this vehicle for many years of safe, happy driving.