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 Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By F.Stipko - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my 2nd Outback and cannot express satisfaction enough. Very capable in heavy snow and wet rods. Naturally no vehicle is trustworthy on ice, but Ill take the Outback over some of my past four wheel drives Ive had regarding control of the unit. No need to worry about engaging in and out of four wheel drive as the All Wheel Drive is always there when you need it.

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  Reliabiity, Quality, Value, and AWD - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By smallblock - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car because of its value. We knew it would be used in the snow and rain in the winter months and we were looking for a car that was AWD or 4 wheel drive, but it also had to be reliable. However, we didnt need or want a full SUV with a high price tag, insurance, and gasoline bills. We also wanted the ride of a car and not a truck. Moreover, our garage is built for three cars, not one car and an SUV. The Subaru just seemed to fit all of our needs from the weekly trips to COSTCO, to the weekends in Lake Tahoe we are extremely pleased with the Subaru and plan to keep it at least another 15 years.

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  Love the assisted cruise control - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Patrick White - September 19 - 6:48 pm

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  Mountain lion/Battle tank - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Ashwin - September 19 - 1:36 pm

  This is the best AWD money can buy, I am so used to it now whenever I drive any other car it is always a comparison to an outback and everything else is disappointing, I specially like the solidly build chassis and suspension, wish there was little less body roll, I drove this car uphill in 1.5 feet of snow and it was like driving a battle tank, I love the sure footed handling, I tried a 4 wheel drive Passat and Volvo, BMW, Jeep, etc and nothing performs like it, I drove it in the mountains in Catskill all winter, I found many jeep 4x4 stuck in the same tracks as mine, love the robust engine. Cross country trip was so comfortable, no problems so far, I am at 100000 miles, VDC should be standard.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 19 - 12:33 am

  I live in snow country and NEVER need chains. The turbo delivers excellent performance with decent fuel economy (25 MPG highway).

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  Lovin it - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By SWN - September 18 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this to replace a Forester - 500 miles so far and I love it. Great lines, nice cockpit feel, handling is excellent. Very well equipped for a base model, including AWD and all Subarus standard safety features. 2007 base model dropped in price from last year due to them removing alloys, electric driver seat, rear cargo area cover...I dont need that, Id rather save $1500.

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  2015 2.5 Touring No Navigation or Eyesight - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By pf03bob - September 18 - 1:03 pm

  Anticipated buying a Rav4 since I am Toyota guy. My wife drives a 2011 Forester so I was not considering another Forester. I was so disappointed with the Rav4 and the CRV still has visibility issues ( and no BSM), I decided to give Subaru another look. What a difference between the 2011 and the new Forester. Subaru engineers improved almost everything except visibility which is still terrific even though it is a larger vehicle. The one thing that did not improve is ride quality. The new model rides more like a SUV than the 2011 but has better seats and a fairly quiet cabin. Gas mileage agrees to sticker which is terrific. We have had no issues with either of our Foresters.

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  Perfect car for me - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Mephiska - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about the WRX in the US. Its everything Ive ever wanted out of a sports car without losing any of the functionality and practicality of a car I need to drive daily. Handling, performance, style, comfort, its all great. Something I was really surprised about was how quiet the cabin is. Road noise is kept fairly minimal, steering input is nice, the ride is smooth. Its just wonderful. The rear seats also have a surprising amount of room.

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  Sweet ride - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Kismet - September 18 - 10:00 am

  It may not have the fit and finish of a BMW or Audi but it what it skimped in finish it made up for in performance. Thats not to say that the interior is ugly or what not. It is nice for the price, but its obvious that Subaru focused on the performance side. This car is so much fun to drive and it sticks to the road (after you dump the crappy tires that come with it). It is simply a shear pleasure to drive.

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  my family car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By coco - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Im a 25 year old driving around in a station wagon. And I love it! This car is verstile enough for me and my family to go camping, shopping, and for my husband to go off-road on occasion. It is roomy, and has plenty of "trunk" space. My husband wished it had more get up and go, but for a family car ita plenty fast. I drive70 Miles to work each day, cruising 70-80 mph, and have had no problems, except for squeeky rear brakes. The 2 sun roofs are always enjoyeed by me