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:

• 

  Solid and smooth - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Joe - September 8 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had my new Outback Sport for a few weeks now and have been very satisfied with it so far. Im still getting used to the different (read: better) handling of the AWD. I test drove roughly similar vehicles (Honda Fit and VW Rabbit) and this Subaru, while more expensive, just felt much more intuitive and well thought-out. The seat warmers are nice and standard on this trim. The fuel economy is better than expected (26-27 mpg city+highway), even this early in the cars lifetime.

• 

  Love the B9 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By B9er - September 7 - 12:30 am

  Nearly 1000 miles on the Tribeca. Plenty of room for baby car seat and cargo. Everyone loves the interior styling, the Nav is great and easy to use. Everything is laid out intuitively. Comfortable to drive and decent fuel economy for an SUV, ~20- 21mpg mixed. Gas tank is on the small side, which requires more frequent stops at the gas station.

• 

  Subaru 3.6 Limited - not at all limited! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Maturi - September 5 - 5:46 pm

  I am over the moon about this car. Previously had a 2014 3.6R limited, the upgrades in the 2017 are brilliant without a big price tag. The utilitarian interior of the 2014 has been significantly upgraded. The driver information center is greatly improved. Now provides speed and turn directions in addition to lane departure warning. Eye sight system and automatic rear braking are superb, as is the adaptive cruise control. I drove over 100 miles on the highway without touching the accelerator. At 22.6 mpg this is not the most economical small suv but the power of the 3.6 liter boxer engine is immediate and more than adequate. Cargo capacity is great and easy to access.

• 

  Loving this vehicle! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By dlw2001 - September 5 - 5:59 am

  This is an early review because i just got my 15 Outback Limited. Have only about 200 miles on it. The car is fantastic. I was afraid of choosing the 4 over the 6, thought i would want more power since ive never driven a car with less than 220 horses or a turbo. Maybe im getting old but the power seems just fine, like I dont know when I will really need more, and most of the time one doesnt. On the other hand the gas mileage is what really makes me glad I got the 4. So far just driving the heck out of it including a very long bumpy and hilly dirt road it just keeps creeping upward, now to 26 mpgs... all around the town. It has a pleasant manner and is very quiet. Love the interior.

• 

  Best car ever owned - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By AndrewDK - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Took this car from New York City to Seattle - then to San Diego and then to Maine. Not a single problem!! I get good mileage - good even with aircon blowing. I use it almost everyday and it is always a pleasure to drive. I will never buy domestic cars (Ford/Chev/GM) again - NEVER! I have to say, however that the dealer was not always so helpfull. Will reconmend this car again and again!

• 

  Nice, solid ride - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By auburncrew - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The Outback Limited sedan is a well-made, fun-to-drive car that handles poor weather, dirt roads and twisty turns like a champ. But its equally at home on the interstate, where it is rock-solid; I have to set the cruise to near the legal limit, otherwise, Ill be cruising at 90 mph without realizing it. Its got all you could ever want in a sedan: leather, sunroof, all-wheel-drive ... Even better once I ditched the Firestones for Michelin X-ones.

• 

  Buy it! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By John - September 3 - 7:40 pm

  This car is great in snow , comfortable...gets great gas mileage and has ample horsepower. One of the best all around cars.....It weighs in at over 3000 lbs so is not dimunitive. Highly reccommend for safety, fun and value.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Randy M. - September 3 - 6:13 pm

  Had narrowed our choice to BMW X3 vs Subaru for safety reasons. Was looking at LL Bean Outback when my wife saw the Tribeca. Wow! The driving performance is slightly below the BMW; however, it surpasses it in the overall package. Subaru does a tremendous job of equipping the vehicle with so many standard options. Dealer experience was the best we have EVER had. I had no idea Subaru made vehicles like this. Very impressed with the build quality, performance and luxury of the vehicle.

• 

  Outback after 9 months - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chuck - September 3 - 2:50 pm

  Bought the Outback in late Sept 09 looking for reliable inexpensive AWD transportation, expecting some frozen precip here in WNC. Read existing reviews, and found a couple of very negative comments about the standard sound system (which I bought anyway) - otherwise very positive reviews to that point. Overall, Ive been VERY pleased with the car, which now has just over 8K miles on it. I added the XM Radio (which I wouldnt be without these days) and after listening to it for 9 months, I still dont understand the complaints about the standard sound system - mine is very acceptable. On recent trips, I got about 30 mpg. The CVT is great, and the H4 is very adequate for day to day use.

• 

  Incredible Car! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Charlie - September 2 - 8:26 am

  I have only had the car for about 1500 miles, but already I am absolutely in love. The car handles incredibly well and accelerates like, like well its got 300hp! Big brakes, driving it is similar to flying a F-16 with license plates. I am now 100% sure that I will always own a Subaru, great build quality, AWD, reliability, this is the car company that is truly a diamond in the rough. Nothing holds a candle to this car company. I would recommend a test drive of at least the WRX, just to get a taste of what comes when you decide that the extra $9000 is worth it.