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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  Nearly Perfect - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By chris - September 4 - 4:13 pm

  Have had the car since the end of Nov. and I am loving it. Outback package is the best of the bunch, larger wheels, two tone, great features for a great price. Great in the snow, after 3000 miles I am averaging 24.6 mpg in mixed driving. The look grows on me more and more. Roof rack is noisy, but easy to take off. Not a big fan of the stereo, the sound never seems to fill the cabin or your ears. I think I will upgrade or get the amp. Heated seats and mirrors are great. Overall I am very happy.

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  Awesome! But Missing a Few Touches - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By ChicagoSteve - September 4 - 8:56 am

  This is an incredible car. I am in the advertising business for auto dealerships and had my pick of cars. I looked at several but for the money for the B9 nothing comes close. I have the NAV system and the information this car provides is just scary, above and beyond the the actual Nav system. Every car detail from current MPG to service intervals and a calculator are only a touch away. As for what the car is missing, one thing would have to be seat memory. My wife and friends have tried my car and it takes me forever to get it back. Also a coin holder. These thing sound minor and they are, but every model above $30k has them.

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  Outstanding all-around car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx - September 3 - 11:50 pm

  Fast, reliable, excellent utility. I can haul snowboards to the mountains and take it to a track day and still have a blast. Easily customized. Reprogram the ECU for an easy ~25hp bump. Driveability improves as boost comes on sooner. Short shifter kit also suggested. I only get 22mpg on mixed commute.

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  3rd Subaru - Wagon>Truck - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By eddiethedog - September 3 - 3:59 pm

  This is my third Subaru. Previous was an 04 Sti and 98 2.5 rs. This car is very reliable even at 200K plus miles. I have replaced the 02 sensor once. The slide pins for the front calipers stuck, so those got replaced. Both pretty common. The valve in the AC had to be replaced, a bit of a pain to get to, but not a huge issue ($30 part). The interior is that of any Subaru. If you are coming from a luxury vehicle, you might not like it. Always seems to be cheaply made, but Ive never had any issues. Would recommend to anyone needing an overall reliable car. Any Subaru really.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By bkluger - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Just completed a 1200 mile roundtrip that involved interstate highway, two- lane road, and off-road driving. Thoroughly impressed by the overall performance and the highway mileage of better than 25 MPG. After looking and test driving a Jeep Gran Cherokee, Honda Pilot, and an Acura MDX. We decided on the Outback LL Bean, because it represented the best value for our dollar, plus its fun to drive!

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  Horrible 3.0 motor - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jr - September 2 - 5:36 am

  The 3.0 in this vehicle is horrible. Its a pig to put it bluntly. Im getting rid of this vehicle with 7,500 miles. Im sick of it and its lack of power.

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  Subaru 2 - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By John Juray - September 2 - 12:16 am

  Great car, glad I went with the 6. Handles well, no real issues other than cost. All safety features should be standard!

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  1st Subaru, last Subaru w/ the bells & whistles - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Nikki - September 1 - 7:19 am

  Replacing a mid-size sedan for something with utility for an active lifestyle. Enter the new 2016 Subaru Outback. With limited inventory, selection was few so I settled on a 2.5 Limited model with every bell and whistle including all of the aftermarket options. Hindsight, 16k miles later, I should have opted for the 3.6 without the bells and whistles. The key-less/proximity entry/ start is a pain in the ass in that I have no way to hide this giant remote while I surf or scuba dive which impacts doing anything with the water; the standard key would have been far more functional for me. I am finding the rear auto opener isnt so great when I have something extra long and sticks out. Regarding the Navigation system, it is crap. It is a Tom-tom and even in Southern California, there are places/cities that arent even in the database. Google/Yahoo maps on your phone is far more reliable. And that takes me to the voice activation. It rarely recognizes anything I say unlike iPhones Suri. As far as mechanical, I have been very pleased though I wish breaking wasnt so soft or the engine were the 3.6 so it had some immediately available acceleration for passing and hills. But all and all, it has not been a lemon outside of the navigation system, crossing fingers. Again, just go for the base models.

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  Second Outback ... better than our 13. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve H - August 31 - 4:16 pm

  Our 13 Outback Premium had 50,000 miles on it, and we got a good trade on a 16 Limited. We did go down a trim level, but other than the radio & leather - we are happy. The Outback overall is not too big on the outside, but not too small on the inside - so a good comprimise. And its a nice balance between performance and economy. We had a minor issues with a wear spot on the outer edge of the leather seat along the outer seam area on the 13. The local dealer worked with Subaru to get it repaired free of charge (thanks C&S Waterloo & Subaru). And the repaired seat (new leather top portion) still looked good and was holding up when we traded for the 16. I do like the cloth seats in the 16. Our 16 drives better and gets better mileage than our 13! We now have 4,000 miles on the 16. The 16 CVT is calibrated a little differently than the 13 - and seems to do much less "downshifting" going up hills, which is way better! The CVT just is happier overall - so more enjoyable to drive. Also, the ride seems more compliant (not as harsh over bumps, etc) while at the same time - seems to corner a little flatter. To me, the driving experience has improved over our 13. The MPGs are better with the 16. In our old 13 highway driving was around 26-28 at best, and really negatively effected by how windy it was. The 16 seems to get 27-28 just in 45-55 MPH suburban type driving. And on the highway weve gotten 30-31 on long trips (like driving from IA to SC). On the interstate we are usually going with the flow traffic, so 7-8 over. (Ofcourse that uses more gas.) Even though this is a mid-level Premium, it has nice freatures (and more than the 13). We decided to get the sunroof, instead of all the new safety options. The safety features would be nice, and hopfully they will be standard in most autos in the near future. And I should say, the mid-level radio in our Premium is really not too bad. Not as good as my 13 Limited (ofcourse), but you can stand to listen to it. I recently rented a Toyota Senna van to haul a full load of moving items, and the radio in the rental Toyota was terrible! It actually gave me a headack, so I had to turn it off! The Premium Outback radio is much better to my ears! Also the mid-level Premium does have some nice electronic features that are fun to play with. If you have a smart phone, it can work with that too. I havent used the call feature (like on GM vehicles). Not sure I would pay extra for it as an option. I dont notice any more actual usable space inside the 16 compared to the 13 (even though Subaru seems to indicate there is). I think any small amount of extra space is just where the lower edge of the windshild is mover forward a little - but not really extra space you can use. The 13 armrest lid design was better than the 16. It had a two step top compartment inside the lid where you put penciles & pens in one level, and other itmes in the next level. The 16 did away with this useful feature. So, not as good to store pens, etc. And Id like a little more knee room for my right leg (as is true in most all cars that are made nowdays.) I like to spread open my legs, and cant do that with the armrest housing. Wish the housing was about 2" thinner to give the driver more leg room! Are you listening Subaru??? Id recommend the optional plastic trim over the rear bumper by the tail gate, and the all weather floor protectors, and the seat back and cargo protectors. We got the power rear gate, and it works OK, but not a big deal too me. Ironically, since Ive had the Outbacks, we have left the mid-west winters for the SC area (and grand daughters), so havent actually had much snow experience ... yet. But returning to IA for turkey day in a few weeks, so who knows??? Ive just done the normal maintenance, and no problems (other than the worn leather in the 13 that Subaru replaced). The Outbacks have been good, and the 16 is better!

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  First Subbie Ever - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Brandon - August 31 - 11:53 am

  This car is fast, tight, solid and very nimble responds well and has plenty of room for a weekend get away. I needed a car to throw all my surfing gear into and this car is perfect for it. Body roll is almost non-existent, transmission feels smooth and crisp, throws are short. Engine sounds mean and agressive. Has a couple features usually found in BMWs and Mercedes. Cruising at 80 mph you still get great MPG, about 26-28 mpg. AWD works well, not too much understeer. Lots of power especially when you get around 3k RPM. Brakes are strong and work very well. Ride is smooth, a bit noisy but still comfortable. Stereo works well. This car is a blast to drive and I have no regrets.