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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  Glad I bought it!! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - August 31 - 7:30 am

  Love the car! Did a lot of research before I bought it. I used to have a BMW 328i; driving my new Outback reminds me of the BMW. Great steering and braking. Like the 5 star safety rateing too, I feel very safe and protected.I also like that I can tow my popup camper. I plan to keep this car a long time and feel it will last as long as I want to keep it. Will diffiently recommend a Subaru to anyone who is looking to buy a car.!

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  Wonderful Crossover - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Barnes - August 31 - 4:20 am

  I love it. Takes curves with very little lean. The unit is extremely quiet. Subaru compares the Tribeca to the Lexus and Infiniti SUV but stopped short of including XM radio, Bluetooth, and Memory Seats. But the ride and handling of this vehicle make up for the missing items. I would buy it again.

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  Better than my Jeep Cherokee! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By jmsillers - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a 95 Jeep Cherokee and having them both in a Minnesota winter I can say that the traction and control of the AWD system greatly outperformed teh Selec-Trac and All-Time 4WD system of the Jeep. while the Jeep slid and tailed a bit on ide and soft snow, the Subaru was easier to control and more predictable. I also shopped for a 2001 Cherokee and found that little had changed in the 5 years since Jeep had made my 95 Cherokee. The interior had been upgraded but still lacked the comfort and amenities of the Forester.

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  plenty of thought and research - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By funky dawg - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I like Subarus and even sold them. Ive seen hundreds of new and used Subies. I love the LL BEAN. My needs were sport-luxury, utility type of car (I already have an SUV). Subaru can make some quirky decisions/designs in different makes/models. The LL BEANS are below. Subaru should take a step back (better yet, hire me as a consultant) and centralize all like functions to the same locations. The HO6 is great for the Outbacks. Stereo system is above average. The climate control is effective but can have a mind of its own. Ive gotten 21 mpg avg. Its smart, comfortable, stylish, reliable and fun to drive.

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  handling - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By lechalet - August 31 - 2:00 am

  great on wet roads, freeways or snow , mud ,mountain roads

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  Alternative to Gas Guzzlers - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By ehobbel - August 31 - 1:26 am

  This car is awesome. I had never driven a Subaru before I purchased this car. I had previously test drove Accord, Camry, Avalon, Malibu, and Fusion. As a SUV owner for almost 10 years I have been spoiled with space and comfort. Not to mention that Im 62, space was essential. I felt claustrphobic in all the other autos except when the drove the Legacy. It was so SPACIOUS! Its AWD for those of us that get snow and are used to 4 wheel drive, and its just plain fun. The added bonus....MPG 22-31, a far cry from my 16 MPG Jeep Grand Cheerokee. If you looking for space, comfort, snow capabilities, great MPG, and overall AWESOME value, you need to definatly test drive the Legacy.

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  I will never buy another Subaru - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By trs1997 - August 27 - 7:10 am

  I bought my 2002 Subaru Legacy GT Sedan Automatic used (36k). Since then, I have had every service performed, including oil changed every 3500 miles. At 92k miles I had to replace the head gaskets (both sides) $1800. At 120k miles the moon roof computer went out (probably used 3 times a year $500) At 126k miles it spun the #3 Rod Bearing and damaged the Crankshaft. ($4300) - the dealer stocks the short block which tells me they are having LOTS of problems with this motor. This car has never been neglected or abused and always had factory parts as replacement. I am very disappointed in this purchase and now I have no car because its motor blew and its at the repair shop with no money to fix it

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  And I thought my Outback wagon was fun! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Adrian Rivera - August 26 - 10:50 am

  This is a great car. I was initially put off by the price tag until we did our comparison research & test drives. All of the comparably equipped competitors came in over the price I ultimately negotiated my dealer. It handles great and has much more power than my 4 cylinder Outback wagon. It has an excellent turning radius and is very easy to park . My only complaint is the gas mileage but we expected this moving up to a 6 cylinder SUV. We love both the interior and exterior styling of the car. It is definitely a head turner and I, only having it for short time, have been asked about it numerous times.

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  Impressive - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - August 25 - 3:34 pm

  While just short of one month since purchase; Im very pleased, very impressed with this car. The eyesight assist continues to amaze me. Such clever technology at a reasonable price. My daughter will start driving next year. Ill feel so much better knowing shes in such a safe, reliable car. Assuming I let her drive it. ;))

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  What a car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By scozim - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Outback brand new. Was my wifes car for the first three years, now I drive it and I have to say I havent had this much fun driving a wagon in a long time. Had 55 series Michelin Artic Alpines on for the winter and the car was unbelievable in the snow. Not one problem in three years and we have 63,000 on it.