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:

• 

  Great Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Robert - May 27 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my car used with 7100 miles on the odometer. I love spirited driving. I am not totally happy with the suspension. The 8" ground clearance causes a floatiness at highway speeds and on undulating roadways. Maybe too much air is going under the car and causing lift. The interior is nicely appointed and handsome. I found the left foot rest not quite the right size or in the best position. I and am constantly moving my foot to get the most comfortable spot. The radio needs a sub woofer as standard equiptment. Car is very quiet at highway speed. Doors close with a reasurring thunk. The brakes are a little squishy. I prefer a more solid feel to the pedal pressure.

• 

  Awesome wagon, fun to drive..... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By serch - May 25 - 10:46 pm

  My wife and I were looking to get a family car without getting a minivan and we always kept coming back to the Outback. Since we purchased it we couldnt be happier. We unloaded a 2004 Nissan Titan gas guzzler for this car. It is fun to drive, comfortable (I am 63). solid, and perfect for our needs. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Original Cross-Over Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Tom - May 25 - 1:03 pm

  Best car in its class. This is my third Subie. I traded in a 2002 Legacy Sedan that had 93,000 trouble free miles. My 98 Impreza had 125,000 miles and ran like new till it was totaled.

• 

  Great Machine - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Happy - May 25 - 3:13 am

  I have 2000 miles on new outback. The 3.5 engine/automatic matchup is a perfect combination... getting 26 mph with all kinds of power and acceleration. Car handles well in high water with no hydroplaning. I live in snow zone, looking forward to experiencing its reputation as a snow machine. Very comfortable cabin and with the limited accessories it offers all one needs. Recommend this vehicle as a great deal for all around uses.

• 

  The best - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By TOM - May 23 - 4:06 am

  I love this vehicle snow, rain, ice, whatever the world throws at you it handles. I autocross and it is impressive there. On the highway I avg 32 mpg hills 28. I love it and recommend it

• 

  Roof Rack - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Gary Anderson - May 22 - 9:56 pm

  When I purchased my 2006 Outback Sport it made a whistling noise when I drove over 40 mph. I took it back to the dealers shop and was told no problem. They would put a diffuser in the rack and it would take care of the whistle. I went back to pick up the vehicle and as soon as I got up to 40 mph it still whistled. I went back to the shop they told me to bring it back the next day. When I went back they told me Subaru had made and error in the design and as soon as it was fixed they would call me. Three months laster I called and was told by the service department that their was no fix for the problem.

• 

  Better than Impreza - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By fracker - May 22 - 8:29 pm

  Traded a 2012 Impreza for a Crosstrek. Impreza was WAY too low for backroads in the mountains I live in. The Crosstrek will tow 1500lbs & has nice ground clearance & much better suspension for nasty forest dirt roads.I drove it on forest roads Id never take the Impreza on & it did great. I can tow a motorcycle over rocks with this thing. Handles great,more truck-like. The heated seats are height adjustable which allows me to sit lower & not have the Imprezas mirror block vision on right curves(was dangerous on the Impreza). This auto transmission doesnt have near the "holdback" going down hills the Imprezas had(I had to gas that the Impreza going down hills--hated it).

• 

  THE BEST CAR - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By jason john - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR! IT RULES! FROM THE FIRST TIME I SAW ONE TO NOW WHENI HAVE ONE! THINS CAR ROCKS!

• 

  a high quality car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By howard doe - May 22 - 2:00 am

  the car corners well and has much power. It handles well in the rain an in snow.

• 

  Just purchased and will continue review - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Card Fan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have spent the past two months methodically reviewing, test-driving, and evaluating vehicles that I would consider appropriate for a growing family. I narrowed the choice down to the following four vehicles: Honda CR-V, Honda Odyssey, Subaru Outback, and Kia Sorento. The CR-V sounded so noisy on the test drives and the interior seemed a bit cheap in comparison to the other vehicles so it fell off the list. The Oddessey had a great ride, but the price was pushing 36,000 or higher out the door. I pained over the remaining two, and after reading all the customer reviews available I ruled out the Kia Sorento because of miscellaneous reported problems. Over the next year I plan to write 3 reviews