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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  Best all wheel drive system - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By RDG - February 26 - 2:40 pm

  We looked at all other SUVs and nothing came close, the design alone indicates how they take everything in consideration they take pride in designing a one of a kind, all other SUVs have plain dashes, also the engine is like no other, way ahead in all aspects. The all wheel drive has 33% less parts than the rest, reliability and resale far ahead of the others, don, t believe all these so called experts?

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  Subaru fan - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By CA Subaru - February 26 - 2:26 am

  This is our second Subaru - also own 2003 Forester. It snows where we live and the Subaru AWD is arguably the best on the market. Wanted a larger Subaru, but did not like the styling of the original B9 Tribeca, nor its lack of power and premium fuel requirement. All these objections overcome with the new version. It handles like a smaller vehicle, is very secure feeling, and comfortable (except for adults in the third row, but we knew this when we bought it - it is fine for children.

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  Aint what it used to be - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Ron - February 25 - 4:34 pm

  I had a 2004 Forester until recently and loved it. If the head gasket didnt go Id still have it. The new 2016 is a real disappointment compared to it. There was so many nice features with the 2004. Whoever designed the interior should be fired. I never seen so many uncomfortable placements of controls and things (compared to the 2004) as in this car. For example, in the rear area - there are two corner sections with sloping bottoms and no wall to keep things in there. Why have the sections if you cant put something in there and have it stay put? The power windows and door locks are placed below the door pull handle and take special effort to go directly to. Door storage has just a long open slot for things to bounce around in. If you put a music CD in, withdraw it, you must push a button for the radio to come back into play - WTF??? The speedometer doesnt have markings between the tens of MPH (e.g., 10, 20, 30, etc. - no 15, 25, 35, etc.) many highways in the US are 45 or 55 mph. And wait until you feel the car in a slight wind. Lastly, you now need synthetic oil for your changes ($$$$$).

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  Like the ad says, We Lived - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Don Miller - February 24 - 5:53 pm

  We love this car. We were in crash in our 2015 Outback when a woman pulled in front of us(failed to yield) and the front end of our car was destroyed. The car was totaled. My wife and I had injuries, but nothing life threatening. The 5 star safety rated Outback safety features saved us from serious injuries. Based on this, and the fact that we really liked this car, we have bought a 2016 Outback with all the same safety items. I would also like to add that Joe Amore of Subaru International of Merrilleville, In did and excellent job in finding us a new Outback with the extras we wanted

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  Great Car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By belaircarguy - February 24 - 1:40 pm

  Great Car! Bought a 2005 Legacy GT Limited Wagon for my college daughter. 100,000 miles on it, but was well cared for by an adult owner. Interior looks new, and paint is flawless. Turbo engine is powerful and car is fun to drive. Built quality of a Subaru is second to none. Overall, could not be happier. Did know that at this mileage I would need to replace the timing belt/water pump/drive belts and also needs new spark plugs. Cannot complain, as this is normal maintenance items.

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  Less Than Expected - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By SjS - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Seems to be issues with the front brakes, and the windows in front doors leak air. (BAD) Dealer doesnt seem to be able to correct this.

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  Perfect family car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By wagondad - February 23 - 6:39 pm

  Fills the duties of daily transportation perfectly, fast enough not to get boring and utilitarian enough that I dont feel guilty for enjoying it so much. The only thing I HATE about this car is the danged speakers rattling the door panels. REALLY?? Seriously guys, its a $30,000 car and you couldnt spend the time in development to make sure the map pockets dont vibrate apart when someones listening to music? Hell, even NPR throws this car for a loop...if Lakshmi Sing messes your sound system up, you have a problem. So I will spend this weekend stuffing my map pockets full of old towels. Oh, 45,000 miles and no problems. Original tires/brakes. Yeah, much love for Subaru.

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  Awesome Car - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ran S - February 23 - 9:21 am

  This is the best car i ever own. It is much better than other SUVs /wagons in this segment. Best bang for the buck with the comfort and safety features.

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  Very fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By big rob - February 23 - 7:10 am

  I love this car, it has character to it. I like that there are not many on the road. Its nice to be the only one in the neighborhood with one. This car gets a lot of lookers.

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  Good bang for your buck - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By R.J. - February 22 - 5:06 am

  Had the vehicle for about 3 years now. Very satisfied with the fit and finish of the car. It has a lot of standard equipment for a base model. The 4 speed automatic transmission is a little bit lazy getting the car moving. The Forester fairs very well in inclement weather; it is also a very highly rated vehicle safetywise by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), especially when compared against rivals in this price range. My only real complaints are the tight back seat and the antiquated rear drum brakes on the 2.5X, with the perpetual squeaking problem that a dealer rep advised me was just a poor brake shoe design inherent on this model.