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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  Too Much Money for Too Many Problems - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Caroline - January 21 - 9:26 am

  I was pretty enamored of this car with all its bells and whistles, but it ended up not being worth it. Ive had to replace the transmission among lots of piddly, annoying stuff. The gaskets around the doors/windows have all come loose, the hatch back door handle doesnt spring back anymore, just replaced the burned out rear wiper motor, replaced the hyrdraulic lifts on the hatch - all within the last year and a half! My 16 year-old Honda has fewer problems and starts and goes just as reliably! No more Subies for me.

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  More horses, please - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jake - January 21 - 5:10 am

  For such a heavy car, it is underpowered. However, for such a large vehicle, it drives wonderfully, handling like a sports car around turns with minimal understeer. At 76K miles, my head gaskets began to leak despite the fact that the car was always well cared for. Other than that, no mechanical problems. For 6+, however, the car is cramped and overall interior design isnt as good as it could be. The stance is great for getting around in the snow or driving over small obstacles. For the price, the car has been great, but look into the H6 engine.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Boston Bloviator - January 20 - 6:36 pm

  I bought XT Limited this primarily for my wife, who had been nursing along a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Laredo with 130K+ miles. The new Subie is a pleasant driving experience! The turbo provides a distinct but not overpowering reminder that this Forester is no longer a narcoleptic Sunday drive with Aunt Millie and Uncle Olaf. Plenty of room. Im 6-2, and theres still headroom. Our 2 boys like the moon-roof. The 09 Forester is wider, longer, and taller, making it larger than other "small" SUVs, and very close to what I expect from mid-SUVs I have to laugh - the coffee-cup holder is still flimsy and cheap looking - just like in all Subarus, including our 99 Sub Outback wagon.

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  What to call an 11 year old car? - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Realist - January 20 - 8:30 am

  Well here we are...11 years 180k miles and still going. I figure I paid $20100 for the car, put an average on 18k miles on per year, spend about 2k per year in repairs/maint. So what? Should I trade it in and get a car payment. What is $200 per mo going to buy me... a compact? I have one of those and it cant take a curb, a mud bath, a snow bank, etc. Over time my Suby pulled a Jeep, a Lexus, a Land Rover and about 3 other cars out of ditches. It may be the way I drive or it could be this car (please note: towing is only about 1800 lbs... all the stuck vehicles had to help some). Thats it. It is a fair car/truck/wagon/compact/suv/whatever for the price. I would consider buying another.

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  2001 Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Doug - January 20 - 1:13 am

  The Outback was our first "new" car, and we can certainly afford anything. This car has been completely troublefree, aside from the cupholder in the back seat that my kids stepped on (and broke). There is a lingering concern regarding head gaskets with the 2.5 engine. We have had no trouble at all. I do not know what incidence exists for these engines. We have a Subaru fanatic nearby who will change both sides for about $1500. Would I buy again? You bet - in fact, were shopping right now for a Forester for her, so that I can start driving the 01 Outback - my 91 Loyale has 209k on it, and running fine but a bit of an embarrassment in this neighborhood.

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  Solid Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By zak - January 19 - 10:50 am

  31,000 miles on my 2004 Subaru. Very happy with performance, reliability. Excellent in snow. Researched every car in the class before purchase and am convinced the Subaru Forester best choice.

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  fast car, small price. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By matt - January 18 - 9:20 pm

  I just bought this car a few days ago and it is really a joy to own! The selling points for me were the 30 mpg along with the AWD. The handling is great and the Yokohama tires along with the 17" rims are very sharp. The 4 cylinder 168 hp engine is surprisingly quick and I like the available sport mode. At just over $23k it is a great buy. The only negative aspect is that the rear legroom is minimal.

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  You may wish to consider other cars - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Brandon Schultz - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Legacy 2.5 GT for 6 months. It handles better than any car I have ever owned. However, it has some design problems. When the clutch is cold, the car will vibrate excessively and now it has begun to make unusual whining noises. If you dont slam the doors, they dont close, and when the doors are slammed it starts to rattle. Sometimes you can push the remote 30 times and only the driver door will unlock although you hear a beep with each push. Other times, two beeps is enough. A little more hp would be better. You have to be He-Man to put it into reverse. Look at other brands before you buy this Subaru.

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  Fantastic car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By budrew - January 18 - 2:01 am

  I have previously owned Outbacks: Gen 1, 2, 3 (turbo). I skipped Gen 4 as I did not like the styling at all. In the interim I leased a VW GTI, a very different (fun) car. However, it did not fit our lifestyle and made my family car sick, so I longed for a return to the Outback. The 2015 Outback is simply amazing - it seems to surpass all previous Outbacks in most every way. The styling is vastly improved, sharp in fact. It is a very comfortable car with a great ride. Acceleration is perfectly fine, steering is nice and tight, CVT is better than expected. Audio is very good if not fantastic, nav and other "tech" work great. Twilight Blue Metallic with dark interior - super sweet!

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  Happy with car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By flamanatee - January 17 - 4:22 pm

  The OB matches the comfort level of my 04 Rainier. Love the gas milage especially on longer trips. Over all very pleased with this car. Chose Premium version because we live in FLA and do not need the all weather package that is standard on Limited.