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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  Another Great Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Ron K - June 29 - 2:00 am

  When we lived in Boston, we had only Subarus for over a decade. Moving to California we had access to a fleet of used company cars and bought those. Eventually we had two Mazdas and intended to replace those. However, the Outback won me over. The other replacement vehicle was a Lexus IS300 and in terms of interior comfort and handling, it is not far off. The power is much different but the Outback is quiet and comfortable while providing a practical alternative to the Lexus. All of the things I like about Subaru are still there--and improved.

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  Meets all our needs! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Fro - June 29 - 2:00 am

  We compared our car w/Passat Wagon, and everything being equal the Outback won hands down. The comfort, roominess and extra (non add-on) emenities made the decision easy. It handles better than any other car weve owned.

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  I Love My Subie!--Greeley, CO - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Landon-21 years old - June 28 - 8:26 pm

  W O W ! This is a great car for the money. Compared to other 4 door sedans under $20,000 this one knocks the doors off the competition. This car is so practical and fun and well its a great car. I hope that if you are looking for a car that you definitely consider Subaru. By the way I get 21 city & 26 hwy, so decent gas mileage also especially considering it is an automatic and has AWD.

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  Girl - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Girl - June 27 - 8:20 pm

  To soon to tell, but so for so good

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  2008 Tribeca a big improvement - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Bob - June 26 - 5:13 pm

  Have had the Tribeca for 5 months and 6,000 miles. Combination driving I am averaging 19.5 miles. In city - 17 to 18 which is as advertised. Highway only trips 22 - 24. We have had a Land Rover Discovery, Acura MDX, Mercedes ML 320 and Volvo XC70 - this vehicle is every bit as good and much less expensive. Because of those other SUVs I was smart enough to not get the built in Navi. Spent $250 on a Garmin. Almost bought BMW X5 but decided to save $20K - glad I did.

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  Love my Forester more each day - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By 1st Time Subaru - June 25 - 8:13 pm

  I was originally looking at Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4, but was concerned about their blind spots and bad rear visibility for backing up. So I looked at the Subaru (with AMAZING visibility in ALL directions) and sold on the appearance, performance and features. The Subaru Symetrical AWD is also superior to the 4WD technology on Honda and Toyota. Regarding other reviews: The base trim does not have cup holders in the back seat center console, but ALL trims have cup holders embedded in the back doors (perhaps the other reviewers havent noticed?). The radio seems just fine to me. The passenger seat is low, but not a showstopper. The driver seat is very comfortable in the Limited trim.

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  Rocket on wheels. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By dsmcarfan - June 25 - 10:23 am

  Test drove Acura TL, Infiniti G35x, and the GT. Best feeling of raw power under control in a car. You dont accelerate in the vehicle, you launch from a standstill. I have not seen much in the way of turbo lag as others have reported. The car has plenty of passing power, and is all around a fun piece of machinery. Its not as refined as the TL or G35x, but is a good mix of performance and luxury features for a reasonable price.

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  great daddy car, get eyesight package - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By harold - June 24 - 7:22 pm

  feel very safe. get eyesight! too many safety features to pass up on. dont have time to list all of them. in adaptive cruise control you dont have to adjust if there is traffic, car will slow down and resume on its own. also, car will stay in lane by itself. there is an eyesight package that many salespeople and dealerships are not aware of called package 14 which includes eyesight, blind spot monitoring, and power lift gate without adding other costly options. cloth interior looks ok but not practical. get custom seat covers

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  Traded in my Honda - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By exhonda - June 24 - 1:03 am

  I have traded in my Accord Ex for the 2008 Legacy Limited with VDC. The Legacy is by far a much better vehicle than the Accord. The Accord is a good ride but it cant match the Legacy in handling and in acceleration. The steering feels very balance in the AWD Legacy; you dont have the torque steer kickback of a front wheel drive car. The gas mileage is about the same as the Accord, which is quite good. The 4 speed auto transmission works well with the 2.5 engine. I have no problem merging into the freeways and zipping aound town. The ride is very comfortable and controlled. I have owned many brands (MB, BMW, Acura, Honda, Jeep, Nissan) and the Legacy is the best car for the money.

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  Fun & Reliable - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Lather - June 23 - 10:13 pm

  This is actually my wifes car and I drive it occasionally. Prior to the 2003 we owned a 1998 and it is the first car to give my wife confidence in bad weather. The feel of the vehicle while driving is excellent. The steering is tight. The pickup is good. We love the huge moonroof. On the negative side, I wish the driving position of the seat was higher/taller. The 2003 could have used more leg room in the back seat. The gas mileage could be a little better. I drive a 1999 Honda CR-V and although it is a nice SUV it does not offer the solid feel that the Forester gives. It does get slightly better gas mileage, but with less horsepower. Overall the 2003 Forester is a solid vehicle.