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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  2015 Outback Premium - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By russellm1 - November 27 - 4:17 am

  This is our 3rd Subaru. This 2015 Outback replaces my wifes 2005 Outback (which needed so much work at 104,00 miles that it wasnt worth fixing, i.e. timing belt, water pump, axles, valve cover gaskets, cat. converter, etc). All is good with the 2015 except for one VERY ANNOYING problem. The small triangular glass in the front passenger door has wind noise above 30 mph. The dealer has no idea how to fix it. It has been turned over to the Subaru engineers. We put clear tape over the outside of the window & that stopped the noise but my wife is embarrassed to have the tape there on her brand new car. Lets see how long it takes Subaru to figure this one out!

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  Great car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By SECCOP - November 25 - 1:30 pm

  Car has been great in rain, ice and snow. I have never been stuck. Comfortable seats and good view of the road. I am not looking for a race car but the four cylinder version needs more lower end torque.

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  2014 Forester ROCKS - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By jra32a - November 25 - 6:21 am

  My new 2014 Forester is the 4th Subaru I have owned - 2001 Outback, 2005 Outback, 2009 Tribeca were prior. Without a doubt the 2014 Forester mirrors the engineering and design competence at Subaru. The 2013 and prior were not really spacious and the overall comforts were missing. That has all been fixed! The new interior is well designed, roomy, the seats are awesome, and the driver controls, warning lights, instruments, etc. are well arranged and easy to view. The new Lineartronic transmission is silky smooth and saves a couple mpg. Cargo area is ample, and on the 2.5i Touring, the rear seats recline. That is a nice feature. This vehicle almost got 5 stars in every category from me.

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  Love it! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By FLSubaru - November 24 - 9:56 am

  I was a 98 Outback owner (and proud of it); when the wife and I decided to go new, it was either the Prius or the Forester. We made the right choice as this car is fun, peppy, roomy, sunny and a blast to drive. We were on vacation for 10 days, and we both missed driving it! Everywhere we went, we said, "Wouldnt it be fun to have the Subaru" for hills, curves and wonderful mountain roads... and most especially the Pacific Coast Highway. No rattles, good MPG and more room and visibility than we know what to do with! So far, a worthy successor to my beloved Outback (160k miles).

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  Extremely Multi-Talented Car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Captain Steve - November 23 - 6:20 pm

  The WRX is a car that does many things well, but is not particularly outstanding at any one thing. As a sports car person, I never expected to own a 4-door car. But here I am and Im quite happy with it! At high revs with the turbo working, the WRX has good power and definitely puts a smile on your face.-Handling is very sharp. This means the ride is a bit rough over bumpy roads, but the WRX doesnt pretend to be a luxury sedan.-AWD and 4 doors make the WRX actually pretty practical.-Standard equipment is quite nice. Not outsanding, but still very sufficient.

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  Like no Other - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mike - November 23 - 10:00 am

  After 8000 km this car is definitely fun at the wheel. With the one of a kind symmetrical AWD this car is firmly planted on the road and while driving I always feel in full control of the vehicle. With a low center of gravity due to the lower placement of the Boxer engine this car does not sway while turning. With two small children safety is a top priority and with the 5 star crash test and safety ratings we could not ask for more. The stylish interior is a sight to behold and with smooth lines it is also very easy to wipe clean. Visibility is great front and back and the over-sized side mirrors are a bonus. Seats are comfortable and firm and on long rides the body stays rested. Great car

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  One helluva great car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Snowchaser - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I am by no means a conservative driver. And this car keeps up with me without even breaking a sweat. the H6 is an insanely powerful engine. The snow and ice in this car are not even a problem. It powers through it like its not even there. Great space for over night ski trips. Great looking. comfortable. The best car ive ever owned

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  Really wanted a diesel - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Wendy - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2007 Passat, really wanted a car with AWD that was safe and had good gas mileage. Although I doubt if I will get any speeding tickets with my Subaru it is a great car...I had trouble getting the Bluetooth to work; had to get a new phone and that was an aggravation. Love the seating position and the lack of blind spots. Love the sparkly gray paint. Cant wait to see how it handles in the snow, but during a few torrential downpours it handled quite impressively.

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  My auto transmission has 5 speeds - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Barry - November 23 - 4:30 am

  I wanted to comment about the complaints regarding the use of a 4- speed auto transmission instead of 5- speeds in the Forester 2.5X AT. I have tested it, counted shifts and watched tach, and my AT definitely has 5 gears. It does not shift into 5th gear until about 60 mph if the engine is cold, but if warmed up and driving on a flat surface, the 5th gear will engage as low as 35-40 mph as long as you are not heavy on the gas pedal. Regardless of what the 09 Forester owners manual says, the dealership confirmed that the AT is really a 4-speed with an overdrive. Could this be something the assembly line changed mid-year? Mine was one of last 2009s to come off the assembly line in Dec. 2008.

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  2017 Outback is a solid choice - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By JeanS - November 20 - 4:14 pm

  This vehicle provides a very solid, comfortable and safe feeling ride. It accelerates well but it is not a rocket. It was purchased to be a good commuter vehicle and has proven itself well to-date. In the first month I have over 1,200 miles and there have been no issues with the vehicle. I purchased an extended warranty because it is my first experience with an all wheel drive vehicle and I wasnt sure how all the systems would behave over time.