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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  Wowee! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Happy NY Subie Owner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After 500 wonderful miles, I can only say superlatives about this wonderful machine! I got mine with the moonroof & nav package. It rides great, got plenty of giddy-up when you need it, hugs the road, has an aggressive (but not overly so) exterior look and a very classy, roomy and upscale interior with all the features anyone could want or ask for.

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  Dont expect more than what you pay for - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By sunnynaples - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Subaru 2.5x Special Edition. I bought the 2010 Forester based on safety ratings and reliable all wheel drive. It drives great in heavy rain. The interior is roomy enough for a tall 63" man to fit comfortably front and back. The cargo area has an outlet for a fan and fits the dog and dog bed perfectly. Like the other reviews mentioned, you hear road noise. I had my non-Subaru mechanic take it for a spin & he said it was because the engine itself is so quiet. The interior fixings arent great, but the car was about 10k less than what most of my friends have paid for American SUVs. Overall, Im satisfied with the purchase and hope to keep the car 10- 12 years.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By SubiNewby - September 26 - 5:06 am

  This was my first Subaru...got this vehicle for my wife because of the safety aspects, but we both love it. This is a luxury vehicle at an affordable price. I cant recommend it enough. Good low end torque, with a little less response on the highway. Corners without leaning, havent had a chance to put the AWD to test. Interior is top-notch and very comfortable, including for back seat passengers. 3rd row is a joke, which is why we purchased the 5 passenger version. We chose this over X3, Murano, Highland, CR-V and CX-7.

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  2016 Outback 3.6 Great car for the money - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Chris - September 23 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased my 2016 Outback 3.6 in November of 2015. Ive only put about 2500 miles on it at this point, June of 2016, but really like the car and would buy it again. It has been problem free, the Eyesite/Starlink work well, same for lane departure warning and Blind spot, Super easy to get in and out of, really happy with it. I just have a few complaints that have to do with features, not quality. 1.) no central locking feature for door locks, my 2002 Toyota Tundra has central locking, at over $38,000 for my Outback should have central locking, 2.) The power passenger seat does not have the same movements as the driver seat. 3.) no heated steering wheel 4.) Does not have Bi-LED headlights 5.) no secondary buttons for radio, to many steps to go through touch screen to get between nav and radio. 6.) Stereo is not that great for an upgraded stereo (Harman/Kardon). 7.) would be nice to have cooled seats as well as heated 8.) No lumbar adjustments for passenger seat. 9.) does not offer front and rear sensors. 10.) more exterior and interior color choices. I know these things most people would probably consider not needed, but I do and the central locking for safety reason, never know what stop light or sign you may be at. This is a car I would buy again and I hope Subaru will make changes and add some, if not all the items I think it should have. Just so its here, I average about 21 mpg, but I live at a high elevation, and drive up and down hills a lot. Like the extended warranty they offer as well, got the 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty with zero deductible.

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  Worth the $$ - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Great Ride! - September 22 - 10:10 pm

  The spec.B is worth every penny over the normal GT. The wheel/Bilstein suspension package works flawlessly and the upgraded interior is loved by all who see it. My wife traded in her 2000 Accord for it, we will never go back to the soulless Honda. The rush of the turbo spooling at 3 thousand makes it a rush to drive. My only worry is the number of speeding tickets the wife is going to pile up.

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  3rd Subaru for John of Columbus, NC - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jaacolumbusnc - September 22 - 12:57 pm

  In August 2014, I purchased my 2015 Outback 2.5i Limited at Vic Bailey Imports, Spartanburg, SC. [non-permissible content removed]. The car is terrific in every way. The ride is very comfortable for my wife and I - both in our mid-80s. The seats are high for great visibility. I really like the CVT. Smooth and quiet. The HarmanKardon sound system is supreme. I am averaging better then 27mpg around the local area. Highway consumption is much better. This is a truly great Subaru and should not be overlooked.

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  "Tough Enough for Alaska" - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By billandti - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Tight, nimble, reliable and smooth little car. The wagons appeal is the just-sporty-enough looks, cargo and comfort capabilities. I love the AWD since I live in Alaskas interior and need a reliable car to get me up hills and through our roads safely. I also chose the manual transmission for fun and fuel economy. The standard 2.5 engine is sweet and quiet but dont expect a power pull from this engine. With over 11K miles on my car since I bought it new, I climbed from 21 mpg new and now average 24 in the city. Ive had 30 mpg on the highway if I keep it at 60 mph. 70-80 mph (summer driving) and I still get 27-28 mpg.

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  Great Car. - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By John - September 21 - 7:08 am

  After 5,000 miles I have very few complaints. I would remove the fake shift points from the CVT and make the front seat bottoms wider. Other than those two things, I have no complaints and it is an awesome car. Ive done some off-road specific mods like aluminum skids and a 1.5" lift. I mostly commute in it, but will also use it as a lite overlanding vehicle. It does well off-road for a car.

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  2009 WRX STI - Best car Ive ever owned! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By JD1 - September 21 - 4:53 am

  I needed a car that had enough room for two small children (occasionally), AWD for the snow (no snow plows or salt trucks here in the Pacific NW), and I wanted a car that would have great performance (but economical enough for daily commute). Ive had this car for 3 months, and I couldnt be more pleased. It meets all my needs (though not tried in snow yet). I keep it in the "Sport" setting, and average 21mpg in mixed driving conditions. Not a single problem with the car. A few additional costs: insurance went up $200/yr and car requires 92 octane fuel, but its money well spent. Nicely balanced suspension (not too stiff, not too soft). The STI is a very high quality vehicle in and out.

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Chloe - September 20 - 10:10 am

  This car is amazing. I picked it because I dont know too many people who drive it, and I feel like a million bucks when I am in it. I used to drive a Saturn L2, so this is quite a difference! I get 26-30 MPG on the highway with this car. Its the perfect size for me, though I could see a family of 4 driving it as well. Everyone I have driven in it loves it, and I like its size--big enough for passive safety, but not as gigantic as some other SUVs out there. Even my dad who is against "foreign cars" (even though its built here) likes it a lot. No buyers remorse whatsoever--best first car I could ever get!