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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  1st time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By 1st time Subaru - June 5 - 11:20 am

  As a first time Subaru owner I did not know what to expect. It is the first car that I have owned that does not have a frame around the doors windows. Maybe I do not drive the way the others do but my mileage has been less than expected. My last car was a Toyota Highlander and did really well in the snow and not bad on mileage, so this new car has a lot to live up to. I have owned others, Acura, Nissan, Audi and Toyota and, in my opinion, all had better initial quality. I am looking forward to the snow because I have heard great things.

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  I should have done more research - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Rich B. - June 5 - 9:16 am

  This is certainly a much quieter and more comfortable vehicle than the 96 Outback its replacing. It handles nicely, has adequate power for my needs, and is very versatile in many ways. There are, however, some features that really irk me: 1. The roof rack design is very inflexible compared to the typical set of rails on most SUVs. 2. The sideview mirrors do not fold. 3. In order to make Harman-Kardon stereo in the 2.5 Limited fully functional with an iPod, the dealer quoted nearly $600 in parts & labor for the "media hub." 4. Cost to add a bumper hitch was quoted at $675 due to bumper mods. My advice - look closely before you buy the 2010 Outback; it comes up short in a few key areas.

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  Wish I had bought something else - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By gypsygal - June 4 - 11:13 am

  I dont buy cars often and keep them 10+ years, until I get tired of them. Past cars were 2 Nissan trucks, and a CRV, all which served me very well. So I was excited last year to try a new Subaru CrossTrek. The excitement wore off within several months of driving it. Bought it specifically for the gas mileage. It is a city commuter car for me, and it was barely getting 18 mpg. Called the service dept twice and explained the problem, they said its probably my driving habits, and the car needs to be broken in. Oh really? Never had that problem with the other cars. Here we are a year later, and the city MPG is down to 15. Also, the car takes forever to warm up on these Colorado winter days.

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  Do I really need a car this fast? - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By WesK - June 2 - 10:00 am

  What other vehicle can rip the roads and have as much space as a mini-van inside? At 10% throttle, you have a car that almost behaves like a well mannered commuter vehicle in traffic. Step on the gas, and you will probably be breaking any speeding law in less than one second.

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  Perfect pass - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By SpeedyPetey14 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Driving the STI is an unmatched experience, especially. l compared to the Impreza w/o turbo. I previously owned an Impreza Outback Sport and always craved something more, the STI gave me that and then some. The SI drive and center differential settings are a great way to "customize" your driving experience every time you jump in. Its truly a Rocky Mountain toy.

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  my third subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steve - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  I now have approx 35k miles in15 months. Decent average mpg, approx 25.5 overall. Too many rattles, particularly around moon roof sliding lid. Tires holding up real well so far. Radio "so so"

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  2006 Forester X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By subtex - June 1 - 5:20 am

  I traded in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee for the Forester. It was getting a little tired and I wanted something that would get better fuel economy and still have some off road capability. I wasnt disappointed in these 2 respects. The highway mileage is outstanding (31.6 on a recent trip) and the Forester is astonishing off road in deep sand and even climbing sand hills that we have out here in west Texas. It does however have a couple of annoying problems with the drivetrain management as mentioned in other Forester reviews. Those are the engine revving very high on cold starts and the drivetrain jerk at low speeds. Also the engine has a distinct lack of low end power in my opinion.

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  Head Gasgets blown twice - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  We have had several Subarus but this one started having problems...head gasget went at 60k then again at 110k, radiator went at 110k, CV Boot replaced 2x, plus other problems..one major plus is Subaru stood behind their vehicle and covered the head gasget even when out of warranty.

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  Love My Subaru.. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - May 31 - 6:03 am

  Loving my Outback, I am a first time Subaru owner and it is great and fun to drive. Comfort level wonderful and enough room for a car seat in the back with plenty of leg room for a toddler. Just the right size. My husband drives and SUV and we agreed to scale down. I looked at all crossover, Rav $, CR-V, GMC and this one was the bested priced, best rating for safety. Hands down this car came in first and a good all around.

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  Great alternative to your typical mid-size sedans - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By ev25 - May 31 - 1:27 am

  I bought the 2016 Legacy Limited 2.5i with all tech features included. Overall, I have to say this is a great car for the money. Not only does it come with all-wheel drive, but all the tech features, especially those related to safety, can be obtained at a reasonable price. The only downside I can think of is the fact that the car isnt fast at all compared to its competitors. If you are tired of seeing too many Accords and Camrys, the Legacy is the way to go.