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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  Just a really well built car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By TW - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 2006, just hit 60,000 miles. Still love the car. Its been reliable, drives well, good interior size. It really is a perfect sports sedan. 4 adults can fit comfortably, the interior is simple but well put together. The car offers a very good power & handling. Its just an absolute joy to drive. I love how small it is on the outside, yet you do not feel cramped inside at all, especially compared against IS250, CTS..etc.

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  Wish for WRX Suspension - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By Kirk - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the car for a month but I am really enjoying it with one glaring exception. Turn in and body roll are real issues. My plain jane 09 Honda Civic handles much better and it has understeer! I wish Subaru would have used the WRX suspension on this model. Rallitek sway bars are on order.

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  2013 Outback 2.5i Premium - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By rogerl3 - May 28 - 3:08 pm

  I purchased a 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium after extensive research.This is my first Subaru and first AWD vehicle. After 2,700 miles of driving I have been very pleased with the performance, drivability, and features. The car handles extremely well on all roads. Acceleration is acceptable, with plenty of torque and power with the 4 cyl. Boxer engine. The CVT transmission takes a bit of "getting used to" as it does not shift through gears as a typical automatic transmission. The interior is quiet and comfortable, plenty of space for 4 adults and storage in the rear cargo area. The Outback is an exceptional value IMHO.

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  New Car Purchase - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Phil - May 28 - 3:03 pm

  This is the true SUV, especially the "Utility" aspect, since it conforms to nearly all my needs. Also, theres great value here in all its added creature comforts and the great reputation for safety. In city driving, its peppy and its short turning radius is great for parking. On interstate drives it is wonderfully comfortable for me and an 85 lb collie. On the sport side, it can transport up to three sea-kayaks comfortably and cross-country skis can fit inside (over the front seat median). I do give up some things like having to slowing down on the curves, overall gas mileage (21) can be better and telescoping steer wheel and memory seats would be nice, but, overall, its a winner.

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  Ruby - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Staypuft - May 28 - 2:20 pm

  I picked up my Ruby Red SE on Labor day and got the same lease deal they were offering on the 08. Drove many other cars and this was love at first drive. I am a very large person but the smallish size doesnt bother me. Everything seems to be cut to fit. Quality is top notch. I have been given compliments nearly every day. My kids think its a sports car and all the neighbors are jealous.

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  The swiss army knife of cars! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By problemcat13 - May 28 - 1:16 am

  Want a wagon to haul stuff? Want to do some light off-roading? Want to smoke that 350Z sitting at the light next to you? The Forester can do it all! I am on my second Forester and am now a die-hard Subaru fan. My 04 XT is a nicely put together vehicle with nice materials, but most importantly, smoking performance. I smile just thinking about pushing my Foz through the corners and speeding away from lights. I like it, my kids like it, and even the wife likes to take it out for a spin! Reliability, style, utility, performance... you cant go wrong!

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  Disappointed. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dmitry - May 28 - 1:13 am

  Drivetrain: Rear suspension is too soft, (car goes up & down more than once after bump). 4-A transmission is the same slow as previous generation, but shift logic now is very stupid, kickdown is absolutely unacceptable. Interior: Well, finally they switched to better materials, but this is the only improvements - ergonomics is nightmare. At night the instrument panel and console look like Christmas tree! There are 5 different colors. Brightness of several things is not adjustable. Some controls are hard to reach, (eg. "horn button" is not reachable by thumb!) Exterior: Because they rounded down roof toward rear, visibility is affected. Headlights generate awful light distribution, high beam is useless.

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  Main reason to buy it was a bust - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Amy Crowley - May 27 - 8:03 am

  I was driving a 2014 forester and needed better mileage due to my job. Forester had an average mpg of 25. Legacy mileage is presented at 26/36. I just drove 1000 miles, 800 on highway and my mpg is avg 29. Not the increase I was hoping for.

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  First Subaru - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By subie2099 - May 27 - 7:35 am

  This is my first subaru and first AWD car. I live in new england and i bought this car to be primarily a winter car in the snow since i have a backup corolla for summer drives on the cheap. So far we really like the car since it saved our rear ends from the brutal winter of 2011. Literally i could drive the car out of the two feet snow and salt bank in front of the driveway left by the snow plows. Then call the snow removal guy to come and clean the driveway while i am at work. Like others said the inside however is cheap plastic, not enough heat, square coffee cup holders, non adjustable passenger seats nned improvement. However i only paid $20,500 w alloy out the door and i am v frugal!

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  Ill buy another - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - May 26 - 3:00 am

  My first Outback will not be my last. We love it. Well built, good performance, great styling, and excellent integrity of body. I do not like the padding in the seats; too thin with not enough support. I am 6 tall and 155 pounds so that is not an issue. Also, we have had the fuel door freeze shut numerous times. That being said, I can find no other things that I do not like. We have the 4 liter H6 and it is very responsive. Thus far, it has been fault free and if it continues, as I think it should, we will have the car we have been looking for. Subaru has done it for us.