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:

• 

  Lives up its reputation - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By TP - January 31 - 9:53 pm

  Very pleased with my Outback LL Bean H6 Wagon. Although it produces annoying wind noise (apparently a Subaru trait), and can use a five speed auto transmission to move it up hills easier, the H6 is very smooth and moves well on the highway. I find it enjoyable and fun to drive. It handles well, and I like the ride. The posi rear hinders the performance in snow as compared to non-posi Subarus, but you still feel secure. My brothers had 7 Subarus and talked me into buying this one. Im glad he did. It was between this and the 4Motion VW Passat Wagon, but after talking to former and current VW owners, and reading that the VWs reliability reviews were horrific, it was an easy decision.

• 

  SAFETY FIRST - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By JG - January 27 - 10:43 am

  I was hit head on by a drunk driver going about 50 mph. I just got my Subaru two months earlier, and if it werent for that car and the grace of God, Id be dead. I want another one just like it. The safety features worked very well, and kept all of us from being seriously injured. Consider this type of car as one of your top picks. And NO, I do not represent Subaru. This report is straight from the heart.

• 

  All I expected - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By mktdkt - January 26 - 8:16 am

  I purchased the car 14 months and 45,000 miles ago for several basic reasons. Price, AWD, interior Space and you wont see another one on every corner. I have been more than satisfied. The AWD is second to none, we have snow 6 months a year. Yes, the interior could be upgraded but considering the price I feel I received a deal. Mileage is never below 25 and never above 29. I drive 80% hwy. Performance is so-so but but more than enough for the driving I do. I highly recommend Subaru and will buy another.

• 

  Dependable - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Vincent - January 23 - 1:26 pm

  We own a bmw 7 series and Mercedes E Class and I have to say I am impressed with the quality of the interior. I think its on par with the Benz. Harmon Kardon radio is excellent. Leather seats are nice. Im not tall, Im 5,7 so I have no complaints sitting anywhere in the wagon. We needed a car that would serve as our daily commuter to work from the suburbs to Manhattan. This is our 3rd Subaru for this purpose. If youre looking for a car that will protect your family and keep you on the roads no matter the road/ weather conditions, then this is it. We are extremely happy with this car. IMO, this is a good alternative to those large SUVs because its easier to navigate and park in the city.

• 

  not very hybridy (so far) - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By fried003 - January 23 - 3:33 am

  Not getting the suggested MPGs so far during a cold winter; hoping it improves. Car rarely runs in "green" power based on the indicator. Otherwise its decent enough/comfortable. I got the touring model, which has all the bells & whistles, some of which I dont understand, such as the entertainment system. But it has everything Id ever want in a vehicle + other stuff. But, so far, its not fulling the primary expectation.

• 

  Reliable, uncomfortable seats - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Jaschin - January 19 - 3:00 pm

  This is our 2nd subaru purchase with no regrets. Handeling and reliability consistent. DYI maintenance is easy to perform. Opted for the spoiler and leather seating to improve the "fun" factor. A little underpowered for the weight but as a daily driver, it fits the bill. No problems what so ever. If you are looking for exceptional reliability for commuting through snow, the balance of price and features (including AWD) if a good value

• 

  i like it - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By nab - January 19 - 2:00 am

  not the most appealing looking, but rock solid and very capable with inclement driving(pouring rain and deep snow).

• 

  Great car...but the seats... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - January 15 - 1:07 pm

  I looked at cars for months. Took a hard look at the Murano, Edge, CX5, and Grand Cherokee before finally getting down to two: Acura RDX and Outback 3.6. After multiple dealer visits to both and a lot of research, I found the lack of trunk space and higher price tag of the Acura (along with outdated infotainment on Base model) pushed me to the Outback. Outback has been everything I hoped (with one exception Ill get to below). The 3.6 with the CVT delivers the best driving experience Ive ever had. Its not a BMW to be sure, but the acceleration and shifting is so smooth, Im blown away. So happy i got the 3.6. And I love the fit and finish inside, high quality, and definitely a luxury look. While i found the infotainment screen a little cumbersome at first, once I spent 20 minutes or so with it in the driveway, i love it. Nice big touch screen and great phone interface too. I also like how the arm rests hit me while I hold the wheel, and the headroom is fantastic (I opted NOT to get the sunroof). This care feels more like a luxury car inside than the RDX did. The only thing I dont like are the seats. Im 61", and the drivers seat is way too short. I realize 90% of Outback drivers are 54" women, but these seats are awful. I havent done a roadtrip yet (only had it two weeks), so Im interested to see how I hold up. For anyone over 510", be very sure you are ok with the seats on this car before you buy. Do a nice long test drive or keep it for a day if you can. Im looking into some after market bolstering options, but I dont think theres much that can be done. Its a shame too, as I couldnt be happier with everything else about this car.

• 

  Luv my Scoobie! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By diane - January 14 - 12:03 am

  This little SUV with the Turbo will move when I need it to. Its so handy to haul items, easy to fold seats down, easy to remove the headrests. I love the auto climate control, great stereo. I have great control of car in adverse weather conditions - I feel SAFE driving this car. Doors feel solid when you shut them.

• 

  Very pleased - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By mike - January 11 - 8:53 pm

  Traded my 06 2WD Pilot on my Tribeca. Subaru has more comfort,better handling and (2 MPG more) than the Honda. 21-22 Highway and 19-20 around town after 13,000 miles. Best comfort since my Chevy Tahoe. Interior really cool. Love low center of gravity with the boxer engine. Would buy another one next time around.