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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  Red Ruby Pearl - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By PSUfan - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Needed to downsize from a Nissan Pathfinder. The Outback was the best choice for great gas mileage, ample storage space, luminous rear leg room for the kids, large rear trunk space for dogs, and almost the same ground clearance (0.2" difference) as the Pathfinder, (Outer Banks beach driving). Very happy with our decision, and looked a multiple vehicles (Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai).

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  fast family car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By buggybear - April 3 - 7:10 am

  With the H6 engine, Bilstein dampers, upgraded audio and interior, and sporty AWD system, this car is a great drive for a utilitarian family sedan. Trunk and seating space is adequate but not great. Got it for about the same as the slab sided 4 cylinder 2010s hitting the lot -- great bargain except for poor mileage and some mechanical issues fixed under warranty. Composed at speed, the car is good for curvy New England back roads too. Auto trans is also OK with paddle shifters, but just OK (downshift blips are the best feature). This isnt a true sport sedan but its a nice compromise that allows a family of 3 to enjoy the open road (and allows a single driver to cut it up a little).

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  It took 9-weeks to get what I wanted and it was wo - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Richard - April 2 - 8:23 am

  First the wife and I love the way the 2016 Outback looks. We have had the car for only one week now. We test drove the 2.5 limited first around the test track, our dealership has. We got out of the 2.5 and right into a 3.6 limited, once more around the test track, what a world of difference between the two engines. My concern was merging into highway or turnpike traffic, with 4 adults and luggage. We ordered the EYE-Site package, for the extra money cant beat all the safety features. We keep our cars for at least 10 years. Before even test driving the cars, I went into the Subaru service shop and spoke with two mechanics. I asked them if they would purchase the 2016 outback, one told me he has a 2015 outback and pointed to it in the parking lot. The other mechanic, let me know that he had a 2011 outback and would have a 2016 if he could afford it. Both told me if I keep cars for 10 years, to order the 3.6 engine, if I can afford it. Took 9 weeks for our car to be built and delivered, to the dealership. After all the research we did, I feel confident our new 2016 -3.6 Tungsten Metallic Limited, will be around for the next 10 years and hopefully enjoyed every mile driven.

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  Smooth, quiet, classy AWD - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By MN tribeca - April 1 - 11:56 pm

  Have wanted a larger Subaru for years, first Tribeca was too ugly and underpowered for me. The new Tribeca is very quiet and smooth with plenty of power from the new engine. Getting 19-20 mpg in mixed driving, as high as 24 mpg on 2-lane highway at 60 mph. New tranny is very smooth, as is power delivery. New exterior was what I had been wanting, kind of bland grille but better than the fish-mouth of last year. Good handling for a crossover, ride is sweet, overall very impressed. Boxer engine/AWD combo hard to beat.

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  Ill keep going back to Subaru! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By JP - April 1 - 10:40 am

  My second Forester was the 2004 and it was such a good, solid car. Ive listened to so many "regular car" drivers complain about snow, ice, etc. I never had those problems with this Forester or the one I traded in to get this one (1998). Just traded it in for a Legacy which I love, but I do miss all the storage cubbies in the Forester! I really love the Subaru line - so many things that are "extra" in other brands are "standard" for Subaru, such as carpeted mats, keyless remote, etc. Between that, the AWD, and a good dealership, Im a Subaru owner for life!

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  > > > BETTER THAN EXPECTED < < < - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By A Casual Observer - March 31 - 4:18 pm

  After carving my initials in 2 oak trees in a 415 HP Pontiac G8 GXP in heavy rain, my goal was to buy a "safe," comfortable vehicle with reasonable performance. The Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited was my choice. 4 months and nearly 8,000 miles later, the decision was one of the best Ive ever made. My worst fears, excessive road/wind noise and poor acceleration, were unfounded. On ramps and overtaking slower vehicles on 2-lane roads are both effortless. Road/wind noise is insignificant, even wth 2 roof-mounted bicycles. This vehicle is a gem. I foresee 200,000+ miles on my Outback over the next 8-10 years.

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  - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Rimfaxe - March 30 - 1:33 pm

  Its hard to wipe the smile off your face while driving the 5 speed manual GT Ltd sedan. Subaru nailed this one- a comfortable interior and a HOOT to drive. My wife likes the dual climate control and heated leather seats with electric adjustment. I like the performance of the intercooled turbocharged 2.5L boxer engine. This car is rock-solid at autobahn speeds. Freeway on-ramps are easy- no more worries about people running you over. Passing- no problem either- but it really performs on the twisty two lane roads. Go ahead and open it up- but just make sure you burn off your speed before the turn and then accelerate through the turn. Youll see that cheesy grin in the rear-view mirror!

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By links_courses - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Superb performance and reliability. Looks unique to all the other wedge- shaped sports cars. A true all-season all-road road eating monster. :-)

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  Always Wanted This Car - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By John Greene - March 29 - 7:52 pm

  I have wanted a Subaru Forester since they first came out. But every time we went looking for a new car, a different dealer was willing to give us a better price, or different make of car came with more bells and whistles or better fuel economy. But this time we got the Forester and are very pleased that we did. We have an excellent view or the road, we feel safe, the car corners and handles quite well -- albeit not like a roadster -- the trim level has the features we wanted but not features we didnt want, and at least so far, fuel economy is better than advertised. Be warned, however, that you will find what you are looking for in the owners manual only by accident.

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  The perfect car for all-around competence - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Shiroh niichan - March 28 - 11:55 pm

  Although this car spends over 90% of the time on well-maintained roads, I got it for its ability to handle dirt roads, so-so trails, and times I need decent ground clearance (like our annual trips to the snow). What brought me to the Subaru Forester from the Nissan XTerra and other vehicles with better off-road competence were its 1) lower price, 2) better fuel economy, 3) better seating comfort, and 4) better handing on regular streets and highways. Outward visibility is excellent. I can drive through traffic without having to lean from side to side to check my blind spots. On highway trips I get around 34 mpg with a full load, and on my daily drive of 80% highway and 20% regular streets by myself I get about 30 mpg. I used at have a 2009 Subaru Outback but did not keep it because my then 11-year old daughter found the rear seat legroom insufficient, but on our recent road trip she and her now 10-year old sister had plenty of leg room in the Forester. Both are about 54" tall, and Im 62". Cargo room is decent for the vehicle size. The biggest compromise I had to make to enjoy all these benefits is the slow acceleration. When passing slower vehicles on our recent road trip, the vehicle was less than inspiring (especially when going uphill). The engine revved loudly but the CVT didnt give me much confidence I was going to get enough oomph to pass quickly enough to avoid oncoming traffic. Needless to say, we survived. Subaru gave $250 to the National Parks Foundation when we leased our car, and that was a nice touch (as was the microfiber Subaru pullover shirt they sent us a couple months later).