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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  Will replace next year - too many issues - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By mike743 - March 28 - 10:23 pm

  There are two issues with the vehicle that really take away from the enjoyment of driving the car and make me regret purchasing it in the first place. The first issue is that the Harmon/Kardon "upgraded" audio system presents a noticeable hiss when doing certain functions with the audio/nav unit. When I am programming my nav unit each time I press a button I hear a hiss that gets louder, than softer. Same with when I am talking to someone using the bluetooth phone. Each time the person talks a noticeable hiss gets a bit louder than goes quiet again. The other issue is a very noticeable "clunk" noise when releasing the brake pedal when at a complete stop. Makes the care feel cheap.

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  Love my Outback - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Beth Martensen - March 28 - 7:20 pm

  Nicest car I have owned yet. Very happy with my purchase. This is my second Subaru and I am looking forward to the many adventures it will take me too. I had my Subaru Forester for nine years and it never left me stranded. It also held its value and I sold it for over Kelly Blue Book even with 209,000 miles. I plan to keep my Outback for at least 9 to 10 years. I love owning a Subaru, it is perfect for the outdoor lifestyle we enjoy.

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  Great car...if you dont have long legs! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By gary1964 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle. Unfortunately, for a tall person with long legs, its very difficult to be comfortable driving. After 1500 miles I am still struggling to be comfortable. The non-telescoping steering wheel is too far away for me. The seat is very hard and short (I have to use a pad under my butt). The angle of the gas peddle is too high and there is little room left over for the feet under the dash. The headreast does not tilt forward. Sometimes after driving 20 minutes, my right leg and back are very uncomfortable. Didnt notice this until after I bought it. I am 511" well proportioned. Power is smooth, and Sport mode comes in handy when passing quickly.

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  4 months with an 05 STI - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Ed Campbell - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded an 03 Acura RSX Type S for this car, what a change! Where the RSX was an indiffenent performer in the upper gears, the STI gives each one its own personality. I have the short throw shifter, which is stiff and notchy compared to the RSX, but when you punch it in 3d or 4th, WOW! Surprisingly, I think the boxer engine is smoother than the Acuras, so much so that I enjoy holding it in the mid to upper rev range - and what a great sound it makes! The ride is stiff, almost overly so, but theres more noise insulation than in the RSX, so its actually quieter. Fortunately the roads around Tucson are mostly asphalt. The cornering is phenomenal, I

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  Great car and an attention-getter - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Outbacker - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car all of the time. I sell insurance; so I am on the road alot. This is one smooth running car. I will be driving over eighty without even noticing it if I am not carefull. i wish that it was a little bit faster from a dead stop, but it such a good running car on the highway. My back does not hurt over long distances with this car as it has with other vehicles. I nearly always get lots of attention when I am in this car. It is a rare car and looks great. People of all ages will stare at it or say something good about it. My first trip to Florida got me 30 MPG on the highway when I set the cruise at the speed limit. Great Car!

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  Love at first drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jhc003 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up this car last week and I absolutely love it! The ride, build quality and value are second to none. The ride is very solid and stable and the interior ammenities are superb. This is my first Subie and I was skeptical at first but after I drove this car I knew nothing else could compare in terms of quality and value. The revamped interior is very stylish and functional. The exterior is also nicely done and whats under the hood is the real treat. The 250 hp turbo engine is phenomenal! You better hang on to your hat when you hit the gas in this baby. If youre looking for versatility, power, luxury and AWD you simply cant beat this car. I cant wait to drive this car more!

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  Best of all worlds - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bruce - March 27 - 3:50 pm

  Of all the the new cars/suvs Ive owned, this ones the best so far. I wanted good gas mileage, decent performance, good handling, safe, full time all wheel drive, decent ground clearance, room to carry, comfort and this car has got it all. I got the base engine and its been a solid performer. Only once trying to pass going UP a hill did I notice less power available to me. Im getting 24.3 MPH in mixed driving with lots of hills. The one car Ive never regretted buying for any reason. Get the leather seats. :-) Cant think of one complaint yet.

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  One month - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steve - March 27 - 10:40 am

  Wanted to respond to recent comments. I have only had this vehicle one month, having owned both 05 Outback and 06 Tribeca and, combined, put on 105k miles over a period of approx 3 years. I am somewhat disappointed with the "road noise" and the not too soft ride. mpg about what expected, averaging 24 mpg so far.

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  First time Subaru owner! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By megann22 - March 26 - 1:43 pm

  Im a first-time Subaru owner and loving every minute of it! Ive been a Ford girl for most of my life (3 Mustang GTs) and was ready to trade out my 2005 Explorer for a larger SUV- Expedition or Tahoe/Yukon. However with the crazy gas prices, my husband convinced me to check out the Toyota Venza. When I arrived at the dealership to check out a year-old Venza, I spied the most gorgeous car and was FLOORED to find out it was a Legacy! I drove it and was hooked! My car turns heads everywhere I go and handles like a dream. I dont miss my big SUV at all. It helps me recapture the sportiness that ive been missing all these years, while still hauling my family. I couldnt love it more!

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  Subaru Delivers - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Roeder - March 26 - 5:34 am

  Everything written by others was true