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:

• 

  Finally - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By jagboypotts - November 10 - 10:50 am

  I moved to the US 2 years ago and have bought 7 cars since. A Porsche 911 was impressive, a 2006 GTi lasted 3 months, various other boring stuff. An 05 Legacy gave me a hint of what I really needed. The STi is a average motorwar car, it uses more fuel than I expected. Its also everything a sports car should be, effective, fun, fast and makes you want to get in and drive just for the joy of it. Unlike the 911 you dont need to worry all the time, SUVs dont cut you off for fun, you just sit in your blue and pink world and smile at the sheer joy of a sorted chassis and engine that sounds like its CD would go platinum. As for when the snow comes. LOVE IT.

• 

  My Forester and Me - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Jan - November 10 - 10:05 am

  Mileage is surprisingly good. Feels safe on the road.

• 

  Fun to drive. - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By 138MustangGT - November 10 - 5:16 am

  This is an exceptionally well mannered car. My wife has driven V8s by preference for 6 years now. BUT, the switch has begun. After being tired of the shoddy build quality of domestic automobiles, she decided to go import. Of course the M3 was her first choice, but that will come after she gets a job. For now, the fun to drive STi is her new favorite means of taking our sons to school and to the park and groceries and shopping and just driving because its FUN. The ride remains comfortable even though the suspension is quick to answer the call of performance, and the cabin makes you feel more comfortable than one would think when looking from outside. She still hasnt stopped drooling.

• 

  Turn off the Alarm Please! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By E. Knight - November 10 - 4:43 am

  For a first time new car buyer, the Subaru Outback is great! The only thing I dont like is the seatbelt safety bell rings constantly when the car is running and you are not even in the car. The alarm goes off when no one is in the passenger seat because it was kicked back too far. The drivers seat even went off when I was driving down the highway and buckled up. That was scary! The other thing was that the rubber molding in the rear wheel well fell off. It needs more behind the seats pockets for holding goodies. The glove box never shuts on the first try.

• 

  Heads above the Pilot EXL - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Amy - November 10 - 12:51 am

  The only concern I had going from a 2013 Pilot EXL was the cargo room. As a direct sales business woman I have a traveling boutique. So far the decreased area has not been a problem. The controls are not even comparable. The Pilot does not even hold a candle to the Outback in the controls. The only down fall is there is no charging port for the back seat. There is a 12v charger in the cargo area. The Bluetooth system is MUCH clearer in the Outback. My husband said I no longer sound like I am in a tunnel when using the Bluetooth for phone calls. There is ample room for my tall husband. The seats in the Outback are wider than the Pilot. We live on a dirt road that is currently filled with potholes. In the Pilot I felt every bump and dip. The Outback has a MUCH smoother ride. The suspension absorbs most of the impact. Granted I am driving MUCH slower in the new car. I picked the 3.6r because I do not like slow response cars. When you step on the gas you know it right away! There is PLENTY of power in the 3.6. The lane assist takes some getting used to. The review from the editors said there is body roll in the Outback. My husband and I 100% disagree with the assessment. Once you go from the Poilot to the Outback you DO NOT feel ANY body roll. At first I was sad to trade in my Pilot. After I drove the Outback for a little bit and got familiar with the car I am no longer sad. We traded up FOR SURE! This is my forever car!

• 

  Happy Owner - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Josh - November 9 - 5:23 pm

  When I first purchased my STi it was perfect. Now 6 months later I cant get enough. This is the first vehicle I ever owned which made me not want to go home and park it. Its very satisfying, very addicting and is better than a drink at the end of a hard work day. Not a dull moment. Believe it or not, I am a family man whose family enjoys going everywhere in it.

• 

  Fifth Subaru....First New One - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Schoenrock - November 9 - 7:10 am

  My 2009 Subaru Outback 4 cylinder with a four speed overdrive tranny....the last year the Outback was built on the Legacy frame, with 96,000 miles on it....fresh out of the recommended 100K maintenance service (timing belt and radiator/tranny flush)...is going to my youngest son in Fort Collins, CO. Hell likely drive it for ten years. Love this car....handles like a Beamer. It also has a passing gear that puts you back in the seat when need to move. Bought a new 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring last week. IMHO, the 2.5i engine and CVT combo do not offer enough performance in terms of acceleration....its weak. If you need to clime hills or pass cars on two lane State highways....go with the six. This larger Outback has more ground clearance and a higher center of gravity that increases body roll in curves at pace, but the ride is firm and comfortable. The cabin is quiet...no squeaks or knocks...recommend the sunroof windscreen (optional add-on) as it keeps the cabin whisper quiet. Stereo system sounds great and can be EQed to your preference. Its a pricey vehicle, but quality doesnt come cheap often. No buyers remorse here.

• 

  120k and still a great car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry - November 8 - 7:20 am

  We now have 120k on our Suby. Yes, we had to replace head gaskets at 100k miles. And we had a fuel pump go at 105k, but since then our car has been bullet proof, as it was before these problems. It is regularly used to go up into the mountains and for a brief period I towed a trailer and go kart with it. This is my wifes car and while I would appreciate better gear ratio and spacing, she loves driving it. Seven years old and still going strong. My fourth Suby and not my last.

• 

  Wait for the 2011 - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By CarProGA - November 8 - 12:16 am

  This car has terrible squeaks and rattles. It drives well but feels underpowered in the mountains of Georgia. I would wait and see if they work out some issues for 2011. Fit and finish and power anemic as well as strange feeling seats after about an hour in the car.

• 

  What Fun - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Hedley - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This WRX is amazing. Nothing has come loose,fallen off or stopped working, unlike all the American cars Ive owned. Its been to the dealer twice, for regular maintenance. Its great in bad weather.