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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  Great gas saver for North Country - 2014 Subaru Impreza
  By moose72690 - December 29 - 12:49 pm

  I bought my Impreza brand new and now have about 3,000 miles on it. So its still very new. However I am averaging 31MPG on the mountain roads of Vermont. I was pleased to see that I got Power windows, power locks, bluetooth, aux/usb, and a CD player in the basic model. I added the roof rack, spoiler, and mud guards which makes the car look good. I would recommend adding those if you are getting the base model, otherwise they look like a toyota matrix. As far as comfort goes its not to bad. I fit as a 62 205lbs man. The hatchback provides plenty of space for groceries and camping equipment..... If you are concerned with MPG and need AWD then this is a wise choice.

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  Update on the wind noise - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By elantra6 - December 29 - 6:20 am

  I talked to Subaru of America and the dealership- they both admit that MOST 2015 Outbacks and Legacy have loud wind noise coming from the front windows. They HOPE to have a solution soon??? They suggest putting masking tape on the seal??? So you buy a $30,000 + car and than go tape it with masking tape... nice! I feel sorry I bought this 2015 Outback. Better alternatives: Toyota Venza AWD , Nisan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4 , Acura RDX even Hyundai Santa FE.

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  2016 Outback Premium - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By bob - December 29 - 3:57 am

  Best current compromise for a roomy all-wheel drive wagon. Performance of 4 cyl engine is adequate for normal driving. Works well for skiing and cycling active lifestyle.

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  First Subbie - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By R A N - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I went in initially looking to purchase a 2005 Legacy but felt to cramped. Saw the redesigned 2010 & took it for a drive. The space is great, front and rear (coming from a Honda Civic Coupe). Looks great from the front, so-so from the rear. Smooth handling on most surfaces, but stimulus money can only make so many roads perfect. Acceleration is to be expected with a 4cyl AWD vehicle & passing ability is adequate. With 13,500 on the clock Ive yet to have any of the pulling/shaking issues described in other reviews. I have experienced the shifting "clunk" sound a couple times, though it is always when parked on an incline. Overall Im pleased with my purchase & would recommend it to anyone.

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  2011 WRX - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By NH WRX - December 28 - 10:00 am

  So far this is the best "car" Ive driven in a long time. Its certainly fast and hugs the road like a rally car should. I was happily surprised that I dont feel like Im sitting too low to the ground while driving.

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  No Regrets Buying - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By TJK - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I was trading in a large SUV and wanted something more car like but still have the convenience of an SUV. I test drove the CR-V and RAV4. The Toyota was still truck like, even though the Honda had a nice interior I did not like the way it handled. The Subaru was more fun to drive and I just liked how the AWD is standard. Im surprised at how well the car drives and how smooth it is going over the highway. I am disappointed on the MPG, but much better than a giant SUV. So far I am very happy with this car. It has some small rattles, but it is also not a $50,000 car. My friends CR-V also has rattles. I recommend this car highly.

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  3rd subaru - great vehicle - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By mdk - December 28 - 10:00 am

  First and second Subaru were winners , and so is my third Subaru. thought the 2.5L engine would be too small for this vehicle but to my surprise, it isnt. the cvt trans is smooth and i am getting 25 mpg. mixed city and hwy. not bad for a big awd vehicle. it is a very comfortable ride like a luxury car but the price is affordable. interior and exterior design is nicely done. the interior finish looks like too much plastic, but so what, the price makes up for it. i am sure it will have Subaru like reliability. looking forward to many years of fun in this car.

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  Grandmas new ride - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bruceb - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Traded old Vo XC-70 for this top of line Outback. Safety, value and fun ride were criteria, not to mention high Consumer Rating (thanks CR and Edmunds). Read all 200+ reviews before deciding on 3.6R Limited (thank you all, especially 3.6R people who were right on the mark). The 3.6R has great get up and go. Looking forward to driving in New England this winter. Care drives like a luxury SUV, nimble and elegant, that is when grandma lets her old man (not yet 60) take "Stormy" for a ride (took delivery day Hurricane Earl hit Cape Cod).

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  happiness - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By baltimoresube - December 27 - 9:13 am

  We have had the car for 4 months and 4000 miles and it has been fun to drive; it has all the features youd need with no frills. Cars acceleration is much better than some say; fine for travel. Averaged 27mpg on a recent 900 mile trip to SC. Great space, very efficient; easy to parallel park.

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  Excellent choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Excellent choice - December 26 - 9:36 pm

  After the first 3 months, I can say this was an excellent purchase. You cant go wrong with the vehicle entirely made in Japan. I had to wait 8 weeks for the vehicle to be made and delivered. I love the turbo.. incredible acceleration. So far no speeding tickets. The interior leather is beautiful and everything is nicely finished, including the metal/racing pedals.No rattling noises so far, may be because of the Limited version. It makes some of the expensive competitors look silly.