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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  works great - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By l c - August 1 - 1:37 pm

  good small car with super price

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  Subaru - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Honey Barnett - July 31 - 4:35 pm

  Its great!

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  Room for improvement but still a very good option - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By kathy kraholik - July 30 - 11:53 pm

  very comfortable road ride. great mileage for class. over 34 mpg on highway. very loud engine noise. lots of road noise. blind spot monitors not good in bright sunlight, need a larger warning sign, power rear hatch is very finickey needs improved would like to see a foot activated hatch like the ford escape, engine is underpowered, bluetooth constantly disconnects the phones, hard to hear stereo due to road noise, seats in front need a little more support in seat, headlights are not good would like to see bi-xenon headlights, turn lights work well, adaptive cruise control needs work, does not return to speed soon enough almost caused me to get rearended several times, do not like to be forced to purchase a sunroof to get eyesight system, needs front and rear parking sensors, radio controls and options need improved. mainly not enough torque when accelerating and way too much road noise are the biggest drawbacks for me, my ford escape was much better in these areas (2013 titanium) as well as having better headlights, nav system, audio system, front and rear parking sensors and RCTA were all much better and also had a foot activated rear hatch

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  Never EVER thought Id own one! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Frank V. - July 30 - 1:20 pm

  Had a 2010 Nissan Rouge with 140k miles when the CVT transmission went. NOTE: Previous vehicles were a Lexus and Infiniti - now more value conscious. Narrowed search down to: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota Highlander, and the Subaru Forester. When looking at the Forester I drove the Outback and was sold immediately. Post two months of average use and one 1,500 mi. road trip, its actually beat all expectations. EyeSight rocks! Came loaded with everything except the keyless entry - still have to put the key in which is a minor annoyance. Have the green exterior with light color cloth seats which Im somewhat concerned about keeping clean. Cargo space and access (to) are exceptional. Front seats are very supportive. Cargo and back of the back seat protective mats come in handy. Am looking at purchasing the black plastic wheel arches. Tips: Spray glass cleaner onto a cloth rather than directly onto the inside of the windshield so as not to get any cleaner on the EyeSight cameras. Have Subaru tech walk you thru EVERY button and its use - they can be "quirky". When using the UBS cord with your phone, dont expect to keep the cover closed - itll really crimp (the cord). Dont attempt to run it on empty nor "overfill" when fueling. The performance information provides all that youll need. Cant wait until the first snow!

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  Not too bad - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ted - July 30 - 11:56 am

  I have been driving a civic hatchback for the past several years. I loved the civic, but with a growing family, I had to buy something a little roomier. The Outback was a good compromise between the civic that I loved, and the SUVs that I hate. It has enough room inside for me, my wife, and two small children in the back, with car seats. Being a family car, I also like the various standard safety features . The cargo area along with the roof racks, make the outback a great "errand runner". My only complaint is the the lack of power. I describe the outbacks power as barely adequete. It could really use about 10-20 more horsepower. Not terrible, but noticable. Overall I do like the car alot.

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  Luv My New Subie Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Daveknight - July 30 - 11:50 am

  I researched several comparable models and chose a 2009 Forester having consideres Forester for a couple of years, The 2009 model is a step forward from the excellent previous Forester. This car handles beautifully and is a joy to drive. It has more room than the previus model yet maintains the Forester image. Gas mileage has been as high as 32 highway at 60 mph. Fit and finish is excellent. I am thrilled with my new 2009 Forester. Would recommend the Rugged Package which includes side moldings, fender moldings, roof rack bars and rear bumper protector.

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  lovely to look at lovely to drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By c.j. taylor - July 30 - 11:16 am

  A fine car, thoughtful and energetic. Not too bad on gas and really sure footed on any surface.

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By macblaze - July 29 - 12:40 pm

  Well I Trade in My GMC Envoy for this one and I have to say that my chances of going to GM wont be happening anytime soon for sure unless its a Caddy or somthing like that. This is the best car I have ever owned after the going though so many problems with my Envoy which is a okay. I never had so much fun driving car other than this one. My fuel mileage is not so great yet but I have only had this car for 4 days so the engine needs time to break in. I think in time the fuel mileage will get better and it already better than my SUV. I love going around conners and I cant wait for the Saskatchewan winters. Thats when this car is going to show it strips with it AWD.

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  When you get it. You get it - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Caution WRX - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car will eat a Mustang GT for breakfast, a porche boxer for dinner, and have a squad car for dessert. This is off the showroom floor

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  If you know why, you got it. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By TieRaid - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Never have I felt more at home in an automobile. The cabin has taken a lot of critisism for its lack of "quality". This fails to take into account that everything is in the right place, and that the driver is not looking at the interior. I feel that everything is right. Even the coin drawer. It took me 10 minutes to find it, with the manual. I expected it to be in the center. It isnt. It is perfectly placed to the left hand. Why have to fish for change, transfer hands etc? The gearbox is good, the steering positive.