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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  Perfect for a family of four - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By biglake7 - July 10 - 7:36 am

  My first OB, coming from a 04 Galant. Im glad I did the research and waited to get the 13. We have two younger children, 10 and 7. I have 4000 mi. on it. Weve taken a 1,000 mi. trip and several shorter ones ranging from 200-300 per trip. Im looking forward to testing out the tried and true AWD in our midwest winters (WI). Cabin is spacious, especially backseats. While Im not tall at 57", there is an incredible amount of legroom in the backseat. While I never test drove the 12, the re-tuned suspension in the 13 seems to be spot on. Theres virtually no body roll in corners (i.e. on and off-ramps). I chose it for the re-tuned engine, MPG, re-tuned suspension, and AWD combination.

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  Love my Outback Touring! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Rick - July 9 - 5:09 pm

  Subaru hit a home run with the Touring edition! Quiet, responsive and comfortable to drive. I previously drove a Lexus RX330 and put the Touring edition in the same category as Lexus. Great value! The quality and fit of this vehicle is excellent. Love the EyeSight system. Next week I am looking forward to driving to Indianapolis. Cant wait!

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  Noise coming from under hood. - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By fish25 - July 9 - 10:28 am

  I purchased a 2011 legacy premium in Sept. of 2010. I love the car so far except one thing there is a squeaking noise like a loose pulley. I have taken it back and forth to dealer. Finally they let me drive two more legacy of same model and heard the same noise in both cars. Is anybody hearing this noise. I cant believe Subaru has not made a recall on this car. No one can tell me what it is. I here it when first accelerating up to 20 mph. I know this should not be normal for a brand new car, I can also put it in neutral and rev the motor to hear it. Tech said performing as designed. LOL. Help

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  The more things change the more they stay the same - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By jim monteleone - July 9 - 7:09 am

  I bought this car because we have owned foresters for 7 yrs. I just bought a new one for my wife is September, she wont drive anything else. I wasnt lookin for a new car but one of my sedans was totaled in accident in November so I looked at the Legacy. I drove the 2.5 the same as in my wifes Forester. The 4 performs fine in everyday driving but has some transmission lag when punched, since I do a fair amount of freeway driving and merging I choose the 6. The 6 is much smoother. So far I am averaging about 23.8 in mixed driving after 900 miles. Subaru has always been know for their all wheel drive, safety and drive trains. Fit and finish have lagged the Toyota,s and Hondas along with ride. I sold my 2014 Camry XLE to my son whose sedan was totaled. The creature comforts and technology have improved from our 2009 Forester. The legacy holds 4 adults very comfortably and you can fit four sets of clubs in the trunk. The interior and tech are on par with the Toyotas and Honda, . Seats are more comfortable. The newer Subies are bigger. The handling feels compliant with the all wheel drive system, still no sports sedan i.e. Mercedes or Audi. The safety record is unmatched and the eyesight system is state of the art. Visibility is excellent for a sedan. So as usual the all wheel drive system, reliability, and safety are reasons to buy this car. The interior is better and more comfortable than previous models with plenty of room. Disappointing is the road and wind noise, my Toyota was quieter in that respect. I also drove a few used Mercedes and the Buick Regal that are quieter. Its tough to pick up in a short test drive with the Salesman talking. The suspension still feels stiff and my old Camry took the bumps better. I live in the Northeast and you cant beat these cars in the snow, but also great traction in heavy rains. So it depends how you weigh safety , great all wheel drive vs ride. Kinda like its always been with the Subies, although the creature comforts and tech have improved.

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  Why target an SUV when you have Subaru? - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By trv - July 9 - 12:56 am

  If youre driving an SUV, I can already feel your pain at the pump. My last vehicle was a Jeep Wrangler and I found it was fun however seriously lacking in day-to-day needs. Subies are agile, great performers off and on road, comfortable, stylish, piratical, safe ... the list goes on. And the best part is I average about 26 mpg which is excellent for an AWD sport wagon. I test drove the Mazda 3 hatch and the Toyota Corolla S. Both came close, however, the Impreza walks all over them.

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  Wow! What a deal... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By DKinGA - July 7 - 7:10 pm

  This is our first Subaru purchase, after much research for an SUV/wagon with kids/pets/transport capability & COMFORT. We had an 01 Honda CR-V which served us well but it was time for an UPGRADE. We were extremely impressed with its handling and performance; that extra 20hp sure makes a difference! Huge moonroof & leather interior were a definite plus. Luxury feel without paying a fortune. With discounts & trade in we ended up paying less for what we paid for CR-V (Standard, stripped model). Suggestion to consumers: Get Firestone/Bridgestone Road Hazard on tires. These are rather expensive tires & it will cover repairs/replacements. Its worth it.

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  First Subie Love - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By joepawlicki - July 7 - 6:56 pm

  Weve had our 2013 Outback since the Winter and its been awesome. The suspension was definitely stiffened up this year which can make poor road conditions more noticeable but high speed and back road handling is spot on. Our latest road trip was 400 miles to NH and we averaged 33.6 MPG with 3 people, cargo and lots of mountain roads. Weve hit a few off road trails and the car has tackled mud and dips with ease. The interior is quiet, spacious and the harmon kardon audio is very good. No issues to date!

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  More fun than a WRX or Mustang - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bellis - July 7 - 8:56 am

  Quicker from a standing start than our previous WRXs and our 05 Legacy 2.5 GT turbo. No serious turbo lag felt in the XT, as well as being stronger through the gears. Doesnt handle as well as the WRXs, but it is a lot more comfortable and versatile, especially on a long trip or bumpy gravel roads. Mileage of 24-25 mpg in mixed driving with generous use of the turbo is excellent for such a high performance vehicle. A trip with 4 people on board through mountains (6,000 to 10,000 ft) did not diminish its performance/fun factor. Not as cute as the V8 Mustang we had, but feels just as fast and a lot better handling (safer) in inclement weather. Actually fun to drive in the rain.

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  Great Buy, Great Car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By me - July 6 - 6:43 pm

  Really enjoying the car. I test drove the Accord, Civic, CR-V and a used Volvo S40. The value, comfort and luxury feel of the Legacy left them all behind. The ride is smoother and handling better than the Accord at around the same price. With more power and AWD to boot. The only competition was the CR-V, which I loved to drive. But similarly equipped it cost $3k more and is funny looking from the outside. This is my 3rd Subaru, my last car being an Outback Sport. I notice that the radio is MUCH better in this car.

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  Insurance - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Peno13 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I Love This Car!!! If you havent driven one, Find one, Steal one, Borrow one, Rent one, Take your friends!! They are so much fun. Also they should have left the body alone till 05 and came out with the STi in the 02-03 body style. Biggest downfall :::::INSURANCE IS A KILLER on this car!!!:::::