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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  need a decent roof rack - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By kayak - May 28 - 3:53 pm

  Car is good, but less practical than the older subarus. The roof rack is a ridiculous plastic fashion accessory. I had to drill into the plastic to mount cross bars far enough apart for long items like kayaks, windsurfers, etc. Subaru needs to think PRACTICAL.

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  Very nice car-- get the 5 spd XT! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By georg - May 28 - 4:43 am

  This is our second Outback 2.5 5spd. Our first qas a 2006 Limited 2.5 5 spd that had a persistent air conditioner interior leak that we rolled over in at 45 mph and walked away fine. We replaced it with our current vehicle because it has the VDC. This Outback is great; the fit and finish is perfect. The XT should be purchased with the 5spd; the power of the engine in Sport# and the delayed shifting is a great experience.

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  Luxury, sleek, fun - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Zechariah - May 27 - 9:31 pm

  This is my first Subaru Ive owned and I must say I love it. I financed with all of the warranties and the company is great about notifying you of your oil changes and monitoring everything online. I have the EYESIGHT feature which is amazing, you literally cant get better safety features on any other vehicle. The ONLY thing I wish this car had is Apple CarPlay. Thats it. I got the heated leather seats in front and back, moonroof; pretty much the works on this car and it honestly feel like being in a Lexus. My friend has a same year Acura and it is not as well designed, elegant or luxurious as this car; this is a side note from the outstanding safety features, gas mileage, and great consumer support from Subaru(reminders of oil changes, sales promotions, and great warranties). I couldnt be more happy with this vehicle, I feel like it covers all corners on quality, luxury, safety, and economy. Ill probably buy another Subaru after this one is paid off in a few years. You really get A LOT for the price on this vehicle. Mine was about $31,000 but you feel like youre driving a $50-$60,000 car.

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  Great Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Robert - May 27 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my car used with 7100 miles on the odometer. I love spirited driving. I am not totally happy with the suspension. The 8" ground clearance causes a floatiness at highway speeds and on undulating roadways. Maybe too much air is going under the car and causing lift. The interior is nicely appointed and handsome. I found the left foot rest not quite the right size or in the best position. I and am constantly moving my foot to get the most comfortable spot. The radio needs a sub woofer as standard equiptment. Car is very quiet at highway speed. Doors close with a reasurring thunk. The brakes are a little squishy. I prefer a more solid feel to the pedal pressure.

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  Great car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Michele Martinez - May 26 - 4:27 am

  Its mine

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  Awesome wagon, fun to drive..... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By serch - May 25 - 10:46 pm

  My wife and I were looking to get a family car without getting a minivan and we always kept coming back to the Outback. Since we purchased it we couldnt be happier. We unloaded a 2004 Nissan Titan gas guzzler for this car. It is fun to drive, comfortable (I am 63). solid, and perfect for our needs. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Original Cross-Over Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Tom - May 25 - 1:03 pm

  Best car in its class. This is my third Subie. I traded in a 2002 Legacy Sedan that had 93,000 trouble free miles. My 98 Impreza had 125,000 miles and ran like new till it was totaled.

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  The Force Fed "Premium Entertainment Package" is R - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Bruce Pelton - May 25 - 11:08 am

  In order to get the Eyesight Collision Avoidance System we were forced to buy a package that included a Harmon Kardon so-called premium entertainment radio and Nav System. The audio sounds about as good as my computer speakers. The Nav system is clunky and takes tons of steps to find a location. It makes Apple Maps look good and Google Maps look brilliant.It does not show proper accident information or offer alternate routing. There is minimal lane guidance. The system offers and app that is called Aha which lacks most of the stations and content we want. It also "offers" Pandora which has 1/30th of the music on Spotify. The radio has a tendency to continue to play while you make or receive a call. This system will make you crazy as you fight it. Sirius was free for a while but not relevant since we can find what we want on the internet for free. After the introductory period they are going to have the audacity to ask us to pay for this junk.

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  Great Machine - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Happy - May 25 - 3:13 am

  I have 2000 miles on new outback. The 3.5 engine/automatic matchup is a perfect combination... getting 26 mph with all kinds of power and acceleration. Car handles well in high water with no hydroplaning. I live in snow zone, looking forward to experiencing its reputation as a snow machine. Very comfortable cabin and with the limited accessories it offers all one needs. Recommend this vehicle as a great deal for all around uses.

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  Subaru Legacy GT Top of the Line?? - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By silverlady - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Subaru Legacy GT Sedan, my first new car! Overall it seems to be an excellent car. One problem: when I take it through a high powered, touchless car wash, the drivers side and passenger side windows leak! The dealer said there was nothing they could do; they took me through the car wash with another new Legacy and it also leaked. They said dont use touchless car washes. It is a design flaw I must learn to live with. Bummer, $27,000 for a car and I cant take it through the car wash! Subaru may be built to handle the winter roads, but they are not built to handle a touchless car wash!