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:

• 

  Too Small - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Unhappy Outback - April 15 - 12:10 pm

  This Subaru does well in snow, is somewhat fun to drive, and gets good mileage. However, the interior is too small. There just is not enough leg room. When you look at the specs, it appears there should be plenty of leg room, but the seats are at an odd height or something so the numbers are very misleading. Im actually thinking about selling this thing since I dont have enough leg room up front with a 4 yr old in the back!

• 

  2005 3.0 Sedan Review - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Melissa Hamm - April 15 - 3:30 am

  This is the 5th Subaru I have owned. I have always loved their cars and have enjoyed upgrading through the years. I bought the 2005 Outback sedan because of the new 6 cylinder 250HP engine. The car has been great with the exception of poor craftsmanship on the interior. I have had 2 interior panels replaced and I have the faux wood grain molding on order that goes on the dash. This is to try to fix rattles that are occurring in the dash and near the rear window. So far, nothing has been resolved with the new parts. I have been extremely disappointed with the way the plastic parts have been put together. Aside from the rattles, the car performs beautifully. AWD awesome!

• 

  Third Suburb - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bud - April 13 - 7:13 am

  Our third Subaru since 1996. The car has evolved in ten years & has a fit & finish expected in cars over $40K. Went with the 175hp because it runs on regular unleaded & we plan to give it to kids in 6 years, engine power better than expected & fine for daily driving. If you require power to satisfy your manly needs for speed go with the turbo, forget the six -- not worth the extra cash. Averaging 23.8 MPG according to on board computer based on a mixed daily highway & suburban 70 mile commute. The ride & handling are tight & make for a sportscar like feel does not feel you are in a wagon. The sunroof is huge and lets in the light; a must in the winter cloudy Midwest. Best value in AWD buy it!

• 

  DISAPPOINTED - TERRIBLE RIDE - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By theadman95 - April 12 - 6:55 pm

  Ive driven a 2006 Forester until now which I loved, but unfortunately hit a deer (great crash test results, however!) This one has some pros: roomy, great views, love the CVT, peppy, nice radio, but: This car has the worst ride of any vehicle Ive ever driven. I dont know how they passed this new suspension. If you have back problems or kidney problems, this is not your vehicle. You will feel every tiny bump in the road. Other reviewers have called the ride skittish, unsettled, jittery, tiresome and annoying. I agree with all of those. It is a very hard ride, very jarring - constantly bumping and jostling, while at the same time rocking side to side. Its a shame because

• 

  Thought I loved my Murano but really love the Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By uscrph - April 12 - 10:55 am

  I owned a 2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD with 20 inch wheels/navigation and all the upgrades. I had 60,000 miles but had issues with the electronic system from nearly the first year of ownership. It was the best driving SUV I have had and was supper loaded and nice --- the big problem was it was dependable with being able to crank it up due to dead batteries - suspect from all of the electronic gadgets placing drain on the car all of the time. Decided to go with the 2012 Subaru which was 6 months old and had 22,000 miles on it from one driver. The car was in almost new condition from front to back. Getting 24 mpg average for both city/highway traffic which is right in line with the specs.

• 

  Mostly good - a couple of negatives - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By ks1 - April 11 - 2:56 am

  Had this legacy (wagon) for 7 months now, replaced an 08 GTI for a turbo car with AWD. Overall pretty happy with it. AWD is amazing in winter, especially combined w/ winter tires. However, I find the suspension QUITE spongy. For a sports car more than an acceptable amount of body roll on corners, and squat while accelerating. Just not as buttoned down as a german car. Mileage is disappointing, 17-21 MPG with a mix of city and freeway. The interior is pretty nice, good leather, could use a bit more lateral support on the seats. Turbo has a nice linear build, not much noticeable lag. Compared to the GTI though, the fun to drive factor isnt as high up as with the VW.

• 

  quality declines in late model Subarus - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By ssa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Less than 26000 miles and have had major brake job (all 4 wheels), new clutch, repeated problems with wind noise and check engine light coming on. Basically a big dissapointment compared to the many Subarus Ive owned in the past.

• 

  A Fun, Practical, Fun Value - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Werdrive - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is great fun and the best sport sedan value on the market. Its AWD makes it rock in the snow and rain and its turbo-boosted engine make it one of the quickest cars on the market. It surpasses my BMW 530i for accelleration (the Bimmer has a higher and smoother top end) and beats my 4WD SUV for traction. It has a back seat for friends and family and is much more practical then Subaru lets on.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Kale - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is more fun than 10 barrels of monkeys.

• 

  STi Review - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Gurkali - April 11 - 2:00 am

  An amazing vehicle!! I have so much fun driving this car. It’s the best money I could have ever spent. The power and handling of this car is phenomenal. Passing on country roads used to be a nightmare in my truck, now I have to be careful not to go over 120 mph. It gets a little annoying after a while that every Honda civic with big rear wing wants to race me.