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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  Nightmare.. - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By itsme0729 - April 7 - 7:23 pm

  At miles 6729, the transmission burnt. Subaru will not install a new one. Forced me to accept a re-built transmission. The re-built transmission after 500 miles went bad also. It started locking up in reverse gear and when driving around the corners. The service department would not pay attention until I left the car at the dealership and threatened to sue under the Lemon Act. They finally called in the Subaru technical rep who offered to replace it with a new transmission if I was going to keep the car. I said, yes, got the new transmission and then traded it for a new 2005 Turbo model in April 2005. The transmission on Baja is very poorly designed. Its very noisy to drive.

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  Exciting and Fun New Vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Lisa Mulen - April 7 - 3:26 pm

  I just purchased my new Subaru and I absolutely love it. It is fun to drive and comes with great features. Great set up on the dash. This is my first Subaru and I was impressed with the dealership. For the past ten years I have had various Suburbans and I am very excited and pleased with this change.

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  we need quick automatic locking system in 2017. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Janga Rai - April 7 - 1:15 pm

  shoppers should know about automatic locking system and noise isolation of a car. thank you.

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  Good vehicle but poor dealer service - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By sewel - April 7 - 4:42 am

  My Tribeca has been a great car but factory dealer service was terrible- On my way home from their shop the dashboard lit up like a xmas tree- with only 40k miles it needed some regular service. They reported to me that the electic wire harness was faulty-critters had chewed it and it need to be replaced at more than $1000- was told it was a common occurance on Tribecas???? This one is parked inside athome so wtf- Since that visit the car has had many new problems my advise is to keep away from the Subaru dealer in Plano, TX when times are hard some people go beyond to create more business

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  Nice machine...on snow - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Stan - April 6 - 6:00 pm

  Very well build car. Exceptional on snowy/slushy roads. Great road drivability. Bought just several months ago but love it so far. Not too keen with the outdated design though.

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  Sporty family hauler - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Bmilcetich - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the WRX a week but, I am constantly impressed with the level of performance built into the vehicle. The vewhicle was actually purchased for my wife, but I seem to be the one using more. The interior is small, so if you have kids or are hauling people, make sure everyon will fit. We have a 1yr and 3yr old, and their seats fit with just enough room to lower the center armrests. The cockpit is nicely DESIGNED, but sparcely appointed. If you want luxury, you can pay more but you will lose the smile factor when driving. Ive been researching this for months and cant find a better blend of utility, performance, safety, and liveability.

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  Short time in new Legacy Outback ltd - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Arnold Cohen - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have switched from a Mercedes Benz ML320 to this Subaru Legacy Outback Limited. Other than being smaller, the ride is better, handling a little more precise, quieter, and somewhat better economy. Ive only got 1400 miles on it to date but I drive 20,000 per year and I think this auto will be a winner.

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  2.0 XT Premium = outstanding - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By tiopapo21 - April 5 - 11:54 pm

  The 2014 Subaru 2.0 XT Forester Premium is one of the best fuel saving ,fast running,nice styling, All Wheel Drive and most comfortable SUV that I have ever owned. Its 250 HP BOXER ENGINE is quiet and powerful, from the on ramp to the fast lane the 2.0 XT Premium is outstanding. Its CVT Transmission is very smooth and before you realize it you are running at 80 plus MPH. Its wide windows and wide review mirrors helps you merge safely.

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  Tribeca B9 is an excellent choice - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Amin - April 5 - 8:00 am

  Before I bought this car I read lots of negative things about exterior design in on-line reviews. Honestly, I believe its high tech exterior looks much better than the 2008 model and is totally different from other SUVs. I love it. Interior is amazing and built of excellent material. Driving is smooth as luxury sedan, compare to many other SUVs such as Murano that gives you the impression of driving a truck rather than a car. Car is stable and powerful. Like other SUVs, It is not good on gas. I enjoy driving it very much so far and everybody loves it. I couldn’t find people who hate the design yet and I am still looking for!

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  Best Commuter for 4 Seasons - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Strand - April 4 - 8:10 pm

  Bought this car as my commuter ride - 90 miles/day on mostly open roads, only a hand full of lights and stops. Believe it or not, Im averaging 34-35 mpg for the last 10k miles. This likely has a lot to do with the lack of stop and go and the elevation (5500-7200). Im still amazed that an AWD car can be this nimble, get this kind of mileage, and do so well in the mountains.