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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  I regret buying a 2015 Subaru Outback - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By overrated - December 3 - 9:33 am

  I have owned my Subaru Outback a little over a month. The second or third day that I had it, I noticed that the gap between the rear hatch and the body of the car was very uneven. Like almost twice as large on one side as the other. The dealer claims that nothing can be done about it, the manufacturer claims that it is "within specifications", and I claim that the should have better quality control. Since having this happen to me, I have done a fair amount of research. Subaru Corporation doesnt have a great track record for building reliable, dependable cars. The sales staff will tell you how much improved the 2015 outback is, but it is way to early to know that. I regret buying mine.

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  White XT Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Mike - December 3 - 5:10 am

  Only have for two weeks but car rides a lot smoother and quieter than expected. Great pickup. Fit and finish very good. Expected simple and utilitarian controls and info system and have it. Meets all my needs. Cons so far are few; wipers/lights not synchronized, doors dont lock automatically when car gets going, no glovebox light, needs room to put in 3 car seats. Very good overall SUV.

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  Never Buying Subaru AGAIN - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian - December 2 - 7:53 pm

  For the first three years car was great. Then at 60,000 miles the head gasket went. For the next 9 months in and out the shop for over heating problems. Then Subaru gave me a new engine block. Now at 90,000 miles transmission problems; needs 1st 2nd third and reverse gears replaced. $2300. In a manual. I never driven it hard -- I wanted it to last, but as you can see its a piece of junk. I bought the car brand for their reputation. Once I get the car back I am selling it and buying a Toyota, Nissan or Mazda.

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  Love it! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By TurboT - December 2 - 1:03 pm

  This car is the total package. It outperforms most sports cars on the market, reliable, gets decent gas mileage, AND will carry 4 average adults comfortably. This car was my dream car prior to the US getting it and it has not let me down. The gas mileage averages about 25-26 on the highway (no a/c on). To push this car to its limits is VERY difficult to do because the limits of the driver come WAY before. Completely stock, this car is ready for the track (some safety mods -- better brake pads, lines, and fluid would help). Overall, I am very pleased with this car and would recommend it to anyone wanting a REAL sports car that is livable without paying big bucks.

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  SUBARU GT LTD LEGACY - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By GERALD EGNA - December 1 - 9:33 pm

  This is my third Subaru, and the best. Previously had 1999 Outback, 2002 Outback and now 05 GT Limited Legacy. This is by far the most fun to drive car I have owned. I have had quite a few people ask me about my car, and highly recommend it.

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  Fun car except window noise at right side - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By stlfun - November 30 - 9:26 am

  I have this car ~2,000 miles for about 6 weeks now. I noticed the annoying noise problem, that seems from right side of quarter panel window. Took the car to dealer, they confirmed it, tighted the dash board, DIDNT resolve the issue. Second time to dealer, they said they just had another 15 Outback with same problem. This time the technician ordered the window deal, still waiting for the part. It is not very loud noise, usually lower frequency than typical outside wind noise. It is getting very annoying, especially at night and quiet country road, it is a shame for such a nice and quiet vehicle. Love the gas mileage, I am getting 28-29 mpg on average of 70:30 highway/city mix.

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  I love the WRX! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian - November 30 - 7:53 am

  Performance that cant be beat for the price! Much more solid than the SRT-4 and superior handling to the Mustang. The WRX is great through the turns or on the highway. Interior is comfortable but the cup holders are a nuisance. The car is suited for any and every condition (try taking it on some dirt roads for a real treat!) and is a pleasure to drive. Headlights arent strong enough for a vehicle of this performance and the brakes are a bit squishy, but the car can take a beating and keep on going!

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  Do Not Buy a Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By aml - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I am driving a 2003 Subaru Outback Sedan with the new H-6 engine. My car has been in the shop 4 times in the last 18 months because of starting problems. (It was also in two other times for recalls unrelated to this issue.) Each time it goes in, the car is down for 3 days because the main computer has to be shipped back to the factory for re-programming.This was my first Subaru purchase and will be my last. I am disgusted with the Subaru product and with the dealerships service. Buyer Beware!

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  Dubsru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Kevin sullivan - November 28 - 10:16 pm

  Touring leather is nice!

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  Satisfaction - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By S110123 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  What more can I say? We reviewed other makes and models and found them wanting.Having owned Subarus in the past.We were convinced.