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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  Subaru 2016 Outback Ltd. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Stephanie W. - October 24 - 11:17 am

  My husband and I are thoroughly impressed with this car. We test drove other brands, but the Subaru Outback impressed us the most. The quality of the vehicle along with the standard features it comes with makes this a very good value. It is fun to drive, and it looks sharp with its red exterior and ivory leather seats. I do mostly city driving, and so far Im getting 27 miles per gallon. I cant think of any negatives about this car, and I highly recommend it.

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  Never thought wed.............. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By K&M - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Never thought wed own a Subaru. In fact, Subaru wasnt even on our radar screen until we checked safety ratings. I went from a Durango to the Forester and I can honestly say that my wife and I love this car, er, SUV, er crossover, er, whatver they want to call it! Anyone looking Id say go to the Subaru dealer and just buy one! Its a great car year round, but especially in rain or in winter. Can fit plenty of things inside. Our Forester just plain works. Were now thinking of eventually replacing my wifes car with a Subaru. Were glad we discovered how good they are.

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  Rocket - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxne1 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  So much power, much better technology especially in the diffs) than the EVO. Amazing car in all ways. For the money, the best sports car you can buy. If you want the car is much more tunable than an EVO because of the larger displacement and lower boost. Great car.

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  2nd forester better than first! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Elizabeth Clarke - October 24 - 6:15 am

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  A Lot to Like -- Other Things, Not So Much - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Frank Colligan - October 23 - 12:42 pm

  Things I like best: Overall visibility from inside is just awesome, appearance and styling, high riding position. Things I hate: Front drivers seat very uncomfortable. The seat cushion is very stiff and the seat width is not sized for large American butts ... feels like left cheek is hanging off the side. Compounded by the entire seat being jammed right up against the center console, which makes it difficult to sit squarely in the center of the seat. When driving it feels like I am not centered to the accelerator and brake pedals. Right now I am sitting on an excellent truck drivers seat cushion, which is helping, but this could get old real fast if the seats do not break in. Things I like: Paddle controls, adjustable steering wheel has good range, cargo space, auto-dimming mirrors, heated seats. Acceleration of the turbo is better than expected, though a little jumpy when starting from a stop. The 18" wheels are nice. Things I dont like: Other reviewers have mentioned these as well. Leg room for driver could be better (but is better than most other options in a small SUV). Analog speedometer is hard to read. During the day it is impossible to see where the climate control dials are set ... easier at night because of backlighting. Center console too far back to be of any real use. Entertainment system OK, but cannot figure out how (if possible with USB drive) to play all the songs in one genre ... I have to select one specific artist and album that fits the genre. Things I could do without: The panoramic moon roof. From past moon roofs Ive had, I can count on one hand how many times Ive used them. Too windy ... too noisy, and sunburned head ... need I say more? Id rather have the cost of that back to put into other options. Bottom Line? Jury is still out, but hoping I will adjust and find other ways to make life better. Biggest concern is seat comfort and how that will translate into a long trip. Hoping for the best with MPG, but that will take more time.

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  First Subaru hits the mark - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By trublusubaru - October 22 - 10:15 am

  This vehicle is basically the luxurious athlete of the crossover crowd. 2015 styling and consumer features are superior to 2014 and new CVT tuning is excellent. Quiet ride, lots of technology including Eyesight adaptive cruise control and lane departure/collision avoidance feature. Also got the blind spot detection. We added popular package 5 which amps up the utilitarian touches of an already practical design.

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  One of the Best Used Car to Buy - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Wong - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used in 2009. Now has 76,000 miles. Now, 5 years later the car runs just like new sill. The paint isnt the best but every car now has bad paint. There is only one rattle but only comes once in a long time other wise everyday its quiet. Some people complain about wind noise because of frame less window but I dont hear and I know there is no wind noise unless its 30 mph winds but even cars with framed windows will here that. Seats are comfortable for shorter trips. It doesnt have all the new toys that 2010 cars now have but you dont need it. Like back-up camera, gps, mp3, push start etc. If you can drive without the new toys this is a good car to buy with awd standard

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  Good family car for snow belt - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By OmahaNE - October 22 - 10:00 am

  As the title states, I feel this is one of the best family cars available for folks that have to deal with snow. I look at most other cars in this class and my decision came down to the VW Passat and the Subaru. The Subarus interior space, quiet ride and predicted reliability won-out. It has been almost a year and 10,000 miles and I am still happy with my decision. Fuel mileage has been great - 25 city and 30+ highway. The car has enough power and I would even say the engine sounds good. The car does require a lot of correction in a crosswind and stepping over the body skirts is annoying. The car is not sporty to drive. For example an Accord is much more nimble.

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  Love my Rex - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Thedog - October 21 - 10:06 am

  I chose my black WRX wagon over an Acura RSX-S. I am glad I did. This car is fast, handles great, drives well, and has been a reliable work horse. I only wish I had hills, curves, and snow to drive it in.

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  love love love it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By walter lawson - October 21 - 9:22 am

  Beautiful vehicle! Gas mileage is poor but I love the way I can cruise up mountains. I would get the four cylindar if you have a long commute.