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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  Love the WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By n632cm - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my purchase of a 2002 wrx sport wagon. The car drives great! It is a big bang for the buck in my opinion. To really enjoy the car, get it over 3000rpm and enjoy the world of turbo charging. Overall a great car for the price!

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  Sturdy No-Nonsence Quality Vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By MRT123 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  the Subaru Forester is a quality built and safe all-wheel drive alternative to many SUVs without this level of safety. the Forester has not Roll-over warning like most of the SUVs on the market. That little "roll-over" warning posted on the drivers side sun visor in most SUVs is a Death sentance" in an accident. You dont have to worry about that in the Foester.

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  Lightweight - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Jim in Pgh - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Our leased 2000 Subaru GT Ltd has been a brake and tire eater from the day it was driven off the lot. Couple an unforgiving lease contract supported by bad service and its a recipe for a big consumer cost. We went through three sets of brakes and two sets of tires in <24,000 miles before our local reliable mechanic told us a front CV joint was about to fall apart.

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  SUBARU GETTING BETTER & BETTER - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By SUBIENUT - September 28 - 2:00 am

  IN MAY OF 2001 I PICKED UP A 2001 LL BEAN OUTBACK WAGON AN TWO DAYS AGO MY WIFE AND I UNCEREMONIOUSLY DUMPED OUR 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA FOR A 2003 H-6 3.0 OUTBACK SEDAN. HAVING VOTED WITH OUR WALLET AND POCKETBOOK SAYS IT ALL.

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By cohmar - September 27 - 6:20 pm

  I have a 2015 Outback with Eyesight, Moon roof etc. Fully loaded. I dont like leather seats and Im so grateful to Subaru that you can get the latest safety gear without leather. I live in Vermont on a long steep dirt road with a steep dirt driveway. This car has handled all condition on all types of roads with a perfect blend of comfort and handling. We had the worst winter of ice, snow and cold in 25 years. I have not once gotten stuck, have not once even slipped in driving through all kinds of ice and snow. Ive had other 4wd/AWD SUVS and nothing has come even remotely close to this Outback. Mud season is starting and its handling slick mud and deep ruts with near perfect performance.

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  Update - 1st Subaru for Me - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By MB - September 27 - 8:36 am

  Had the car since April 06, and after about 6,000 miles, it just hasnt grown on me. The guy who complained about the jerky ride is right -- sometimes it feels like a roller coaster because the engine speeds up and slows down so much. And yes to the skewed consumer magazine opinions -- the Forester X does not deserve a top rating. I dont get near the 25 MPG the others talk about. I am lucky to get 21 MPG. I had a Jeep Liberty before the Subaru, and I cant wait to go back to Jeep. I havent driven the Subaru in the snow yet, and if it doesnt perform like my Jeep, its going! Havent gained respect for the Subaru like I did for the Jeep (owned 4 Jeeps prior to the Forester).

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  This Car Kicks - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Andy - September 26 - 5:56 am

  Well designed vehicle! Lots of power, not a v8 so some turbo lag if u dontrev the engine. Grocery getter below 3krpm,but once u hit 4-5k this baby takesoff! The AWD system is terrific! I live in Michigan & during winter Im passing 4X4pickups/suvs on the hwy @60 mph whilethey are doing 25 waiting for the plowtruck to arrive .The Subie is truly amazing in the snow, Id say it handles just as well in bad weather as it does during a clear, dry day. Price shot up from $21-28kthough :-( but only a Mustang GT can giveu similar/better 0-60 for the $ but w/o AWD handling or Subarus bulletproof reliability. Nothing can match its performance or value for the $!

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  2011 Outback - from a high mileage driver - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By sallad75 - September 25 - 9:29 pm

  I have owned an 07 and 09 Outback prior to this 2011. I put on ~25k miles a year in all weather types (ND). The 2011 Outback rides great, has more room and does get better mileage than the previous 2 models. With just over 9k on the new car I am gettting 28-30 MPG on the interstate (77 MPH) and 33 MPG on the 2 lane roads (67 MPH) and in town 24-26 MPG. The car has great room, handles well and is a pleasure to drive. I have the premium model which adds some nice touches without going over the top. The clearence is great, especially in the snow we get up here. I also test drove a CX-9 when looking but found this a much better fit for our family.

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  Excellent small AWD - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By eric102 - September 25 - 5:30 pm

  This is my 1st Subaru, having had a number of Hondas before, I would rate this cars quality as equal, if not better than any of them. The ride is very solid and quiet, yet fun to drive, even with the automatic. 24.5 MPG average in 3300 miles. No defects or problems so far. I shopped the 02 Honda CRV also but found the Outback to be more refined and a better value.

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  Our first Subaru MIGHT not be our last... - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By TIE - September 25 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the car two weeks and 1200 miles ago - still breaking it in, so to speak, but here are a few observations: (1) Excellent fuel economy. Dont abuse it and youll get excellent mileage. Using the paddle shifters go a long way towards accomplishing this as the CVT logic sometimes seems to search for the right gear. Dont let it guess - do it yourself. On a recent rural 35-mile trip, the MPG computer showed 37 mpg!! Ive also compared actual mpg calculated as miles/gallons being only about 1 mpg lower than the computer. (2) Excellent road handling. This thing is a blast to drive out of a corner - give it some power coming out of a corner and you can feel the rear wheels push you out. Those used to rear wheel drive wont be impressed but if youre used to front wheel drive youll immediately notice the difference. The lower center of gravity due to the flat four (boxer) engine design is also noticeable - car has minimal body roll compared to my old Accord. (3) Decent acceleration. Its no rocket but I have yet to be wanting for power, although off-the-line seems a bit hesitant (more a fault of the CVT than engine). Shifting from reverse to drive also seems to take a long fraction of a second - again, blame the CVT. I should note, however, that this CVT is the best Ive driven (Altima, Accord, several hybrids...). It does a good job mimicing a traditional 6-speed auto, especially when you put the foot down. (4) Wind and road noise. Yikes, this is an improved noise level over previous gens? Really? Wind noise is noticeable over 35 mph. Road noise is also noticeable but thats probably due to the substandard Goodyear OEM tires. Im hoping an upgrade will fix that and I hope that the dealer will find a problem with the weatherstripping around the windows. (5) Questionable seat comfort. It took me a while to get a good, comfortable drivers position. There are still times that the seat seems overly hard. Im hoping that, like my previous Honda, the seats will eventually break in and feel better. So... if the car "breaks in" nicely and these little niggles are taken care of, this is an excellent car.