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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  Dont buy this car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By montanaowner - September 25 - 7:10 am

  Bought this car new. Now have 118,000 miles and it needs its 3rd head gasket. First went at 36,000 miles, 2nd at 83,000 miles. In cold weather (10 degrees or less) gas lines at fuel pump condense, allowing fuel to vaporize into the engine compartment. Smells like you are riding in the gas tank. If I could have afforded to dump this car earlier I would have. Lots of other smaller problems. Seems to go through tires very quickly.

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  Love this car - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By subi! - September 24 - 6:00 am

  I have had this car for several years and I love it. It is the best car on snow, can tow a small trailer, and I get almost 30mpg! Sure it looks a little square, but I like the way it looks. It has been the perfect car for me and my dog to get to the mountains.

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  Outbacks a winner again! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By mark cerbo - September 24 - 3:41 am

  Drive one and see how really nice these cars are. Drive one in the snow and you be sold.

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By ob-skier - September 23 - 6:40 am

  Bought based on my mechanic recommending only Toyota, Honda, or Subaru. Had several friends with Outbacks. I considered the RAV4, CR-V, Accord, Legacy sedan. Would have gone with the Legacy, but no fold-down seats limits its utility. Gas mileage is ok - but expected with AWD.

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  Update on bad seats from 4/28/10 - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve G - September 23 - 3:03 am

  I have now had the Legacy for 4 months and about 3000 miles. After $700 spent on 5 trips to an auto upholstery shop for modifications to the driver’s seat, the driver’s seat, while not comfortable, is now tolerable. The adjustable lumbar support works by pushing the foam padding, which is quite rigid, deeper into your back. It is not inflatable as I first thought. I had this seat back foam trimmed and had additional foam in the shape of a wedge and made from softer, less dense foam, added to the seat cushion. I can now drive the car for 2-3 hours without getting a back ache.

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  Poor initial quality - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cwprph - September 22 - 6:33 am

  Upon delivery of vehicle, everything was as advertised. However, once the temperature dipped below 30, the problems surfaced. The emergency brake light flashes and the traction control light stays on while the engine is cold. I took the car back to the dealer who has now had it for 8 days, with zero results. I must say I regret my purchase of the Outback. I had heard good things about Subaru, but unfortunately my experience so far has been terrible. If you like constantly going back to the dealer and using loaner cars, this is the car for you.

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  Very reliable ride! - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacy Lover - September 22 - 5:36 am

  I bought this vehicle new in summer of 2000. It has proven to be a very well made and reliable car. The only glitch has been an engine knock sensor that malfunctioned at 70,000 miles and had to be replaced. This repair cost less than $125. Otherwise, I replaced the tires and performed scheduled maintenance. Feels like a sports car to drive! Goes great in snow and ice with all weather, siped tires, but this Sedan has lower ground clearance than the Outback, so 8" or more of snow can be difficult.

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  2000 Forester what a drama - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Lori Welch - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 00Forester and loved it, even though it was constantly in the shop. Problem is with the rear wheel bearings they constantly go.

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  Great, with a lot of wind noise - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Rideabout - September 22 - 2:00 am

  2003 Outback limited: - Smooth engine and ride feeling. - Good handling. - Overall good interior design with the exception of the bulky dash which stands out towards the driver. - Gearbox sound less painfull and less stressed under any accelleration than the previous model. - Wind noise is a big irritaion from the side mirrors a roof rack especially for a vehicle of this price range.

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  Great car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ryan Quigley - September 21 - 9:38 pm

  We owned an outback before, 15 years old and still going, it was a natural choice to get it again. Fantastic safety features with the new eyesight tech. Comfortable and commanding drive.