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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  Problems after 55,000 miles - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By PeggyR - December 11 - 4:10 am

  I also had problems after 50,000 miles and just want to get rid of it. I also owned a 1995 Subaru before and it never gave me any troubles. My head gasket is cracked, have had transmission problems almost immediately and their is always something wrong with this car. It is sad because I used to trust Subaru as a quality car. It costs almost as much as a BMW to repair, so why not quality.

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  Other car a Vette &still lovin the Baja! - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Nick Senanes - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a Magnetic Red Corvette to play with, but I gotta tell you the Baja gets more looks and compliments. The car is so easy to drive, the engine is smooth and powerful enough to take on all but the fastest at stoplights. The car can easily top 120 mph if you like and the harder you drive it, the better it performs. All wheel drive lets the the Subie and you laugh at snow and ice. Rain , Hah! Handles like dry ground. Gas mileage runs from 22 if driven like your in a WRC race and up to 32 on high way. This is a car I would recommend to anybody . I flat out love it.

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  Accord and Camry: we want a wagon - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By WishIhadaHonda - December 11 - 2:00 am

  We really wanted a new Honda Accord or Toyota Camry wagon, but unfortunately those manufacturers stopped making wagons in the mid -1990s. This car was more expensive (around $20,000) than Camry ($16,000) or Accord. It is considerably less sturdy (doors dont close smoothly; interior feels "cheap") than those other Japanese cars. Finally, the Legacy gets horrible gas mileage (around 22 mpg) even though this is a vehicle with standard transmission. This last issue is a real sore spot with me. Our previous car was an 1986 Camry that still got 40 mpg even after 253,000 miles.

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  01 Subaru Outback wagon - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry Leidecker - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is an extremely reliable and capable vehicle. I bought it new and have had it back for a recall to have the underside undercoated. Other than that, an engine light came on and so a sensor was replaced under warranty. Very good car overall, especially in the snow.

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  I am in love with my Forester! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By agarside - December 10 - 12:49 am

  I got my Forester awhile back and I am still loving it! Every time that I go out to drive it I still get excited to this day. I thought it being a 2001 it wouldnt be very good but that is the opposite! I love my Forester!

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  Great Car for the Money !!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SMG - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Impreza RS is a great car. I spend at least five hours a day driving it. The bug visor, fog lights, keyless entry and the spoiler that I added was money well spent. I traveled over 1,400 miles in three days behind the wheel. Never once did I regret selling my fullsize pick-up especially when I had to fill the tank. Subaru built a great little car. Thank you.

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  What an excellent value!!!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Son Son - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I am known to rate and love good values. The Acura TL, Mazda Protege, Nissan Xterra and 350Z, but this puts them all to shame. That said, Im done. Period.

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  Subaru outback 2001 - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By pjssatx - December 9 - 10:00 am

  head rests on back seats block view out of rear view mirror.

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  Near perfect except seat comfort - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Metalman - December 9 - 1:33 am

  This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a 13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The 16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the drivers seat is much better, it isnt flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Fords & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my 13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my 13 were way better on than on my 16. I almost think the 13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the 16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease.

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  Near perfect except seat comfort - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Metalman - December 9 - 1:30 am

  This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a 13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The 16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the drivers seat is much better, it isnt flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Fords & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my 13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my 13 were way better on than on my 16. I almost think the 13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the 16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease.