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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  2.5 years - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By wang dang doodle - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my WRX wagon for 2+ years, 20K miles. No repairs other than scheduled maintenance. Two minor factory recalls. Clutch feel is not the best and sometimes there is a little "judder" before car warms up. Some complain of turbo lag, but this is not a problem for me. Just keep the revs up and power is always there. Shifter could be smoother, especially into reverse. I hear short throw shifter is better.Handles very well and is fun to drive. Wagon design is very practical and with roof racks can haul lots of stuff for a car this size. Gas mileage 17 city 26 highway. This is a good car.

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  problem with 2005 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By anxious - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2005 outback two days ago and love it except for the fact that the day after I drove it off the lot the check engine light came on with a blinking cruise light indicator. The dealership read the code to be the oxygen sensor, cleared it,and said to come back if it comes on again. Well it came back on today and Im bringing it in to be checked again tomorrow. Heres hoping it turns out to be a minor glitch if anything....

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  cv caps - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By sonic - November 30 - 1:46 am

  I have never had a car with so many problems and its not even paid off! My Mazdas and Camrys were great! Ive had both cv caps leak (not at the same time, so it will cost more for repair), the cruise control turned off and the engine light went out in the middle of the desert. Problem was not cruise control! I sure do miss my Camry.

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  Not totally up to hype. - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By car_trader - November 29 - 8:54 pm

  Had my Outback for 3 days now and really nice to drive, well laid out on the interior, handles fantastic on wet roads. Now, for the take to heart before you buy issues. Steering not as tight as it should be, mushy brakes, noisy tranny, seriously over rated gas milage, and extremely fussy blue tooth. I bought this with my wife in mind as she loves Subaru. Had I to do it all over again, would have bought the Hyundai Sonata 2.0 turbo, now thats a car! If you are considering the Outback, test drive it twice, even three times before you commit. Make sure it is exactly what you are looking for.

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  Everything perfect except for the transmission - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By wil12345 - November 29 - 1:00 pm

  Great car except for an occasional hard down shift from the five speed automatic. Dealer and Subaru say they know about the issue, but claim it is operating as designed. Mileage is about 28 on highway and 20 in town. 3.6 6 cyl has OK pickup, but not as good at the turbo outback we traded in. If they would fix the transmission issue, the par would be perfect.

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  My 3rd Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By MK - November 29 - 4:16 am

  Subaru makes great cars. This is my third. After having owned 2 used Legacys, over the last 10 years, I decided to spring for a brand new Impreza. For a small car the larger than normal 170 HP really gives it some kick and the AWD and stability control make it do amazing things. Best car in its class. In fact it outclasses everything else which is why it is so under reviewed. It must just confuse auto reporters about how this car fits in with everything else.

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  2010 OB leaking sunroof, & oil pump - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By hesper - November 28 - 2:56 pm

  Ive owned the 2010 outback for a year and have had a leaking sunroof for, yes, a year. After two different dealers attempted and failed at the repair (it leaks primarily during pressure washes, but drips when it rains, I moved on to the national customer service for help and their conclusion is that all 2010 sun roofs leak and they are NOT designed to withstand car washes. The bottom line is they will NOT repair the sunroof end of story. The car is now in the shop for an oil leak. CVT has great MPG, but I question the durability. Customer service is poor...very poor. Too bad because my 2000 OB was great. Suby lost a customer for ever.

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  Why buy this subaru forester? - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Jessica - November 28 - 12:07 am

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  2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Ltd. - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Paul - November 27 - 12:40 pm

  Good ride, sturdy, comfortable (important for me as I drive 2 hours a day).

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  Drive it in the Snow & youll buy it... - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By lynn - November 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 98 Subaru Forester and love it so much were planning on buying a 2003 model to replace a sedan. Living in Buffalo, NY the All Wheel Drive is a feature I cant believe I ever lived without. While other cars get stuck in the snow, I am able to get across town without a problem. Everytime someone asks us how we like our car, we tell them we love it and my husband always throws in "take it for test drive in the snow and youll buy it". It also satisfies a need of having a car and a truck all in one which is great since my husband makes many trips to Home Depot.