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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  Confortable Ride - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dan D. - October 6 - 7:13 pm

  Like the ride of the Outback. The braking could be better and the acceleration is not great but considering the overall fuel economy, that is to be expected.

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  Great Wagon - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By eonrac - October 6 - 5:50 pm

  Have owned this 2.5i for 2 years without any problems. Bought new and has only been to dealer for maintenance checks (oil change, tire rotation). Fun to drive. Back seat passengers are a little cramped, though front seats are very comfortable. Mileage is better than EPA. Gets at at least 20mpg in town and 29 on the highway. Cargo area is wide and long. Have hauled a Hoosier cabinet and a large entertainment center. Would be nice if hidden side storage compartment doors would stay on (only thing on OB that is flimsy). Love my Outback. Best decision ever made! My OB 2.5i is a PZEV and it is not loud. In fact, my neighbors call it the stealth car because it is so quiet.

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  DECIDED ON A FORESTER - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By DAVID STETTLER - October 5 - 1:19 pm

  It was an exhaustive search. It boiled down to a Forester, Jeep Cherokee, or Mazda CX-5. All wheel drive is an extra option on both the Mazda and the Jeep. The jeep was out first based on cost with options and the extremely poor reliability rating at Consumer Reports. The Mazda drove like a sports car, but the cost added up fast with options and I didnt like not being able to get heated mirrors unless you stepped up to the top of the line trim level which put you in the low 30k cost area and added options I didnt want. The Mazda had a lot of great electronics, but lets face it, in 5 years they are all going to be like like in-dash VCRs. The Mazdas reliability rating was way below the Subaru, the Mazda was harder to see out of, and since the only traction tests I saw on line were Mazda productions and the only thing they highlighted on was acceleration on a snowy hill from a dead stop and the wheels always turned to the right, I was skeptic about the drive system as well. That and in the test the Subaru driver always seem to be pushing the accelerator hard to make a slip. The only test I would believe is if they chained them both together on a snowy field and did a tug-of-war. I went with the Subaru since I wasnt in the market for a sports car and needed something that would deal well with a Minnesota winter. I got what I wanted for 26k, a time proven all wheel drive system, heated seats, heated mirrors, rear defrost and wiper, and easy to see out of when snow clouds your view and it comes standard with a nice power moonroof which was an extra option on the Mazda. I still have bluetooth, sat radio, and a bunch of entertainment features I dont even care about.

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  WRX RUlz - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By giants2003 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic. The first time I saw this car in person I was simply amazed. From front to back, top to bottom this car screams DRIVE ME...AND FAST.

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  Stealth bomber - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By 04WRXwagonowner - October 5 - 10:00 am

  In silver the sport wagon attracts little of the attention the WR Blue vehicles do. Very enjoyable from 75 to 110 in fourth gear. All wheel drive is excellent in changing conditions (dirt,gravel,rain,slush, etc.). Once moving, it has the go of my V8 Mustang, but is more stable at high speed and MUCH safer in the wet.

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  Not all I was lead to believe - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Tim from MA - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The right size, but some serious flaws. Emergency braking is poor due to very spongy brakes - not unique to my car, I test drove another one after a near accident and found it to be the same. Engine frequently runs rough/stalls on cool/cold (20~50F) damp mornings, but dealer can not find problem. Mileage runs from 25MPG pure hiway to 18 around town, even with light foot. Clutch has bad "judder" that comes and goes. Rear seat space is very tight.

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  overall great vehicle - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Light - October 5 - 6:20 am

  Subaru has proven again to be a terrific car in all the most important levels. Interior design is still in the works (this being our second Outback over the last six years). The driving safety and ease we rate the highest. This car has prevented accidents and is a great bad weather car. We take it off road and it is amazing. It is easy to maintain and has been totally reliable. We love the looks and feel of our Legacy Outback. We will remain loyal Subaru owners. The drivers and forward passenger windows are noisy(wind type noise), with was the case with our first Subaru also. They maybe able to be adjusted. Other than that, we are totally and utterly happy with this car

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  Very Disappointed - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By sarah19goddess - October 5 - 5:13 am

  Bought this car new off the lot and I have owned it for 1.5 years. From the very start Ive had nothing but problems. Heres a list of issues: The GPS hard drive unit crapped out, entire unit replaced. Sun roof leaked twice in the first rains. Had to have new seals put in and buy a car cover. Sound system has been horrible from the start. At low volume the sound goes in and out in waves. Plastic seat casing along driver side seat kept popping off the track and then cracked. Passenger seat motor died, replaced. Check engine light keeps reappearing for gas cap (erroneously). Electronic e-break system keeps getting stuck engaged causing excessive wear. Theres more but Im out of characters.

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  02 WRX to 08 Legacy GT - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave C - October 4 - 4:40 am

  Traded in 02 WRX on 08 Legacy GT. The GT is roomier, with much better features (leather, sunroof, auto AC, auto trunk, XM, auto mirror), much quieter, and only cost $2K more than my WRX did 6 years ago. As quick as my WRX 0-60, same cornering G, but simply not as fun to drive. However, this is a much easier car to live with (quiet), and everybody who rides in it loves it. Quality is same or better than WRX - outstanding. Other than for clutch, never had a problem with the WRX in 75K miles (never even touched the brakes!). Im looking forward to a similar experience with the Legacy GT.

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  First and last Subaru for me - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By MarcusCaudill - October 3 - 9:46 pm

  I bought this car because of the reputation for reliability. Wrong. Alternator failed at 60k miles. Multiple battery replacements. Brakes way too soon. Engine bearing failure at 90k miles. This car was driven on the highway, and was maintained better than required by Subaru. Be wise and drive something else.