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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  New Subaru Forester - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - September 28 - 4:09 am

  Very comfortable car, performs quite well. Based upon friends & neighbors who own them, Subaru Foresters & Outbacks are extremely reliable, great in snow & ice. We only have 400 miles, but very confident reputation is valid. Looking forwward to trying the Forester in the mountains this winter.

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  05 STi review - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By BigBSTI - September 26 - 7:26 pm

  This car is awesome! I have a commuter car but I always want to drive my STi. It is so hard to keep the miles down because you will always want to drive it. Ive taken it to autocross and drag events and out performed all new cars around the 30k price range. I dont consider myself an awesome driver but behind the wheel of this car you sure feel like it!

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  2003 Subaru Baja Sport - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By doug madden - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am 61" and 225 lbs. I found the vehicle to be above ave. in room, ride and road noise. It performs beautifully at highway speeds and in curves, and has plenty of pep from 0- 60 mph. It hauls the 1/4 ton payload with ease and the bed extender allows for needed space to haul multiple appliances or building materials especially with the pass through design in the crew cab. It seats 4 mature adults with comfort and all controls are easy to reach for the driver. My Baja is a stick shift 5 speed and use it in my home rental business and as a toad for my motor-home. I have never owned a vehicle that I have received some many compliments and requests for information and viewings. I will own another one!

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  Disappointed after first year - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By klf - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd review, first being after i owned the car for just one month. a much happier time. Within the past 3 months i have returned to the dealer for 3, thats right, 3 recalls as well as my coolant leaking causing my engine to smoke. I was told at the dealership that i have no leaks, simply an air pocket had burst, causing all the coolant to dry up and need re-filling. What?! Well last night i placed cardboard under the vehicle and guess what i woke up to this morning? Wet cardboard! I went from a Jeep G.Cherokee to my Outback, but will be going back to Jeep as soon as my lease is up! Rather pay a tad more at the pump and drive a reliable vehicle. Going back to a G.Cherokee.

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  Wowee! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Happy NY Subie Owner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After 500 wonderful miles, I can only say superlatives about this wonderful machine! I got mine with the moonroof & nav package. It rides great, got plenty of giddy-up when you need it, hugs the road, has an aggressive (but not overly so) exterior look and a very classy, roomy and upscale interior with all the features anyone could want or ask for.

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  Dont expect more than what you pay for - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By sunnynaples - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Subaru 2.5x Special Edition. I bought the 2010 Forester based on safety ratings and reliable all wheel drive. It drives great in heavy rain. The interior is roomy enough for a tall 63" man to fit comfortably front and back. The cargo area has an outlet for a fan and fits the dog and dog bed perfectly. Like the other reviews mentioned, you hear road noise. I had my non-Subaru mechanic take it for a spin & he said it was because the engine itself is so quiet. The interior fixings arent great, but the car was about 10k less than what most of my friends have paid for American SUVs. Overall, Im satisfied with the purchase and hope to keep the car 10- 12 years.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By SubiNewby - September 26 - 5:06 am

  This was my first Subaru...got this vehicle for my wife because of the safety aspects, but we both love it. This is a luxury vehicle at an affordable price. I cant recommend it enough. Good low end torque, with a little less response on the highway. Corners without leaning, havent had a chance to put the AWD to test. Interior is top-notch and very comfortable, including for back seat passengers. 3rd row is a joke, which is why we purchased the 5 passenger version. We chose this over X3, Murano, Highland, CR-V and CX-7.

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  2016 Outback 3.6 Great car for the money - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Chris - September 23 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased my 2016 Outback 3.6 in November of 2015. Ive only put about 2500 miles on it at this point, June of 2016, but really like the car and would buy it again. It has been problem free, the Eyesite/Starlink work well, same for lane departure warning and Blind spot, Super easy to get in and out of, really happy with it. I just have a few complaints that have to do with features, not quality. 1.) no central locking feature for door locks, my 2002 Toyota Tundra has central locking, at over $38,000 for my Outback should have central locking, 2.) The power passenger seat does not have the same movements as the driver seat. 3.) no heated steering wheel 4.) Does not have Bi-LED headlights 5.) no secondary buttons for radio, to many steps to go through touch screen to get between nav and radio. 6.) Stereo is not that great for an upgraded stereo (Harman/Kardon). 7.) would be nice to have cooled seats as well as heated 8.) No lumbar adjustments for passenger seat. 9.) does not offer front and rear sensors. 10.) more exterior and interior color choices. I know these things most people would probably consider not needed, but I do and the central locking for safety reason, never know what stop light or sign you may be at. This is a car I would buy again and I hope Subaru will make changes and add some, if not all the items I think it should have. Just so its here, I average about 21 mpg, but I live at a high elevation, and drive up and down hills a lot. Like the extended warranty they offer as well, got the 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty with zero deductible.

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  Worth the $$ - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Great Ride! - September 22 - 10:10 pm

  The spec.B is worth every penny over the normal GT. The wheel/Bilstein suspension package works flawlessly and the upgraded interior is loved by all who see it. My wife traded in her 2000 Accord for it, we will never go back to the soulless Honda. The rush of the turbo spooling at 3 thousand makes it a rush to drive. My only worry is the number of speeding tickets the wife is going to pile up.

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  3rd Subaru for John of Columbus, NC - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jaacolumbusnc - September 22 - 12:57 pm

  In August 2014, I purchased my 2015 Outback 2.5i Limited at Vic Bailey Imports, Spartanburg, SC. [non-permissible content removed]. The car is terrific in every way. The ride is very comfortable for my wife and I - both in our mid-80s. The seats are high for great visibility. I really like the CVT. Smooth and quiet. The HarmanKardon sound system is supreme. I am averaging better then 27mpg around the local area. Highway consumption is much better. This is a truly great Subaru and should not be overlooked.