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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  Lack of wow - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By jim mcgrew - August 25 - 10:24 pm

  Acceleration is adequate at best. Engine strains when you need extra power. Fuel economy is just ok. Handlingis ok but you feel safe in car. For a car like that they should offer high intensity front lights.

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  Happy with new Suburu - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Glen Bowen - August 24 - 5:23 am

  Had to order the car, since we wanted the 6 speed manual, so far, it was worth the wait. Price was very good, for this much vehicle. So far, I am very happy.

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  Perfect car - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By rzerobis - August 24 - 1:00 am

  This is a perfect, everyday car, to drive in various conditions. The first time I drove it, I was shocked how much power and low end torque the 4 cylinder boxer engine generated. The drive is very compliant, but dont expect cornering like on rails, this is not a sports car. Then again, on a very wet and rainy day, you will see sports cars in your back mirror, 4AWD and hefty ground clearance has its advantages. Tall people will love ample space inside, with comfortable front seats, and plenty of space in the back. Fold down the back seats...and you will be pleasantly surprised again how much space there is inside to haul all of your stuff.

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  Quick small sedan with a crappy interior - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By mitchell - August 23 - 4:16 pm

  Owned the car for about 5 months so far. Before i bought it the dealership did rear pads and rotors along with timing belt replacement. It got horribly gas mileage in the winter time, i do a short commute, and let the car warm up, but i have never got this bad gas mileage. about 230 kms per 35-40 liters of premium. All seemed well until i had to replace both front wheel bearings a month ago, costing me over $1000 at a Subaru dealership. I suspect not many other repairs in the near future, and seems quite solid overall.

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  Full time car, part time truck - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By c0yote - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a truck, but with my 2 yr old son, was limited to a few models to choose from that had a full back seat. I didn?t need a whole lotta truck, just for the occasional trip to Home Depot, etc. So, other than having some kind of truck bed, I was more concerned with the day-to-day items (handling, fuel mileage, comfort, reliability, safety). The Baja is the only truck that excels in all of these items. Yes, I know I can?t haul 4x8 sheets of plywood, but that?s what borrowing / renting full-size trucks are for. Why buy a truck that you?ll fully use one day a year, I?d rather drive one that fits my needs for those other 364 days a year.

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  this thing kiks ass - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bikerboy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  hella awsome kiks the pants off a camaro

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  I like it, but... - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Roadman - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for reliability, however Ive had problems. The front boot on the axle broke and cost 200.00 to fix.(the dealer wanted 500.00! The "check engine" light was on for 35,000 miles and the dealer told me twice that it was a "bad" computer chip. It was the catalytic converter, which needed to be replaced (which is why the light goes on in the first place) These knuckleheads should have fixed it in the first place! NOW, my "all wheel drive" gears are frozen. Its going to cost at least 1,000.00 to fix at a local mechanics place and I dont even want to think what the dealer would charge, theyre crooks.

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  Its a winner - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By autobahnburner - August 22 - 9:29 pm

  My first Subaru was a 2006 Outback 3.0R LL Bean model, and my second is the 2014 Outback Limited 2.5 with the CVT. They are nothing alike, and and I like each of them for different reasons, but they do have one thing in common. Both came out on top of after an exhaustive comparison of other brands. Frankly, I prefer the 06 because it was a much more engaging car to drive. However, the new model was more of a sensible purchase. Its significantly larger and more flexible, gets much better mileage, and has more bells and whistles. I heavily considered a Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and also an Audi Q5 and Volvo XC70. I can afford the last two but it was hard to justify their prices.

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  Love my new 2010 Outback! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By infotogo - August 21 - 7:33 pm

  Trading my 2002 LL Bean Outback was not easy...but the new 2010 is such a great vehicle I could not resist. We compared it to the Toyota RAV 4 V6 and found the Outback to be more comfortable and smoother, overall. We needed to be able to tow a small camper, and the Outback has the towing capacity we need, without going to a V6. Gas mileage is posted at 22-29, and in the city I am getting almost 25 so far. And did I say the leather seats are soooo nice? This is our 5th Subaru, and we have had good experiences with every one.

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  First Subie Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By RDL - August 19 - 7:03 am

  Want a non luxury vehicle with lots of features and bang for the buck ? Look no further. This is my first Subaru, and I love it ! The updates for the 2017 Forester are great and much improved from previous models. It is extremely quiet, more refined interior...I have the Saddle Brown leather...beautiful ! Exterior is Dark Gray, and looks sharp on my Touring model. The premium stereo sounds awesome, and the bluetooth is very clear. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and it offers no blind spots which is rare these days ! While it is not a fancy interior, everything is practical, and offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Lots of technology in the upper trim levels along with memory seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 4wd is the best out there, so get it one and go !