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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  First time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Martin - July 12 - 10:40 pm

  I switched from a Volvo V70 front wheel drive because I wanted the the advantages of AWD in snow and icy conditions. I had previously owned a Volkswagen Passat with AWD (same system at the time as Audi Quattro) and I considered getting an Audi Quattro station wagon, but the ground clearance was a limitation in deep snow. So far, after 11 000 km. very happy with this car. BUT: I live in Europe, bought the car with the new Boxer Diesel: 147 hp. 256 ft./lb. torque, 6 speed manual tranny and, absolutely no kidding: 43 mpg. highway mileage. Why dont you guys in the States demand to get in on the real action with this car?

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  Subaru Outback -Quality Control Issue - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By decisions2make - July 8 - 3:03 pm

  I took delivery with only 3 miles on the vehicle and noticed a steering vibration. My dealer encouraged me to take delivery since the tires probably needed to be broken in. Anyways, the steering vibration is worse, and to date, nobody has the solution. It forces you to use 2 hands on the wheel at all times to ensure adequate control of the vehicle. This has been reported to SOA. Now I wait to hear what is the solution. Based on internet research, this is a common problem with several new outbacks. I have less than 1,000 miles on the vehicle to date. On the positive side, this model is a great improvement in the quality of interior finish including seat comfort and extra space from the 2008

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  Better than expected - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By subiedriver6 - July 7 - 11:16 pm

  I have been sold on Subaru for many years, but this is a change from my usual purchase of a Forester. The engine is just average in regard to performance, but exceptional in gas mileage, averaging 29 in rural back road driving. The seats are very comfortable and the cabin seems much more roomy compared to the Foresters I have had in the past. The doors are large and provide easy in/out access. The exterior styling is aggressive and has received a lot of compliments, while the interior is more just utilitarian and the radio readout is disappointing. Overall, the more I drive it, the better I like it.

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  Love my Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jackco00 - July 7 - 4:23 pm

  I love my LL Bean 2005 Outback wagon, but Im still shocked by the gas mileage Im getting. Highway driving is not problem, but around town I sometimes only get 16 mpg! I switched to mid-range fuel, but that doesnt help much with the price of gas these days. I would love to get another Outback, but Subaru hasnt done anything to improve mileage in the new V6s except changing to regular gas. Im considering a Toyota hybrid for my next car.

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  One Year Past Now, Like It A Lot - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Linda - July 5 - 11:50 am

  Have had the XT for one year now, 14,000 miles, and like it a lot. Nothing has gone wrong. Ride comfort is excellent, very fun and nimble to drive, gas mileage OK at 22.2 overall. Would have liked a finer quality interior. I made the front seats comfortable with memory-foam seat cushions topped by sheepskin covers. Love the cargo space and visibility, turning circle, cornering ability, power. So far, so good!

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  Great car for the Money - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By cdose - July 4 - 1:52 pm

  Recently got this car in July 2013. I wasnt thinking of spending the money for a new car but somehow I found one on the lot for 4k off sticker and went for it. It was a great choice, the car is incredible sturdy, useful, easy to drive, it came with a manual which was important to me. The backseats are much more comfortable than any SUV I have been in, lots of space in the back too. First snow of the season hits and I could not be more pleased with how the car handles. The only thing you have to worry about is the cars around you, this thing is just phenomenal in the snow, especially with a manual transmission.

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  A Disappointment - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By A Disappointment - July 4 - 12:56 pm

  Im a believer of the safety features after hitting a deer with the Forester at 65 mph on the freeway. I also love the way the Forester handles. But there were a few bugs that I wouldnt have expected given that the Legacy chassis had been out a while. First, the wheel bearings went out at 20K on two wheels. Then the oil seals went at 70K and 140K (just like our 95 Legacy). The head gasket went out at 140K When I complained about a manufacturer defect at 70K because of similar problems with our Legacy, Customer Service said it was coincidence and wouldnt negotiate a better rate on repairs, stating the warranty went out at 60K. If you buy a Subie, you better extend the warranty!

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  sure-footed family car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By remi - July 2 - 2:00 am

  great performance, brakes, suspension. A real drivers car with the praticality of a wagon.

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  Begin of an love affair - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Wolfgang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a high expectations in this car, coming from a SUV having driven before a 325ix wagon which was just too small. I have considered teh A4 wagon, but the value of the Bean Outback was just not to beat. Car is within 5,000 miles the second time in for repair for some minor electronics problems. Love the 4x4 handling, the build quality and the versatility for everyday use. The car does not feel like 212 horses, more like 150 below 4,000rpm, Subaru has to work on that. Fuel economy does not reach factory promises and stays around 20-22mpg. Otherwise I would feel comfortable to recommend this car as everyday 4x4 around-town-zipper.

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  Begin of an love affair - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By wolfgang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a high expectations in this car, coming from a SUV having driven before a 325ix wagon which was just too small. I have considered teh A4 wagon, but the value of the Bean Outback was just not to beat. Car is within 5,000 miles the second time in for repair for some minor electronics problems. Love the 4x4 handling, the build quality and the versatility for everyday use. The car does not feel like 212 horses, more like 150 below 4,000rpm, Subaru has to work on that. Fuel economy does not reach factory promises and stays around 20-22mpg. Otherwise I would feel comfortable to recommend this car as everyday 4x4 around-town-zipper.