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 Legacy - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By John - October 20 - 9:46 pm

  My sixth Subaru (79 and 87 wagons, 81 Brat, 95 Legacy, 03 Forester). Still have the Forester and Brat. Just picked up a 2009 Legacy 2.5i Limited-$21,800-and 2.9% financing. This is a good time to get the 09 models with the new 10s coming in. Initial impressions-firm but sporty ride, seats are hard (but I am coming from a very soft seat in a Ford Explorer), drove smoothly on the 125 mile trip back from the dealer. Nice sound system from the Harmon Karden stereo. Very similar in size to my old 95 Legacy -on the smaller size of the competition but my 6-year old fits fine in the backseat in her booster seat. 22.6mpg on the drive home but that should improve with time.

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  Exceeded My Expectations - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By winebike - October 17 - 4:52 pm

  I have driven my OB 1200 miles. The build date was 10/10 and it came with Conti ProContact tires. In mixed city/highway driving, Ive been averaging 22 mph. I previously drove a Lexus GS300. I am very happy with the ride, handling, and features of the OB. When I took my first test drive of an OB last summer, I didnt like it and took it off my list, but I kept coming back to it and liked it better after each test drive. After my fourth test drive, I was sold. After buying the OB and getting to know it even better, I can say that the OB has exceeded my expectations and is an awesome car for its class.

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  Great first car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By redrider05 - October 17 - 12:49 pm

  This is my first car, which I got for a steal, considering it has a shocking 192k miles. I was very weary about getting a car with that many miles, but it was the only Subaru available in my budget. Subarus have been in the family for years and I know they are reliable. Whoever had this car before took good care of it. Regular maintenance was done and I found nothing wrong. Ive had her for a few weeks and she runs great. I plan on keeping her maintained enough to get another 100k miles. I love my Forester and now Im making fun of my mother, who drives an Impreza sedan. My car is way cooler then hers.

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  Great even for daily driver - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By philw007 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my mitsu 3000gt vr-4 for this awesome upgrade. Although same hp, the sti just feels so much more responsive with minimal turbo lag. The interior could be nicer, but its way better than the evo. The suspension is a little easier on you than the evo, making this a better choice if you are using for daily driver. I love the AWD coupled with the DCCD and supersport ABS braking system. The Defi gauges in the beautiful glowing red and cool starting sequence is excellent. Dont think about buying this car...just buy it!

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  subaru forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By epatrovs - October 16 - 6:36 am

  Great little SUV. Fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.

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  2016 OUTBACK...LUXURY REDEFINED FOR THE BEST MONEY - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By JP Robertson - October 15 - 11:54 am

  This is my fourth Subaru, and my third Outback Limited. The new changes in the 2016 are very noticeable. I looked at the 2015s, and the 2016 drives so much better. Noticeable is the retuned steering, suspension. Other new additions are Starling SOS. What is so noticeable about the 2016 Outback Limited is how quiet the cabin is for a PZEV 4 cylinder. Acceleration is good, not great - 174hp. Fuel Economy is good average 21 mpg around city, and 35 mpg hwy. I wish the warranty would match that of Hyundai or Kia...but being a Subaru, there are hardly ever any problems. The leather is much improved from the 2014 old design, the dash is absolute luxury, and the harman kardon stereo is 10x better than the 2014 model. The touch key board is very user friendly and you really dont need the book to read on how to use it. Lane Assist Warning works like a dream, as does the blind monitoring...My favorite feature is when someone walk by behind you or drives behind you - you are warned immediately. A bigger moonroof, and my favorite fun toy - voice command (you can do anything from call phone, to change your speed on your fan)...and it is fast and responsive, and understands you. Unlike the 2014 model. Overall I love this car! a lot of car for the money, especially when you compare it to Audi Allroad $55,000 MSRP or Volvo XC60 $50,000 + when you add all the goodies the Subaru has. Why pay more? when you can get all the luxury, safety, and 4WD at such a great price $25,000 to 35,000 (limited loaded PZEV). I totally recommend this car, especially the new 2016 Outback. Its an amazing vehicle with all the upgrades!

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By cwTX - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Outback in late February and it has been a great car. Ive put over 18000 miles on it commuting to visit my fiance in Dallas (Im in Houston) about every weekend, driving to Flagstaff,AZ and back and then driving up to Maine and back. I have had 0 complaints. The power was more than sufficient in the mountains and canyons in AZ and the gas mileage has been superb-low 30s on the highway, high 20s in the city. Comfort has not been a problem, even for the 20 hrs straight the fiance and I spent inside the car on the way back from Maine. Between my moms BMW X5 and my Outback, I would pick my Outback. Definitely recommend.

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  This car is been great! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Bobo - October 13 - 6:50 pm

  I have owned this car since I bought it from the show room in 2004, when this new style just came out. I still love my car and its still running strong with almost 90K miles. I havent had any problem with regular routine maintenance.

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  The Ultimate sleeper & Stealth machine! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bren - October 11 - 6:40 pm

  This is our second Forester (my wife drives a 2003 XS with PP). The power of the turbo is outstanding, yet it is still very practical & enjoyable on long drives....went to Washington DC & spent time in cottage country of central Ontario. Looking forward to the winter time with one of the best full time AWD systems in the industry!

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  I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Sharon - October 10 - 9:53 pm

  This is my second Subaru. Theres a world of difference between this one and the 2002 model I had earlier. The wheel wells are larger so I no longer get snow packed in them. (I live in a climate where we get 200 inches of snow a year, so this is important.) The car is roomier and theres more cargo space. The seats are more comfortable and the car is relatively quiet. Ive owned a lot of cars, but this one is my favorite.