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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  Why I Probably Wont Buy an Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Lennie Blaumuehle - February 18 - 11:43 am

  The all-in-one control stalk for headlights, parklites, turn signals and high beams is a disaster. When reaching to lower high beams, its very easy to turn off the headlights. Its happened to me numerous times and to others who have driven the car. It is in my opinion a serious design flaw. When I dont have access to a different vehicle for nite driving, I tape the headlight switch to on position. That aside, OB has met or exceeded all expectations. It stayed within a car length of a friends manually shifted WRX thru the quarter mile. A little tuning since has made a huge improvement in power. OB has taken me places no other vehicle ever has.

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  tribeca flat six - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By rdg - February 15 - 4:26 am

  I have been driving for 50 years and consider myself knowledgeable when it come to vehicles and this one is raising eyebrows where ever we go people ask me questions, the dash excites everyone also the engine when I explain flat six people say how come they have never heard about it, which is subarus poor advertising.Take my advice just go see for yourself

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  Wind noise - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By kbob - February 15 - 2:10 am

  Love the car, hate the wind noise on both the passenger side- whistle and the driver side continual. Also problems with the windshield wipers. Have had it to Dealership to resolve the wind noise problem(s) and is still not resolved to my satisfaction. We like the car I dont like the excessive wind noise. If I has noticed this in my test drive would not have purchased this vehicle- unfortunate because other than that it seems to be a great car.

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  Disappointed in Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By marianne7214 - February 14 - 6:59 am

  I like my Tribeca overall, however, I am extremely disappointed to find out that I need new bushings (like many other owners with a low mileage car). This would appear to be something that should be recalled, however, SOA has yet to do so. Dealer cost to replace bushings is over $1000. I was also disappointed to find out how hard it is to get/install anything for the car (windshield wipers, replace light bulb). Windshield wipers arent available at auto parts stores and light bulb took dealership mechanic over 30 mins to install.

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  Lacking Quality 2006 - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Robdisc1 - February 13 - 12:33 am

  My Subarus main problem is its HESITATION on take off. It has about a 2 second hesitation when pulling out after pressing the gas pedal. Dangerous to plan your entrance into heavy traffic. Seems a bit life threatening. Also, the roof rack whistles pretty loud. I also get a burnt oil smell as it warms up. Lastly it gets door dings very easily. Ive had a new car every year for the last 9 years. This one is the worst. The dealer told me the hesitation problem is being worked on by Subaru and Id be notified; that was 8 months ago.

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  Great Car, couple minor shortfalls - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Luther Meitzner - February 12 - 7:07 am

  Ive only driven the car for 1500 miles, but 1000 of that was in a single trip. The more I drive the car the more I like it. Its comfortable, smooth, solid and enjoyable. The nav system is excellent, the eyesight system is very functional, and the cruise control system is amazing. The only drawbacks are well known, often written about, and fairly minor. There is more wind noise above 70 MPH than in my 2011 Outback. I think this comes from the rack, but cant be sure - its a rumble and not from the wing window that apparently was a problem on the 2015 models. Its not bad, just a little irritating. When shifting from reverse to drive there is a longer pause than seems appropriate. This isnt really bad either, but is something Ive had to get accustomed to when backing into traffic. For about 1 or 2 seconds, you arent going anywhere. The last slight irritation is the 2.5L motor. In most instances it has sufficient get-up-and-go. When trying to accelerate quickly on the freeway or on a busy city street it can be a bit of a dog. Nothing huge though and only slightly worse than my 2011. All in all, I love the car and hope to keep it for ever.

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  Solid sedan - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By foggnm - February 10 - 6:53 am

  I sold a new 2012 Mazda3 which I never really fell in love with and purchased this car used with very low mileage as basic transportation. I drive about 5K per year. I wanted something I could transport my bikes and canoe on the roof. Nicely built sedan. Good handling. Not powerful at high speeds, but peppy at low and mid range. Decent trunk space that opens into back seats. Comfortable driver seat. After a 1000 miles of driving no issues, solid feel, and happy with my purchase. Mileage has been 24 city, 29 highway.

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  Mixed Thoughts - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tgreene - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I like the car alot but I guess I expected more refinement. The transmission at time sounds clunky but the handling and surge of power when the turbo kicks in makes me forget the shortcomings I find. Overall I would probably do it again but from a 4 cylinder, 23 miles a gallon is the best you are going to get

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  Month Old Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By WL - February 6 - 8:26 pm

  A month into ownership with approximately 2000 miles, Im learning to like it more each day. The drive and ride are superior but Im having a hard time getting comfortable in the seat. The back seat is too small. Cup holders need to be better thought out and more plentiful. Gas mileage avg. 25 overall. But when Im driving it I love it.

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  Cant use Yakima or Thule - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Willow - February 6 - 5:10 am

  What was Subaru thinking? If using a Yakima or Thule rack system the bars can only be placed 21 inches apart with Subarus 2010 new rack system. This makes the rack useless to true outdoors people. Forget placing a sea kayak, a canoe or anything longer than a small whitewater kayak (a play boat) on the rack. What a waste of an otherwise quality car!