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 AWD and Turbo Fan!!! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Tcable131 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 4x4 V8 regular cab truck to this XT 5spd because my family is growing and couldnt be happier. I continue to be amazed with the power and traction in the rain. Its like the roads arent wet at all. The space is great and the mileage is acceptable for the performance you are getting. I cant wait to drive in the snow and try it out. It would be hard to go back to 2wd or part time 4wd again. I have about 2,300 miles at this time.

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  04 Outback - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By tcsmutball - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Terrific vehicle. Better than the 97 addition. Better ride than Toyota Highlander. more features in Subaru.

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  most favorable - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By john howard - August 15 - 2:00 am

  a truly outstanding automobile & a joy to drive

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  get subaru !!! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By floricom - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It is real plasure to own and drive Outback.You can`t go wrong with this choice. Sexiest wagon on the road !!!

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  Better than before - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Michael Squeo - August 14 - 7:26 am

  Last car was an 02 Outback. The 06 has a much better engine and the transmission gearing on the 5-speed is much improved. It looks like they took about 350 - 400 RPMs off at 70mph, which makes for a better ride and improved mileage. By 1500 miles I hit 29 mpg and Im hoping to hit 30 soon. The black and grey cloth interior is absolutely beautiful. EVERYONE comments about it. With the black exterior the car looks sharp. The standard exhaust system even sounds better, especially at low RPMs. There is no better bargain on the road today. Why no one else is building well priced AWD vehicles continues to amaze me.

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  Amazing car! Youll be hooked. - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Nic - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my STi used two years ago, and have loved every minute! I live in NE Wisconsin and enjoy twisty roads in the summer on performance tires, and switch to snow tires in the winter. What an amazing car that does so many things well. The mechanical build quality is superb, steering feedback is great and tracks like the cars on rails, and suspension is taught. WARNING: The suspension is firm, most would call harsh. Its a rally car, buy a Buick if your not hardcore about suspension firmness. The drivetrain is a gem. The 2.5 L turbo and 6 speed manual are perfect matches. Fuel economy is great for a performance car, I average 21 mpg with a lot of highway commuting.

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Dutch - August 11 - 9:40 pm

  I am a Subaru junky! It is wonderful on wet, dry, snow, but ice---well ice is ice. Never had a problem with any of my Subarus.

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  Love my Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By D Chester - August 11 - 9:33 am

  Own two Outbacks (2008 & 2016)now and love them both. For our use, they are the best car on the road. The 2016 has a nicer interior and ride than the 2008. Finally found a great dealership to buy from (Classic Cadillac & Subaru in Atlanta). They were easy to deal with at the point of purchase and provided wonderful service for the recent sterring column recall.

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  A great addition! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By ROB - August 10 - 5:40 pm

  Let me begin by saying I finally found the sport version of moms soccer van. From the moment you enter the the well thought out cabin and take a seat behind the whee, the ergonomically correct dashboard and steering wheel seem to wrap themselves around you but still let you know you are in control.

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  The Best Yet! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By AlecB0116 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The best car in history for a low price. always reilable. Off road made. Lots of storage for grocerys in the back of the car.