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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  Happy Buyer - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By axyooj - July 29 - 1:20 am

  The car can be a comfortable cruiser in I-drive mode or a powerful, sports sedan in Sport Sharp mode. There is a perfect setting for your driving mood or road condition. The GT Ltd. version is sporty and responsive; plenty of power is just one downshift away and pressing the accelerator. The turbo whirls into action and with the standard AWD gripping the road--wet or dry--the vehicle simply flies. Winter is now here and I have no reservations driving my kids around in any weather condition. Research your options, test drive the competition and then the Legacy GT Ltd. and the car youll drive home is the Subaru.

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  Great engineering - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By DB - July 28 - 1:59 pm

  The car is well thought out. Tuned for enthusiasts even with the CVT, which is amazingly responsive. Handling is like on rails. Value (fun) for the money is unbeatable

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  Forester - Fun! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Jay Johnson - July 28 - 11:23 am

  The Forester is a fun vehicle. It feels safe and capable, making wet or icy conditions a breeze. Cargo space is abundant, allowing space for necessities and toys. A bicycle will fit inside without removing a wheel. The one we have is my wifes; I want another one for myself.

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  Great Car Often Overlooked - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By SensibleDriver - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have always owned new Subarus since my first Legacy in 1991. It was a L+ edition that was $18k. I drove it thru college and 140k miles. I then purchased an 96 Outback. In Oct.2003 I purchased this L Sped Ed Wagon, one of two 2003s left on the lot. I have been pleased with it! Got it for $19,500! Not much more than my first in 1991, but with many more features. Love the dual sunroofs. Goes in the snow like a tank!

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  why i sold my 98 m-3 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By jthane - July 28 - 2:00 am

  over 10 on the fun meter.

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  The best of the best - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By y2ks2k - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The Sti is the 8th sports/sporty car I have owned. My previous ones were a 2000 S2000, 2001 S2000, 2002 Acura TL type s, etc... I have 5K miles now and use it as my daily driver in Portland.. rain city. This car is perfect in every single possible way. You get well what you pay for. Its just utter bruit power in a livable package. I have not had a single problem, its been as reliable as the 98 civic EX I once owned. Its best described as a car in the class of other $20K- $25K cars in quality with the perf of a $100K car at only an increase of $5K.

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  Hot Sport Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Subywagonguy - July 28 - 12:33 am

  The GT Limited accelerates like a hot sports sedan and handles reasonably well. The front seats are very comfortable and theres plenty of room in the back seat. Both rear seat legroom and cargo space is much better than our 99 Audi A4. The stock Bridgestone RE-92 all-season tires are a weak point. Too much initial understeer and poor on-center response. Replaced them with a set of Goodyear F-1 GS-D3s which are much better. Factory optional STI shifter is a "must-get." Throws are MUCH shorter and feel is MUCH better in all 5 forward gears, but its a lot harder to get into reverse with the fast shifter. Shocks could be a little firmer-- too much float at high speeds.

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  Swapped manual 2013 BRZ for an automatic 2016 - 2016 Subaru BRZ
  By k holland - July 27 - 9:58 pm

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  Wanting to Love My Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By alyonsd - July 27 - 7:06 pm

  I did a lot of research and test drove many cars before settling on the Outback. I liked the reputation Subaru had and the smoothness of the ride was very important for me with some medical issues. The Forester was a little too rough. I took great care of it but brakes went at 30K. Trunk cover/shade broke at 60K despite being gentle and not used much. Headgasket went at 90K. Catalytic converter went at 106K. Im done now with Subaru, as much as I want to believe in them. I spoke with my mechanic about them and he said his experience is that they are either great for you and last, or you end up with one thats not up to par.Im in the later. Sadly, I think this is my last Subaru.

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  Im Imprezed - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Joe R - July 27 - 3:03 pm

  All I needed was practical transportation. Something to get me from point a to point b safely and economcally. I tried the Scion xB, Mazda 3, Rabbit S 4 dr, and the Saturn Astra. I dont think you could go wrong with any of them. But, when you factored in what you can buy them for they were dealing on the Subaru plus you get AWD which was a huge selling point. The VW is supposed to be the gold standard at this price point, but the Subie was IMHO less plasticky. I needed the versatility of a hatchback, hence the 5 door. I must admit though the xB looked huge on the inside. But I got more car for the money.