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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  Sold on Subaru - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By rich man - July 17 - 10:30 am

  I bought a Subaru because I like the performance & handling of a German car but wanted the reliability & value of a Japanese car. I got exactly that. The only problem in two years has been a dash rattle that the dealer fixed with a foam jam (I know, but its not a luxury brand). It would be nice to get over 30 mpgs, but the trade-off is outstanding traction, performance and safety. Having survived a serious accident, safety is a major concern of mine. No regrets here. This is my first Subaru and I know it will be hard to talk myself into buying anything else again.

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  Subaru Virgins - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Asphalt Pirate - July 16 - 6:26 am

  We just purchased our first Subaru for my wife. Neither of us had owned or driven one before. Wow, was I impressed. I figured it would be a typical Japanese tin can with no power. This car is all business and yet refined. Fantastic engine, plenty of head and leg room (Im 63). Smooth endless power on tap. Nice layout of the interior controls. Absolutely an outstanding car.

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  2012 So Far So Good - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By bg18947 - July 16 - 5:32 am

  Ive had the Impreza for about 5 weeks now and I dont have any complaints (except for the cheap vinyl on the sun visors). For the price, it meets my expectations. This car replaces our older 00 Legacy GT Ltd. It is light and nimble. We also tested in comparison: Volvo S60 T6; Audi A4 Avant; Toyota Venza; Ford Edge SEL; Kia Optima, Sportage, Sorento. My wife decided to choose the car on a pre-order sight unseen as she is happy with her decision. We could easily afford more car, but she is very satisfied with the new Impreza.

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  Happy with forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Prefer not to say - July 15 - 6:57 am

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  Awesome - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By mike - July 13 - 3:03 am

  This car is awesome. Getting 30 mpg overall and beautiful leather and features you wont find anywhere for under 35,000 dollars!! Heated wipers and washer fluid, All wheel drive, heated seats with 4 settings and heated mirrors, this car is awesome. This car has been excellent for the past week Ive owned it.

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  First Subaru Purchase - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By chief47131 - July 11 - 10:21 am

  I have owned Ford vehicles all my life, but due to quality issues, decided to purchase a 2011 Subaru Outback. After owning this vehicle for over a year, and with 15,000 miles, it has exceeded my expectations and is worthy of all the positive reviews. I have no issues with the 4 cyl. not having enough power. It does very well in all driving settings and my gas mileage is averaging 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Interior room is great for a family of four. Handling in snow is terriffic with no issues whatsoever. The Outback is a great reliable, economical, safe family vehicle.

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  My 3rd Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Hemlock99 - July 9 - 6:40 pm

  Enjoying the new roominess of the larger 2010. Getting very good mileage for this size car, averaging 29-30 every tank. Handling is a little stiff for a brand and model that has been around a while.

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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By lad - July 8 - 10:00 am

  ive been driving my forester for 6 months now. Drives great-love the handling-it really grips the road. Good gas mileage-avg. 27 mpg. Back seat is great for kids-very roomy,they love the reclining seats and center console with cup holders. I do wish their was more room in front center console for purse- I removed partition, but it eliminates one cup holder when doing so. Drivers seat is comfy but wish it had memory for when my husband and I switch. Passenger seat should have 10 way power as well because it is very low and at only 5 2" I have a hard time seeing. Overall I have been extremely satisfied with my purchase and cant wait to try my AWD this winter.

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  WAY better than last generation - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By DC Person - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I used to hate Outbacks. (We have driven in one on several occasions for approximately 400 miles on at least 5 occasions). In fact, we refused to test drive this one for a while until I convinced her to give it a try. Instead, we were looking at the 2010 Passat Wagon and liked how that one handled and felt the engine had enough power. I also disagree with Edmunds; the ride is not "doughy" at all. I have never been in a wagon at this price point that has performed this well on the road. The V6 is quite zippy and I routinely dodge around "sportier" vehicles downtown with just myself in tow. The interior is much improved over the last generation and is far more comfortable.

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  Love it! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By cheeseblocks - July 7 - 12:04 am

  Ive wanted to make the jump to a Impreza WRX hatchback for awhile, but I cant justify the insane insurance cost. I went to Carmax looking for a smaller hatchback, but this one had arrived on the lot the day before, and the price was right (the option of extended warranty through 150k miles was a nice touch). Im loving most everything about this car, and what I dont love, I do like.