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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  My "new toy" - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Frank - July 2 - 5:41 am

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  Best Subaru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By arthur - June 30 - 12:12 am

  Go buy one.

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  I love it more every day! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Karen in AZ - June 29 - 6:43 pm

  This is a major upgrade from my previous vehicles (05 Outback, 99 Forester, 92 Legacy). I looked at various other mid-sized SUVs, including the more expensive luxury makes, but this was an easy choice. The legroom, ride comfort, seat height, quietness, rear AC fan/vents, acceleration, and low entry/exit are the main reasons I bought this vehicle. After owning it for over 4 months, and 8400 miles, I can honestly say I love it! I have taken it on everything from extended interstate miles to various back roads and forest services roads, and it has performed beyond my expectations. If it proves as reliable as the other Subies Ive owned, Ill be keeping this one for a very long time!

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  Subiedoooo! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Subiedoooo - June 28 - 8:06 pm

  Very nice SUV. Well designed; very comfortable interior and ride. Exterior look of 07 is an eyecatcher (disappointed Subaru changed 08 exterior - but I guess makes my 07 all the more special). Gas mileage no surprise (good or bad). A couple of design/materials issues but dealer fixed with no problem.

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  New is better! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By PT - June 28 - 10:52 am

  Our new 2016 Outback is outstanding! It is an incredible improvement over our 2011! I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a practical, comfortable, reliable and safe vehicle!

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  The fun truck alternative - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Dr.D. - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Replaced an old trusty Ford Ranger, and worried about the fact that the Baja is not a truck. I can still do almost everything I need to do, and many things I couldnt do before. The Baja is just plain fun, especially with the 5-speed. It really hugs the road and gives you a feel of control. Theres plenty of power in the 4-cyl with the 5-speed (drove the automatic and it felt a little sluggish), and the mileage beats most competitors. The back seat isnt great, but I sit in the front! Have not regretted this purchase.

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  A Sleeper - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Sortwell - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I drive in Western Europe each year and really have grown to enjoy the strong little 5 speed rentals and the twisty back roads there. My work here in the US now has me commuting 75 miles round trip on country roads each day so I went looking for the best handling / performing rig I could find for under $20,000. There are some great cars (Jettas/ Civics / Focus) but the new Subaru 2.5 L. Sport Wagon is way ahead of the others in speed and handling. It is precise and smooth through the hard corners and the power is such that shifting down is minimized ... quick and easy. The all wheel drive is just fantastic when the road gets greezy ... makes it very safe.

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  Could not have made a better choice - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Jeffrey Lubeck - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Three months and 2,300 miles in and the choice of this vehicle feel better and better with each driving session. This vehicle gives the you power of a turbo, without a huge lag time. As a driver you are afforded the ability to pass with speed, safety and feeling of control. The Fit and finsh of the leather package and the clean lines of the interior make driving easy and comfortable.

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  2005 Subaru Wagon. Great value - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Lodgical - June 22 - 4:26 am

  The dealer is 200 miles away, but the service was superior to any closer dealers. The power is fantastic - roll on from any speed and you have lots of it. The car could use a few niceties, such as stereo controls on the steering wheel, memory seats and a little more rear leg room. Other than that, it has been reliable, fun to drive and comfortable. We just returned from a family vacation of 3000 miles return trip. Not many complaints from my wife and daughter.

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  Terrific Value for Luxury Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Subie Do - June 20 - 10:23 pm

  This is our fourth Subaru. We purchased this one for its new design, especially the interior and its many appointments and options. Subaru has always had an unbeatable AWD system, and this one is no different. Ive never felt more comfortable driving in poor weather conditions than in this car. Our only complaint would be the lower powered motor makes the transmission jump down too frequently. But using "sport shift" takes care of that. Audio system is excellent, but wed love to be able to plug in our iPods!