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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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Kayleigh - June 19 - 8:06 am

  I had been eyeing this car up for almost a year before I decided to buy it. You dont see many of them on the road because Subaru isnt exactly a household name, but Im glad theyve kept this car a secret. I put over 500 miles on the car in the first week of ownership because it is so fun to drive. I feel bad leaving it in the garage. It begs to be driven!

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  Worth every penny. - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By John - June 18 - 1:40 am

  Wow. I had a Honda before and it pales in comparison to this vehicle. I have always noticed Subarus, but never thought I could be this happy with one. I love driving it. The sport shifter is perfect for me, since I have always had a manual up until now. I still get to go through the motions and control the engine. I am at one with the road in this vehicle it is such a smooth drive. Everyone comments on it. You will not be disappointed.

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  Great Car with all the room - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Stunt50000 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as an alternative to a large SUV, and i have never been happier. This car is truly an excellent automobile and I highly reccomend it. I dont have the turbo engine, but its not really necessary, although it would be at times nice to have. I honestly think that this car runs far better than the merceded E class (at least its more reliable, i have had the mercedes in the dealership 6 times this year - subaru 0).

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  Just off the lot - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By seer - June 17 - 12:33 am

  We were floored when we saw the car on the dealers lot. We were there to have our previous Outback serviced and knew the Tribeca was coming soon but seeing one in person cemented the deal. The car has everything you could want in a mid-size SUV. The power is excellent. The looks are terrific. We have the 5 seat version and the interior is excellent. There is plenty of room with an especially spacious back seat area. We have the 5 speed auto and I like to drive in the sport mode which gives you a little more torque between shifts. All in all, a home run for Subaru. If you can find one, go get one now!

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  5s across the board - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By saintsbrian - June 16 - 5:50 pm

  Fourth car in 4 years. And I am ABSOLUTELY in love with this car. Nothing else to say about it. Its a great car. Good bang for the buck without a doubt. Super fun car to drive!

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  Another great Subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Allan - June 14 - 2:16 pm

  Opted for the Touring model, love the saddle brown interior color, exceptional comfort and easy to drive. As a handicapped person, very easy to get in and out of. Great cargo capacity and easy to load and unload.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ameshoop - June 14 - 7:32 am

  I never understood the Subaru "love" that people talk about until I got my Crosstrek! I bought this vehicle in late October of 2012 and have been happy ever since. Always get comments about my wheels. MPG runs 28 (city) to 33 (hwy). The heated seats are excellent; the a/c freezes me out; the speakers are upgraded ones and are perfect. If there is a complaint it is a little sluggish when a/c is on and I need to get moving quickly. When you are backing up - you need to leave your foot on the brake until you feel the car engage into drive or it will drift a little backwards. Other than that - wonderful vehicle and would recommend to anyone and everyone!

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  Great car value that can be souped up!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Dash - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Under $2,000 and I was able to get my wrx up to 420 hp!!! Try doing that with a Nissan!!!! Also the handeling is like a dream... its grat to take to rally races, and can be terrably abused! Its a very easy vehicle to upgrade by yoursef. The layout of the engine is made for tweeking, and its made to withstand up to 700 hp!!! That will knock the doors off of a Ferrari, or Lamborghini any day!

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  This is my third Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By janet - June 13 - 7:00 pm

  I love the Forester. It really meets my needs. I live in a large city where parking is limited and I find the ease of handling and parking to be wonderful. The 2006 has more leg room in width than my previous Foresters. Also the console and dash are in a better position. I had a bad car accident in 2001 (kid on a cell phone) and the Forester saved my life. I dont know if I will ever own any other car! It takes regular fuel, a plus for me. I have never had problems with any of my Foresters and dont expect any now with the new one. I didnt replace my second Forester; its still in the family.

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  Best Car Under 40k - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By rpol8052 - June 13 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this car as a "fun to drive commuter"...what a choice i made, This car is so fun that no matter where you are you just want to go over 100MPH. I have had other nice cars but I will never trade this car EVER!