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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  Should be a Best Buy - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By timberwolf - April 25 - 10:56 am

  Drove the others; wish Toyota hadnt supersized their RAV-4, Honda close, Saturn not yet, I agree with "Car & Driver" Best in Class.

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  I Love this car. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By terry sillins - April 24 - 10:53 pm

  I live in Pittsburgh Pa. As we all know the snow and steep hills during the winter mounths can be dangerous. Since I have been driving this AWD it is like night and day. I can always get where I want to, no matter what the weather is.

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  In the 5th Year Im still lovin Subie - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Elizabeth - April 23 - 7:53 am

  I migrated from a Jeep 6 cyl to the Subaru Forester XT. I was looking for comfort, safety, power, and a great looking ride. I saw my Subie and fell in love. I added the smart mirror and command start, the only two options not already there. The defrosting and seat warmers and that fact my car is smart enough to blow cold air in the winter initially means I never have foggy windows. How much more could I ask for? Im so glad I made the choice for this head turning vehicle. Each time I fill I am asked about Subie. I draw unusual attention when I cart my 16 foot canoe on top the factory racks.

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  Whoop de do! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By GeneZX11 - April 21 - 2:20 pm

  For me, the 2005 Sube was a tough choice between it and the Passat wagon, especially with year end discounts on VW 2004s. I think the Passat GLX wagon was a little bit plusher, and supposedly handled a tad bit better. However, the turning point for me was the 250hp, the AWD, Subaru reliability, a 2005 model and 8.7" of ground clearance, vs the VWs 190 hp and FWD, for close to the same price. Essentially, the turbo power fun factor sealed the deal.

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  Best Bang for your Buck! 1st Time Subie Owner - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By hittheroadjack - April 21 - 10:36 am

  I purchased my Crosstrek Limited in June, and I am still trying to find excuses to drive it. I love it! Its just the right size for us. Small and nimble enough to navigate the urban 9-5, but large enough for our weekend adventures. Plenty of room for toddlers giant car seats, and the height is ideal for them to get in and out. I have had several 4 cylinder cars, and I think the Crosstrek has more punch than any of my previous ones. It also rides more smooth and quiet. I live in the middle of the city, so I drive mostly stop and go traffic. I am averaging 25.4 MPG since I bought in June. On a long road trip with heavy crosswinds and a loaded car we avg. 32.7 MPG

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  You lookin at me! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By kingsti - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Least expensive Viper-type performance money can buy. Incredibly docile and comfortable in every day driving conditions but is always ready for sling-shot-like performance. A truly well engineered automobile that makes driving a ton of fun.

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  Leader of the pack - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ha-evolution - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I get excited just thinking about driving my STi. What a great car. The power is awesome but even better is the handling. This car brings new meaning to corners like its on rails. This is my first Subaru and first all wheel drive car and will definately not be my last.

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  Dont bother with the automatic - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Bruceee - April 21 - 10:00 am

  The Turbo doesnt kick in until 2800 rpms. If you get an autotrans your shift will always occur just as the turbo is kicking in. I have spent more then half of my life driving, and it has been exclusively in auto trans cars. Despite this I have bought the mantrans wrx. I have stalled blocking traffic in all directions during rush hour. Ive had bus drivers pull along side me open their doors and just stare at me. I come out of this air cond car looking like Ive been in a sauna. Once I master the mannytranny, I think I will love this car.

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  Mostly fabulous! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Judith Silver - April 20 - 5:49 am

  I love my new Subaru Legacy and its many features: headlights are the best I have ever had; messages of "lane departure" and "vehicle ahead has moved" will surely make me a more alert driver. The blind spot warnings are very helpful. The few things I dont like: setting the headlights (they work great...difficult to figure out); the location and difficulty of seeing the time; the GPS has no streets, only turns; I miss a key that goes in the ignition.

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  Most versatile vehicle I have driven - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By kalins1 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Sure it wont haul 2 tons of top soil, but considering most truck owners only use their full beds 10 percent of the time (cant remember where that research came from), the Baja has plenty of hauling capacity. Plus, if you throw a hitch on it, you can haul a trailer and basically double the capacity. Did I mention that our Baja has been getting 26 mpg!!!