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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  spice - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By merle - April 9 - 2:43 pm

  I love my Outback. Its one of two we have; the other, a 97, is also in excellent shape and reliable. I feel very safe and secure when driving or a passenger in either Outback. Especially after a long winter!

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  Great Car but get the Turbo - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By alan akselrad - April 9 - 3:10 am

  I have had some great cars, but, never one that was so perfect on all fronts. The turbo is great for city driving and fun on the highway. The car from 0-60 in 6 seconds/ and has great brakes. Btw-that speed is my old 1995 BMW M3 speed. The cost/ safety factor/ reliability is great. It had not let me down ever. And costs little to maintain. It has a really good sound system/ great visibility/ great on gas/ great on interior storage. I am never afraid of getting stuck in the snow.

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  A Really Fun Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By snead_c - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This is really 2 cars in one, economy and sport.When you want good milage drive just above 2000RPM and when you want a big grin on your face just wind it out.I have had the car for 9 months and still look for excuses to drive it. Its homely looks grow on you and it definitely gets attention.

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  My favorite of all vehichles - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By smlease - April 4 - 8:55 pm

  I have owned BMW (325i), Mercedes (C230), VW (Jetta, Convertible Beetle) Dodge Stratus and my college vehicle Chevy Chevette. I was looking at trading in my Mercedes for Lexus but since Lexus was closed, I drove by Subaru (Plano, TX) and thought I would take a look. I work in Electronics and have learned that Japanese take great pride in quality, so I while I had checked out every major car mfg, I was am so glad I walked into the lot. The only one they had left was a blue 2014. I love the sunroof, makes it fun, but with the upgraded wood added, I also feel like driving luxury vehicle. 9 months and I love this vehicle!

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  Loving my sti - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Big Dee - April 3 - 2:42 pm

  Love it. Boost is great ... handles great.

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  Subie magic - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Daniel - April 3 - 7:40 am

  I love this car. Its a wagon. Its a SUV. Its a car. Its a Jeep. Its a Lexus in sheeps attire runs great handles great quiet smooth plenty of stuff to play with.

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  Just what I wanted! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By drk123 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the AWD. For a small car, it has enough energy to get on to a highway without difficulty.

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  Dont hesitate to test-drive-purchase - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Nigel - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I think of this car as an Abrams tank for the Average Joe. It is reasonably priced, bullet proof and has turbine engine-like performance. I feel quite safe in nearly any driving conditions and very much enjoy the reliability Subaru is famous for.

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  fast - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bobobbob - April 3 - 2:00 am

  this car is fast all whheel drive turbocharged and did i say it was fast

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  Back to the past - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rsdao - April 2 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased a 2010 Outback recently after owning an RX 330 for the past 6 years. I must admit that both my wife and I felt a bit uneasy contemplating moving "down" from a luxury name plate but we couldnt be more pleased with our decision. We went with the less fuel efficient but more fun to drive 6 cyl. It combines performance, safety, comfort, and utility in a sensibly sized and priced package. Our first family vehicle was a 1985 subie that we loved but grew out of. After driving mini vans and various SUVs it is nice to know that you can go "home" and enjoy the experience. I recommend the 2010 Outback Highly!