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:

• 

  First Subaru Experience - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By member23 - May 29 - 7:52 pm

  I came out of an SUV into a Subaru for fuel economy. While there are many good car choices in this class (Fusion, Accord, Altima) the driver seat comfort and AWD won me over. After 4500 miles the new car thrill is gone and I have a car that I like driving, is reliable, and gets good mpgs. The decision to buy a new car is personal and Im not knocking any other cars, as there are some great choices. But this car works for me and Id recommend it to a friend.

• 

  look out handa - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Roger Moore - May 28 - 11:40 am

  nice car very fast i like the handling

• 

  3.6R Outback, Not what you think of Subaru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Carl - May 28 - 8:42 am

  I purchased this vehicle out of state because there were NONE locally to purchase or even drive. I saved a lot even with transporting the vehicle. My wife needed the Eyesight features. The Eyesight technology is Amazing. Not gimmicks but useful feature that improves driver safety and makes long trips more pleasant. The 6 cylinder engine is strong, quiet and smooth. I have never owned a AWD vehicle before and this car is more sure-footed than my pickup truck. Even on slippery muddy roads with hills, the car never loses traction and requires no special input from the driver. Subaru has the AWD down to a science. The only thing I dislike is the front seats are not large enough for someone 6 or over on long trips. A longer thigh cushion would fix things.

• 

  Great luxury bang for the buck - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By gvo - May 27 - 10:26 pm

  08 Tribeca is head and shoulders above the underpowered 07 model with ugly front looks. The drive is smooth, the design and build quality are great. Its a hungry beast, though - I cant get more than 17 mpg out of it. Other than that, beautiful car, and I am very happy with it.

• 

  Hooked on the Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Idahojeeper - May 27 - 5:40 am

  We were looking for a fun vehicle capable of easy off-road use with decent mileage and towable behind a motor home. Guess what: there arent many choices that meet all these criteria. After searching the few options available we discovered the Forester. Were glad we did. This vehicle does it all. Its fun to drive, very capable in the snow, OK off the pavement, and has good fuel economy. The cabin is comfortable and very roomy for a small vehicle. Fit and finish is excellent. As with most crossovers there are compromises. Its not a rock crawler and its not a sports car. However it does provide solid dependable transportation.

• 

  Rally Screamer - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By 3Pinner - May 27 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful little car, able to lay dust to anything on the road. In stock form, its a fantastic ride. Great handling, power, and room for my dogs. The cool factor is even higher than you would expect froma Subaru. Three weeks, and Ive gotten multiple complements. Car can easily be modified safely to put out 300hp. Many supporting websites and tuners across the nation.

• 

  I love my Subie - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Andy - May 26 - 1:26 pm

  I just sold my 99 Mustang GT and got an 07 Impreza. Great car. Plenty of pep considering it uses the same engine as the Impreza RSs used from 1999-2005 and it has pretty much the same 0-60 time as the Civic SI for less. The AWD is a blessing in adverse weather. This is my second Subaru and definitely wont be my last. Ill have to step up to a WRX next time though. I highly suggest adding the foglights and spoiler to the vehicle. They really complete the rally like look these cars are bred for.

• 

  The Wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By wil12345 - May 26 - 6:39 am

  This car would be perfect if it would only track down the road. This is our 6th Subaru and all the previous Outbacks drove fine. We have had it aligned 3 times, the rack and pinion has been adjusted, but the steering wheel will not return to center when traveling on the highway. Because of this, the car needs constant correction to drive in a straight line. We only have 2700 miles on it and if this problem cant be resolved, this car will be gone and it will be our last Subaru.

• 

  Piston Slap - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Duke - May 23 - 1:00 pm

  Bought the Subie a month ago with 62K on the OD. The boxer engines are prone to piston slap and mine was no exception. I bought it stipulating that the piston slap would be remedied and it was (valves were adjusted).The car does what its supposed to do - gets you around with decent gas mileage and sure-footedness in inclement weather. This suv is 6 years old and I am confidant I will still be driving it 6 years from now.

• 

  NV driver - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By NV driver - May 22 - 5:10 pm

  Outstanding car. The AWD, weight balance, and handling ability in snow make it second to none. I feel safe and confident driving in inclement weather. Car now has 56,000 miles and has been completely trouble free, except for paint during first year. Noticed checking, took to dealer where purchased, was told it was road damage. After nearly a year of hassle, had Subaru DM approve complete repaint of car, no problems since. Check paint carefully! Other disappointment was OnStar changed hardware and so no lonegr works. I plan soon to trade this car for sedan (no longer have need of wagon), will likely be Subaru Legacy; great value for price, and the reliability and performance have me sold.