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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  Car for areas with snow - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By lew716 - February 9 - 10:05 pm

  I know that this model will be replaced this summer with a newer version, but I love it and needed a replacement for my previous Outback. The car has plenty of room, comfortable seats, and handles snow and other bad weather with ease. I chose the Eyesight feature and found it excellent. The newer version should be even better. It has the capability of stopping accidents, and controls your cruise control to ensure that you are following the vehicle ahead of you at a safe distance even when they slow down. The car can carry most things a homeowner would want either on the roof rack, or in the back with the rear seats folding flat.

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  If not the Greatest - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Ramza - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the GREATEST cars ever. Its my first car as a teenager, and let me tell you, ive driven an M3 before... and this thing... its quite similiar. Dont get me wrong its not a super fast car but it is a Super quick car. A 5 spd is a MUST!! If you get this thing in 5-spd, you will never regret it... if you push it into the powerband this work of beauty goes off like a rocket. Leaving everything behind. Looks very sporty, very admirable, Definetly an eye catcher. Not to mention its damn comfortable inside. No complaints about the Sound system either, its decent.GREAT Value and a Great buy.

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  Our first Subie - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - February 6 - 7:53 am

  Only had it for a couple of days but so far it exceeds all expectations. This is as pleased as I have been with a car purchase since I was 19 -- Im 54. Acceleration, fit and finish, fun to drive, utility; it has it all. This is my wifes driver and she loves it. Great deal to boot!

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  Great Ride - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By cuda - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Im 28 and bought my WRX in Oct. 2003- been very pleased with my purchase. I would label this car a "drivers car." You get the feel and handleing of a sports car--the AWD of an SUV (but with a little better gas mileage)--and the convience of a four-door vehichle. It comes with alot of standards. Everyone has heard about the turbo lag--it is present. It is just a different driving expereince that takes a little to get use to. Overall, a FUN eye-catcher that looks mean sitting still.

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  hfgh - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tyler - February 6 - 2:00 am

  this cr is very nice it is also very fast nice car and fun to drive

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  hfgh - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Tyler - February 6 - 2:00 am

  this cr is very nice it is also very fast nice car and fun to drive

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  Very nice plus unique - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Tup - February 4 - 2:36 pm

  We previously owned a Forester for 9 years and found it getting a little small for us, esp. in the rear seat. So we got a great deal on a Tribeca and love it. We wont use the 3rd row much but its nice to have the option. The rear seat is very roomy with the seat moved all the way back (some dont know there is a second lever for sliding back more). The nav is very good once you figure it out (watch the video it comes with!). Handles very well for its size and has enough power especially compared to the Forester. It gets lots of looks and everyone says it looks much better first hand vs seeing pictures.

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  My 6th Subaru - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By subiedriver6 - February 4 - 1:43 pm

  This is my 6th Subaru and my 4th Forester. The last one was a 2009 that I put 84K trouble free miles on. The Forester isnt necessarily the best car out there, but it is one of the best to fit all of the necessary categories of AWD, mpg, cost, space, style, and reliability. I have recommended Subaru to my family and friends, and no one has been disappointed. I would like them to update the automatic transmission, but Subaru engines seem to operate better at higher rpms. The 2012 seats also seem more comfortable than previous years. The maintenance program of 7500 mile oil changes does make a difference in cost of keeping it on the road and trouble free.

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  The Best Car I Have Owned! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By erichaight - February 3 - 7:12 am

  Ill be honest in saying that this is first new car I have owned and the most luxurious, but I have ridden in nicer cars owned by others. I have owned a Subaru previously (1987 GL 3-door hatchback, 4-speed manual). I just sold it last year, but I have been longing to own a newer Subaru for many years. For the price, this car is unbeatable!

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  Made for Minnesota - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By car lover - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have test driven this car many times and when I finally moved north I bought a certified used one. I dont drive off road, so I just love this car so much that Im going to buy a new one, the Legacy Wagon which is set up a little more for street driving. I used to have a Mercedes C230 Sport, and this car drives just like that. Cant wait for the new one, but at 43,000 miles, heated seats, and all the comforts I need, I can wait happily for a fair price before making the change. Kind of a cargo hauling-sports car- family-suv and more all purpose comfort car without the SUV pickup truck mileage. I get 25- 29mpg. Ill miss it, but not much has changed with the new ones.