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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  Wow - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By PFP - January 11 - 8:30 am

  Fantastic vehicle, lots of fun to drive. Very low centre of gravity, amazing handling. Full time AWD unlike any other. Sound system could be better. other than that, 0 complaints. Very happy with purchase would recomend to anyone looking for reliability and fun factor. Also safety is top of the line in its class.

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  Impression at 2 weeks after owning the car - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By ChuckC - January 8 - 7:12 pm

  Overall, l love the car. The handling, the active driving safety features, the gas mileage, the ride, ... Would be nice if there are more pocket/compartment for storage. And the car come with so many control/info features, it would take sometime to get to know and use.

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  Cant get this car any more; too bad - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By osvolant - January 8 - 6:10 pm

  I love the turbo engine. Getting 24 mpg routinely in suburban/highway driving. Leather seats in Limited trim very comfortable and main reason I didnt buy the Sport. Noisy at highway speeds. Very practical for light off-roading, trailer towing, hauling bikes, dogs, etc. with enough zip to make it fun (more sports car than SUV feel). Good in snow and mud, even towing trailer. Manual trans not available with turbo in 09- glad I got mine.

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  Superb All Weather Grand Touring Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Frank - January 8 - 11:23 am

  The 06 Spec.B is superb all weather grand touring car. This car does everything well. The Bilstien suspension is simply amazing. Smooth while cruising and even better on rough roads and/or when driving enthusiastically. The 2.5 turboed boxer engine is powerful with very little turbo lag with a 5 speed manual transmission that is a near perfect match for the huge amount of torque available. Ive owned her for 60k miles and I simply love every chance I get to drive her. With winter tires (or aggressive all seasons (the OEM ones are summer performance)), it will go through just about anything. For the money, the Spec.B is the greatest bang for your motoring buck in the automotive world.

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  Love this car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Headshrink - January 8 - 4:53 am

  Driving it for under a week and love it so far. It handles very well and is getting great gas mileage around town. The 2.5 gets the job done but is nothing to brag about. Considering it is a 4 cylinder though, I am impressed. I also really enjoy the paddle shifters. The interior is very well done and the seats are comfortable. I have a lower back problem and generally need to use a back pad for driving, but not on this car.

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  Speak softly, carry a big stick! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Nuvolari - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. There is little turbo-lag, the gears are well matched to the engine. Its a comfortable car for something of its modest exterior dimensions and is extremely maneuverable in tight spots despite high cargo volume and practicality. Fit and finish is superior. Every car is a compromise: Subaru has attained perfection. You can buy a slightly faster sports car that is far less practical. You can buy a slightly more comfortable euro wagon that is twice as expensive. You can buy a minivan thats somewhat more practical but completely not fun to drive.

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  So fun to drive! - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By planethub - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The number one reason I purchased this car was because of Subaru reliability. I have had no problems so far and I plan to drive this car well over 100,000 miles. The number two reason is because of the rally inspired look. No other car on the US market even compares to the aggressive and sporty grin of the RS. Throw it into a curve and it will stick like super glue. Driving to work every day (even in snow) has never been so much fun.

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  A Great Experience - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt - January 6 - 7:03 am

  I just bought my Subaru in September 2008 and have already put over 6000 miles on it. It is safe, reliable, and fun to drive, especially with the 5-speed manual. It handles great in the snow and off-road and is great to take on trips. I have not had one problem and am very satisfied with just about everything. I drive the car roughly 100 miles city and 320 miles highway on an average tank of gas and get close to 28-29 MPG every time (with an average highway speed of 75 MPH). The car does not have the power or the luxury of my previous one (a BMW) but is an awesome point A to point B car. Subaru should adjust gear ratios from 4th to 5th gear as the car seems sluggish when entering 5th gear.

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  EXCELLENT CAR! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Ryan - January 6 - 12:20 am

  This car is just excellent. You cant find a better car!

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  Does it all - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By macdawg - January 3 - 10:26 am

  I agree with the Swiss Army knife comment--this car offers comfort, class, off-road and bad-road handling, lots of room, bells and whistles (I have winter package with heated front seats and also satellite radio) and for a car of its utility, superb gas mileage. At first I was getting an average of 23-25 mixed used mpg, but on a recent 2000 mile road trip, loaded with 5 passengers and cargo, I averaged 30 mpg at 70-75 mph. I had read in chat rooms people trash the contipro tires, but at the end of the trip we got caught in some sketchy snow conditions, and the car pulled through like a champ.