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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  Love My Baja!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By yellowblaze - January 3 - 2:16 am

  When we wanted to trade our gas sucking Bronco, this was the only option. Car like performance, truck like utility and unique looks combined into one. Weve gotten up to 31 mpg highway and average 23-24 mixed city/suburban driving. Were looking for a new "car" now, but our only option is an 06 Baja (since sadly, Subaru discontinued these in 06). We love the Subaru AWD and reliability but wont settle for a station wagon or minivan which is all they really offer now. This was the BEST of all automotive worlds!

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  Great car Great value - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By GREG MONTAGUE - December 30 - 8:17 pm

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By M. Park - December 30 - 1:40 pm

  Family is just two + a dog, but its got room for more. We traded in 2000 Honda Passport V6, and got Forester 17 months ago, and we still love it. Its a bit boxy, but ride is far more comfortable than Passport, drives better in snow and ice, it takes far less gas and on top of all that its safer. It does all the things SUV does, only better, and it beats a sedan in luggage and grocery hauling too. Its an excellent vehicle. Practical, practical!

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  Outback 2.5i New - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By YWilson - December 27 - 11:53 am

  Well, this is my first Subaru. I am very happy with this purchase. The only thing is I drove off the lot with a tapping in one of my tires. Turns out a screw came loose and stuck in my tire. It was from the Tire Pressure Monitor. Strange. Still waiting on a special "screw" for this part. Its been 3 days. Otherwise the car is great. The dealer replaced the tire for free. I drive 100 miles a day and it gets better gas mileage as it breaks in. This will be a long term keeper for me.

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  First but not last Subaru - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By houstonscott - December 26 - 7:24 am

  I already have 8,000 miles on my Touring model with Eye Sight. I live in Houston but also own a home in Colorado. I have owned everything from Fords and Buicks, to Toyota, Honda, and Hyundais. The build and design quality of this Forester is truly outstanding in every way. The room inside relative to the size of the exterior is amazing. Seats are extremely comfortable, and I have back issues. The vehicle has a very pleasing tight feel.

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  Lovin the Subi! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kristin - December 26 - 3:33 am

  This is my first Subaru purchase and I love it! I also looked at the CR-V and Rav-4, and wasnt impressed by either. The Forester has a better build and a symmetric AWD that is untouched in the automotive world. Plus, I got a lot more car from my money. It is fun to drive, handles beautifully (especially in the snow), and has plenty of room but you dont feel like youre driving a bus. And it does come with heated cloth seats and a front license plate mount--I have them both! The cup holders are fine, too, and there are eight of them. Not sure what people are complaining about...

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  Well worth the money - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By foxvalues - December 24 - 11:46 am

  Excellent car, fun to drive, luxurious feel.

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  No regrets - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By cd021 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great performace, great price, unique styling, and an affordable price. All I need to say is turboed-AWD.

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  AWD with power is worth the money - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By nemesis099 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for a while and as much as I love being able to compete with most cars on the road. I love it when I dont get stuck in the snow. I proved this when my friends and I went into a lot with 8" of snow on the ground and I was the only one to leave without a lot of pushing. If you live in a cold climate this is the car to own for the price.

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By slerch666 - December 23 - 8:30 pm

  Having just come off a 9 year love affair with an 85 Caprice Wagon I was looking for something to fill the void. The Outback, while quite a bit smaller, fit the bill. This car handles like a dream. It is responsive and it sticks to the road. I also traded in a 95 Impala for the 07 Outback. I lost some HP but the Outback outperforms on every other level. The apparent lack of unlocking the hatchback from inside without unlocking all doors is semi-annoying. I bought the subwoofer add on and it adds a lot to the sound system. I cant believe how much FUN driving this car can be.