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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  A perfect Fit - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bryan - November 22 - 3:50 am

  This vehicle is almost pefect. This is my 9th Subaru, so I am no stranger to the brand. This vehicle is everything I need in a vehicle. It has cargo capacity for my 3 large dogs, is getting 29MPG in mixed driving, and is very, very, very quiet. No irritating rattles and the ride is delightful. I love the fact that it has AWD and that it has high ground clearance. It fits me to a T. It is also a nice looking vehicle, which doesnt hurt. The only things Id change are the acceleration (though Im happy to sacrifice a slower start for the mpg Im getting), and having air conditioning in the rear of the vehicle in addition to the front. Because Ill be hauling my dogs to the dog park a lot and the fact that I live in sunny (and extremely hot) Phoenix, AZ, Id love to have rear air conditioning. Other than that, I dont have a single thing Id change. I love my new Outback and will keep it for a long, long, long time. Id recommend it without hesitation.

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  subaru - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By baillargeon - November 20 - 4:33 pm

  Very good winter vehicle, excellent in snow & on ice. Good fuel economy. Lots of power, good handling. Pleasure to own & drive this vehicle.

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  2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By d - November 20 - 12:33 am

  This is my daily driver and I couldnt ask for a better, more reliable vehicle. Dependable in all weather, fun to just cruise or get to where you need to be in a hurry. MPG are respectable depending on driving style and the car is very versatile. I own several motorcycles so I threw a hitch on and due to the great torque, tow them to the track with no issues, or attach a mountain bike hauler into the receiver and head into the mountains. This car continues to make me smile after more than two years of ownership!!

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  El Camino to Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By bruce nole - November 19 - 11:50 pm

  After owning a 1985 Chevrolet el Camino with over 450,000 miles, I agreed to sell it to a private party because I knew I replace it with a new Baja. No need to wait for a Turbo model to come out. Not a sports car ... not an off road 4x4 ... but I can get from place to place, good roads and bad in remarkable time. 1st set of tires 78,000 miles. Shocks replaced and clutch. Carries more then you would think it does. Smooth highway driver. Absolutely invisible on the road allowing remarkably low travel time and exceptional mileage ... 25 mpg if I am really moving and can get 30ish within 5 mph of speed limit with cruise control. Any other 4 door pickup do that? I dont think so.

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  My Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Joe - November 19 - 2:02 am

  Great handling and superior forward vision. Very nice ride.

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  This car just doesnt quit - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Aspen White Bugeye - November 18 - 12:06 am

  Bought my 2002 WRX from a college kid with 81k miles on it about 6 months ago. Car was quick, fun and clean as a whistle. Ive seen these cars take more abuse than anything I would ever do to it and keep running. Put about a grand into the car and it out- performs its STI counterpart no problem. Keep up on regular checks and maintain your ride, cant beat the sound and feel of this car for ten grand. Get a quiet exhaust, up-pipe, downpipe and your mileage goes from 24-25 mpg to about 27.

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  my outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By James Rutledge - November 17 - 12:50 pm

  great car. fun, handles well, versatile. built right.

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  Amazing performance car for the money! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Chiketkd - November 17 - 8:03 am

  I test drove the 06 WRX TR as well as an 05 Legacy GT and 05 Mazda RX-8. The WRX was the hands-down winner due to its perfect blend of performance and utility. I have lots of room for my sons carseat in the back (latch hooks are a great convenience) and the trunk is extremely roomy when lugging his stuff around. Acceleration is unbelievable, the new 17" wheels & brakes are amazing and handling at the limit is very predictable. A switch to better tires than the stock all-seasons is a must. Im getting around 25mpg in mixed city/highway which is spectacular for a car capable of 0-60 in ~5.5secs and a 1/4 mile in the upper 13s. For a car costing around $24K, this is an amazing bargain!

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  The "go anywhere, do everything vehicle" - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By The Subaru Nut - November 16 - 8:10 pm

  Our 2010 Outback is our 4th Subaru over 20 years. This model is much larger, roomier, quieter and nicer than previous versions! We have the 4 cyl with CVT, currently with 3400 miles. Mileage is 26-28 in town, over 30 hwy! Power is quite adequate and handling great. Ride is fantastic (beats any other venders Ive experienced). Many nice creature comforts, including audio, puddle lights, bluetooth, heated seats and easy to locate/use controls on steering wheel. Overall this is the best Subaru Outback ever produced and I highly recommend it to anyone. A great vehicle for all driving and road conditions!

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  Swiss Army Knife of vehicles - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By D J Smith - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Baja for about 5 months, so far it has been perfect, no problems at all. I have the non-Turbo four cylinder which I am very happy with. The gas mileage is better than I expected, acceleration is fine. The best feature of the Baja is its versatility. True, it doesnt have a full-size pick-up bed but with the extender I havent missed that. I really like the fact that I can move my kids home from college, have the bed packed full, and still have room for 4 people. Intially I didnt like the two-tone color scheme (red and silver) but now that I have had it for awhile I love it.