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:

• 

  Sporty and overall great car! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Trevor - November 15 - 12:10 am

  The car is fairly new, But I love it so far. I looked at almost every sedan in the price range as the Legacy, and overall the design left an impression on me so i test drove it. The car has a smooth ride, and when warmed up has great mobility for highway driving. I have been driving in nothing but snow, and i have never had a car which has handled so well in the snow.

• 

  Best kept secret - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By AWDinMN - November 14 - 6:20 pm

  1000 miles so far. Overall this is a quality car. I traded a Mazda 3. I thought I would miss the zoom-zoom factor, but there is adequate acceleration and I think the Legacy actually responses better when passing others on the freeway. Plenty of room on the inside. Clean, straightforward dash layout. Only problem I had was deciding on the Limited or GT.

• 

  2.5i is great! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By TurboWill81 - November 13 - 6:50 am

  I just bought a 2009 legacy 2.5i special edition. I love the car a lot. Its a lot of fun to drive. The best feature on the car is the AWD. In poor weather you feel safe and steady on the road. I love the feel of the interior space. The car comes with a lot of features stock that other companies would charge extra for.

• 

  AWD - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By New York - November 11 - 2:16 pm

  Just got my 2010 Forester 2.5x Premium and I can say I dont hear any rattles. For the price I think that this is a great car. Yes, I agree about the plastic on the dash but it is simple and clean. At 64" I find the drivers sit very comfortable and plenty of room in the back seat. I like at the sport grill but I like the grill that it came with better so no need to spend money replacing it.

• 

  Fun Car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By carramrod - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased an 05 WRX, absolutely love it. The all wheel drive definately sets it apart from other cars in its class. If you want a fun and comfortable car to drive i would recommend looking into a WRX.

• 

  BUY ONE NOW! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By WRX STi - November 9 - 4:13 am

  I have had many so-called sports cars and this is by far and away the best car for the money. The price performance ratio is solidly in this cars favor as it is as fast as many cars that are twice the price. Peerless handling in all weather conditions inspires complete confidence. If you are a new driver, however, this is NOT the car for you. It would be for someone who is experienced enough to use it to its full potential. I have had no problems with the car at all, and it is just a rocket sled. Dont look for big MPG numbers, especially if driven in anger. My only other advice: Buy one NOW!

• 

  High Tech needs auto locks - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bernie - November 8 - 2:47 pm

  The doors do not lock when put in drive, this must be done manual. With all the high tech in this vehicle this would be standard. Rest of vehicle works great.

• 

  2.5 Limited - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By dsk - November 8 - 3:03 am

  First time Subaru buyer. I owned two Hondas and cant believe how much more I like my Outback. Great fit and finish. It feels like a luxury car inside. I am excited for some inclement weather as well. I will never buy another Honda again.

• 

  Good car for the price! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By SJH - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Am a Subaru driver since 1990 ... this is a fine car, with very good reliability and, for an SUV, good gas mileage. Works great for me, someone who needs a wagon for dog and equipment. Appreciate its sportiness, as well.

• 

  Perfect fit for me... - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By skw0123 - November 5 - 12:08 pm

  I have been shopping the compact midsize crossover segment forever and have driven a fair number of the contenders in test drives or rentals. I finally pulled the trigger on an Outback 2.5i Limited. The Outback may seem big, but its very close to CR-V and RAV4 in size. Its an inch or two less tall and about 8 inches longer than cute-ute crossovers, with about 2 inches more in wheelbase. I think this gives the car a much more composed ride. Maneuverability is awesome. Subarus have character that many cars lack. The 2.5i 4-cyl boxer is very reasonable in terms of power delivery, but it isnt your garden-variety 4 cylinder...its quite smooth in operation though, especially w/CVT.