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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  Realy Nice Car - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By kkeppel - January 26 - 11:49 am

  I have driven full size American 4x4 pick-ups for the last 25 years. Divorce and gas prices caused me to down size. I love this car, it gets great gas mileage and can still get me to my hunting cabin in Maine. I must say that 30 MPG is not quite accurate. I am averaging 25.5 with mixed driving. I can get 28 on highway at 70 mph. The car is comfortable, nice riding and capable. I would buy another Subaru without question and I recommend one to anyone who needs a fun car thats good in snow and a little off roading.

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  Love the Baja !!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By John D. Ramboz - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought a new Baja in Maine and drove it to Florida. What a fun drive it was. The Baja turns lots of heads and people want to know about it. Either you like it, or you dont. If you do, then you will have lots of fun with it. Very nice "car" on the inside, and a nice "trucklet" on the outside. Try it ... youll like it.

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  All I expected - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By mktdkt - January 26 - 8:16 am

  I purchased the car 14 months and 45,000 miles ago for several basic reasons. Price, AWD, interior Space and you wont see another one on every corner. I have been more than satisfied. The AWD is second to none, we have snow 6 months a year. Yes, the interior could be upgraded but considering the price I feel I received a deal. Mileage is never below 25 and never above 29. I drive 80% hwy. Performance is so-so but but more than enough for the driving I do. I highly recommend Subaru and will buy another.

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  Subarules - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Long Hot Summer Days - January 24 - 5:00 am

  This is my 3rd Outback. They are the most reliable cars. They are very versatile; you can haul the wife and 3 kids or drop the back seat and move desks, filing cabinets, etc. They are very desirable. Buy in the spring and sell at the first snow fall.

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  Dependable - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Vincent - January 23 - 1:26 pm

  We own a bmw 7 series and Mercedes E Class and I have to say I am impressed with the quality of the interior. I think its on par with the Benz. Harmon Kardon radio is excellent. Leather seats are nice. Im not tall, Im 5,7 so I have no complaints sitting anywhere in the wagon. We needed a car that would serve as our daily commuter to work from the suburbs to Manhattan. This is our 3rd Subaru for this purpose. If youre looking for a car that will protect your family and keep you on the roads no matter the road/ weather conditions, then this is it. We are extremely happy with this car. IMO, this is a good alternative to those large SUVs because its easier to navigate and park in the city.

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  whatever - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By import NO-WAY - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Best multi-purpose vehicle out there. Wife and kids love the open bed. Car comfort and truly a road hugging machine. Sporty and nimble

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  Thank god for Subaru - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By scooby101 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I definitely am enjoying this car. I sold my acura for this car. It is awesome to drive, handles great in street driving. You can definitely dig in to any cornern and feel safe. It has enough power even with the 160 hp version. Smooth shifting, instant response, no delay w\non turbo. So as a daily driver or out for some fun this car can do both.

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  best car on the road... , for me anyway - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By jimbosSTi - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This car handles like a dream. Does very well in the ice and snow of Wyoming and Nebraska, it never leaves you guessing. Definately recommend to people looking for a fun fast compact.

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  2005 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By DAnderson - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Peppy little thing. Great excelleration and fun to drive. Glad they added more colours for 2005 and changed the color of the interior. I feel I got great value for my money and paid $60 under invoice. Everyone I talk to, who has owned a Subaru, raves about the minimal maintenance.

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  not very hybridy (so far) - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By fried003 - January 23 - 3:33 am

  Not getting the suggested MPGs so far during a cold winter; hoping it improves. Car rarely runs in "green" power based on the indicator. Otherwise its decent enough/comfortable. I got the touring model, which has all the bells & whistles, some of which I dont understand, such as the entertainment system. But it has everything Id ever want in a vehicle + other stuff. But, so far, its not fulling the primary expectation.