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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  Great Car. Worth the price. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By dplantier - August 20 - 8:26 pm

  We bought in late fall. Handles great, rides good. Can be tricky getting into reverse & other gears. Layout of controls is very well planned out & easy to adjust for all drivers. We live in the North East and this is the 2nd one we own. It handles the dirt roads in Massachusetts as well as it handles the highway.

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  THE car to get! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Cang - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I was ify on this car, but let me tell you, it is IT for me & my family, nothing but Subarus for us, especially this one, our Forester. GOD is so good.

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  BRAT Returns - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By rick byrd - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had to get used to the sometimes stodgy clutch, but, outside of this, driving is a blast, with surprising power in fourth if you want to test the rpms. Ive had some SUV fans tell me that AWD is not good for off-road, but havent had a chance to test this yet.

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  Outback Features make my commute easier! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Laura Coughlan - August 19 - 1:49 am

  I got the 2017 Outback limited with eyesight. The adaptive cruise control makes my long commute much easier, as it will slow down and speed up to keep my car at a constant distance from the car ahead of me. Even if cars move in and out of my lane (or if I change lanes), the cruise control keeps me safe and less stressed during my 45+ minute commute. And the visual and audible alerts are hugely helpful when a car is in my blind spot as I drive, or when I am getting ready to back up. My family is very happy with our new car!

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  Love it - but recalls adding up - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By redsoxfan - August 18 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my first Subaru after a long search. Chose it over a CR-V, primarily for handling - the Subaru is very solid. I love the AWD - it saved my life this winter during a very difficult snowstorm. In my previous car (a Toyota Camry) I would have been off the road. I love the spaciousness of the interior - a big factor in my purchase decision. The rear seats fold down in a second, and leave lots of flat room, unlike the CR-V. The gas mileage has been fantastic - at worst 28, at best 32 mpg. The recalls are a big issue - my dealership is an hour away - that adds up to many added miles on my new, not-exactly inexpensive car! Wait for the 2011 - let them fix the recall issues.

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  1st Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Eugene - August 18 - 8:40 pm

  Bought our first Subaru 2 months ago. Also looked at RAV4 and CR-V. So far were not disappointed. Getting about 25 MPG mixed driving. Overall an excellent car!

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  I love my Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Andi - August 16 - 5:56 pm

  I am the 3rd owner of my 2001 Subaru Forester. I purchased the car used with about 143,000 miles on it. Its now at 155,000. So far in work I have had to replace a cracked CV boot but that was all that I HAD to do. I opted to replace the head gaskets because they were leaking, but the mechanic told me that it wasnt an immediate need. Eventually I replaced the windshield wiper arms, but it was a quick fix. I live in Northern Michigan and the car starts on - 30F days. It grips the road well when there is lots of snow and ice, as well as in the rain. I would definitely buy another Subaru Forester.

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  Great car! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike - August 14 - 3:30 pm

  This is a great car. I have owned a Legacy and Outback Wagon, and the 2008 Impreza WRX is a different car - but still a Subaru in all respects. The WRX is fast, fun, and AWD. Pics do not do the new body style any justice. Lots of reviews slam Subaru for making the WRX more "mainstream" to appeal to a larger audience. So what. Its a blast to drive!

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  The Perfect Height - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Taft4 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Because of our ages (mid 70s) and my wifes partial disability the height of a car for ease of entry and exit is paramount, along with leather seats that one can slide in on. The exterior dimensions for parking ease and city expressway driving are almost equally important and the Forester easily meets all those criteria. Add to that the excellent safety features and safety record, and I knew this was the car for us.

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  Great Car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By BrysImpreza - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car, no complaints what-so- ever, the only thing that needed a change was the rear swaybar, so that was upgraded to a 20mm and its a station wagon that handles like its on rails