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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  Beware of problems... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By mark4466 - December 12 - 9:06 am

  The vehicle makes a significant rattling noise at rest when warm. Subaru is aware of the problem but has no date for a fix. At times it sounds like a 30 year old Mercedes. It is difficult to get Subaru to respond. This is my first Subaru and based on my experience Ill never get another.

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  3,500 miles and still in love - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Duke - December 11 - 11:13 pm

  I opted for the special order R3.6 with the H6 engine and every option and trailer hitch. The H6 engine and special CVT make this car very different from the 2.5. Highway performance is amazing. Merging and passing are easy. This car can cruise at 80 mph with no trouble. I dont recommend you do so but to know it can is a comfort. The extra 200 pounds for the engine and CVT makes a great difference in the ride. Very quite. My wife feels very safe and secure in the passenger seat. Plenty of cargo space. No recalls. Previous car was a 2006 Toyota Highlander. Was not impressed with the 2016 model.

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  A perfect car - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Avijeet Tomer - December 11 - 12:18 pm

  This is one perfect car, grateful to Subaru for making it. The only negative is the fuel economy, which is acceptable to me given how good everything else is. Drives fantastically well! Every single drive in this car feels great and a lot of fun even without pushing it. The transmission, the steering, the engines power and torque curves, the sound, the brakes, the control, the road-holding ability, the predictability of the outcome of any decision you make while driving, even if it is a quick or panicky decision, the visibility, add all this driving fun to the fact that it has 4 doors, seats 5 people with ample legroom in rear, good trunk comparable to other equally priced sedans, an amazing full time all-wheel drive for all season driving, scorching sun or freezing blizzard, with manually-adjustable front to rear wheels torque split, driving modes for throttle response that actually change the throttle response, not just a gimmick, like Intelligent for comfortably smooth throttle response in traffic jams, while Sports and Sports Sharp modes for quicker throttle response for more fun driving.

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  Excellent AWD vehicle for Outdoor trip! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By hongthan - December 11 - 7:09 am

  I bought this Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited with moonroof package to replace my 2000 Honda Civic 2Dr EX coupe. We are going to use the vehicle for our winter ski trip and short range family vacation. So far I have 1200 miles on it. It average around 25miles per gallon for daily driving. This is the one if you are looking for reliable, AWD, and value. The auto climate control for the limited is a little bit weak on Auto. I have to increase the fan speed by two notches.

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  Super 4 door - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tpc01 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  the WRX is an awesome car to drive. It has amazing low end power, but the high end is a bit laggy. Great handling and great ride. Mileage could be a bit better, but its alright.

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  Liked my old one better - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Nancy - December 9 - 6:03 pm

  My 2006 Outback is the second one that I have purchased. I bought it sight unseen based upon my satisfaction with my 2000 Outback. My 2000 & I were in a near fatal road rage accident where I was forced off the road & hit a telephone pole head on at 50 MPH. I survived with very minor injuries but alas, the car did not. I really loved my 2000 Outback. I cant say the same about my 2006. As soon as I sat in it,I knew it was not the same vehicle. The seats were less comfortable, acceleration was not as good, the side view mirrors have huge blindspots due to the redesign. The windows whistle, The body is less sturdy, the glove box too small,cheap cup holders, donut tire, basically made cheaper.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Excellent Car - December 8 - 5:23 pm

  After 10 years with my Hyundai excel 1994, having many problems I bought my forester in year 2003. I love this car. No problem. Its very comfortable. After 90,000 miles Im still in love with my Subaru. The 4WD is excellent.

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  WRX - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By xspeedrj - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Four doors, all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, side impact air bags, 227 hp, good fuel economy, cool styling....for around $25,000. Why would anyone buy anything else?

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  Great Car! WOW WHAT A STEREO!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Ireallycan - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car with lots of luxury items. The stereo is the best car stereo Ive ever heard. Beats Bose hands down!!!!! Not very fast from a green light but very easy to speed once you get moving.

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  Great "Middle of the Road" Sports Sedan. - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By veespecboy - December 8 - 1:16 am

  I used to drive a 2003 Nissan SER SpecV and the WRX is better in every aspect. Fantastic car to modify. The possibilities are endless. Love the aftermarket/car club atmosphere surrounding this car. Not a better deal for $23k....shoulda bought an STi.