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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  Subaru cant fix it? - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By boangenese - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I want to believe the car is well built and reliable, but sometimes it doesnt start, it just turns over and shakes the entire vehicle - then it starts. Subaru cant duplicate it, cant fix it, so I dont know what to think about them now. Ive got 13,000 miles on it already.

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  Excellent choice - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - November 25 - 1:30 am

  This is my first Subaru. Very pleased with the ride and gas mileage. It has a real solid feel and is very comfortable. The harmon kardon upgrade was worth it.

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  So far so very good - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Frank - November 24 - 11:00 pm

  Acceleration is better than expected. Very good suspensions make potholes bearable. Trunk size very nice. Easy to get in and out due to increased height. so far really liking the car.

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  Excellent small wagon - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By IV - November 24 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned the car for a month and it has 1,200 miles on it. With more highway than city driving, I get between 28 and 31 mpg. I consider this excellent for an AWD vehicle and much better than what some of the other reviewers report. (This was a big unknown in my decision to purchase the Impreza). I test drove the Mazda 3 hatch twice and it felt heavy compared to the Impreza (the Impreza is actually heavier). The 2.5i wagon has sharp handling and the ABS works well, I havent had a chance to test the benefits of AWD in inclement weather. The cargo space is not huge but more than adequate, great with rear seats down. The sound of the boxer engine requires getting used to.

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  A Fine Small SUV - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By KJN - November 24 - 1:53 pm

  My first new car in 25 years. It has exceeded just about all my expectations. Its great fun to drive and very responsive. It towed my pontoon boat with no problems. Ive abused it with weekend excursions along the back roads of the Eglin AFB reservation -- sandy, soft roads often with deep mudholes. Came close, but havent been able to get it stuck yet! And Ive pulled out a few other drivers along the way. Dont get it into water too deep, though -- youll ruin your charcoal canister, and theyre expensive! My overall average fuel economy since new is 25.63 mpg -- thats with complete records through 62,000 miles. I enjoy this car thoroughly and would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Literally love this car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Dennis - November 22 - 9:29 am

  Literally love this car. Great exterior and interior. Technology is a wow. Lane assist and eyesight work great and intuitive. Plenty of space including the second row is great for adults and really liking the heated front and back seats. Engine has reachable headlight cases and battery which is a big plus. Lots of compliments on the wheels and overall look of the vehicle. Expect to keep this one a long time.

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  Does Everything Pretty Well - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By BDR - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 years and the only surprise repair has been the radiator which had a small leak. It was fixed under warranty my cost was my time. The car is a nice compromise of fun, safety, comfort, looks and performance. It is faster than the Honda or Toyota and it can haul a fair amount of stuff. Gas mileage is not great and the back seat is only for kids. Slipping dangerously on snow requires a determined driver. I would buy this car again.

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  Gaiks Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By lemonstr - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after extensive review of cars in class. Came down to Forester or Outback. Better ride and quieter than Forester. Forester will probably be my replacement for aging Civic. Would have been happy with a Limited but wife wanted power of H6. Good car, but minor issues. Glove box hard opening, McIntosh stereo crackels on right channel when adjusting volume, water leaks in from child seat strap in rear of cargo area, has had two recalls todate. Gas mileage is not worth the performance in my opinion, wife typically get high teens on a tank, I can squeeze out low 20s with effort, best tank 26 mpg on highway. Overall Good Car!

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  Greatest AWD SW That I Have Ever Driven! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By charlesn12 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  One thing about the Subaru Outback is the fact you do get what you pay for. Drives like a sports car, handles like a sports car, and the AWD is tops in its field.

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  Best AWD Sports Sedan Subaru Outback! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By dd - November 21 - 8:23 am

  I bought the Subaru Outback LL Bean 3.0 edition after driving every possible AWD sports sedan on the planet. I traded in my 3 season luxury vehicle (2005 Cadillac CTS) for a 4 season AWD Subaru that is a safe, fun, practical and luxurious sedan. The Caddy was absolutely terrible in the snow. I drove the AWD BMW, the Audi A6, the Infiniti G35X and then I tried the Subaru LL Bean. It has all the right features with an engine that is silky smooth. I am very pleased.