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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  Replaced a 1998 Forester L - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By toddtas - June 28 - 10:56 pm

  New Forester is tighter and way more fun to drive with the improved acceleration.

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  XT--lots of fun and value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Chuck - June 25 - 11:13 pm

  I previously owned an 02 WRX wagon but needed something a little larger and more practical due to a growing family. I still get a silly grin on my face every time I stomp on it. Its not as fast as the WRX or as nimble but much more practical. It has a silky smooth transmission and an interior that is easy on the eyes. There is not as much lag with the turbo compared to the WRX, I went with the automatic; even with the A/C blasting it goes when you you hit it. Handling is average, its a little wobbly at high speeds but overall handles well when pushed. The 5 star crash test is a nice perk, the safest small SUV on the market gives me piece of mind.

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  Fun car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By McD90 - June 24 - 6:24 am

  This was the first good car that I have owned and it is the only car I will ever buy again. I bought this car at 90,000 miles and am now at 106,000 and still going incredibly strong. My girlfriend and I do a lot of camping and mountain biking and this is perfect for that. I have made some modifications to my car (brush guard, fog lights, new wheels, roof rack, etc.) so that has made it more capable by far but even stock it is incredible for all activity. I live in Wisconsin so a car that can brrap in snow is a must and this does exactly that.

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  Hot car! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Jessica - June 23 - 2:56 pm

  I love my new Subaru. This is my first Subaru, no disappointments! The 6- speed transmission and clutch took a little getting used to, however the excitement and power make it well worth getting to know. This car has a high rear seat so backing up also took some practice. I was in the market for a Lexus/Infinity AWD, my advise for anyone in the same market. You owe the newly redesigned Subaru Legacy just one test drive.

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  Baja Rocks - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Sparky Gump - June 21 - 5:20 pm

  Im a former Ford Ranger owner. When gas hit $2.00 a gallon (remember that?) I knew I had to ditch my gas hungry 4x4 for a more reliable, better designed small pickup. Problem was you need 4 wheel drive on a pickup to get traction on snowy roads and 4 wheel drive trucks - even the "smaller" ones - get lousy gas mileage. One day when my wife was getting her Forester serviced I saw my perfect car/truck, the Baja. I bought one as soon as I could and I have no regrets. Ive got the outside bed for hauling dirty stuff like soil, garbage and kerosene. Inside seating for four and 26 mpg overall! Subaru is foolish for not marketing these vehicles and even more stupid for ceasing production.

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  Quite Surprised! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By newcarluvr - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This car gets looks galore when we are parked anywhere! We have the Special Edition L and it so far exceeds any expectations we could ever want in driving a new car! Handling on the highways in torrential downpours is enough to make you realize you cant do better with the handling of this car!

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  2011 Legacy CVT - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Todd - June 19 - 9:50 pm

  We just purchased this car about a month ago now and have about 3000 miles on it. What a wonderful car. It is a joy to drive, good mileage, we have gotten steady 28s,quiet, comfortable, impressive acceleration. I was a bit skeptical of the CVT Trans, but it performs nicely, I go for the manual mode and the paddle shifters when I feeling racy. I guess time will tell on its longevity, but I have no complaints yet. It will be interesting to see how the car performs in the winter. It is our first Subaru and it will certainly not be our last. We only wish we wouldnt have waited so long to buy one.

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  New 2010 Legacy, First Subaru owned... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By BrianV - June 19 - 5:13 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever driven. Im 36 and find this car very impressive. Corners very well, climbs hills without missing a beat, great fuel economy, average between 25 to 33 mpg depending on how much I let it idle with a/c. Not had a all highway trip yet. Very comfy compared to the 09. Cannot believe the leg and arm room. 3 kids in car and booster seats and they dont touch. WOW. By the way, these cars do not shift, they have no gears, theyre very smooth and quiet. I really like the mpg usage gauge. Can put 20 ounce bottle in door pocket cup holder. Love the middle console and heated cloth seats. Highly recommend this car. First Subaru, and will stay Subaru. Cant wait until winter...

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  Legacy gives a lot for the money - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By gdg3 - June 19 - 8:42 am

  this is my second Subaru-the first is a 2003 Outback which I still own. While both are solid cars, the 2015 Legacy has a luxury ride and feel. If you are looking for a comfortable, safe long distance driver, it is pretty hard to beat the Legacy. Ride is comfortable and quiet. Love the Eyesight and other safety features. It was Important to me to have a safe car for my family so the added safety features were worth it. I often drive 750 miles one way to my vacation home and I arrive refreshed and ready to go further. 4 wheel drive is great. I tested others-Toyota Camry, etc and they are not even close.

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  2009 STI - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By 09sti - June 19 - 2:20 am

  This car has it all. With the back seat down, and they go flat, surfboards and snowboards fit perfect. Making it a perfect two person surf or snow adventure, no chains either :) Looking over the build quality its quite nice and Im impressed. The ride is quiet for the most part, little or no rattles. The performance is amazing, to accel as you go through those long half circle off or on ramps, the car feels like its on rails. Its so quick, hitting 80 mph in about 5 second. The stereo, not the best, but not to bad either. Mine has the six CD changer with MP3 compatibility, which equals about 1020 songs on tap, not bad! Turn the bass all negative, mids and treble all up, plus my SUB =s : )