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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  Most Bang For The Buck - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is one sweet automobile. Besides the incredible rush from stomping on the accelerator anywhere above 3,000 rpm and the tenacious grip of the glue- like tires, this cars ergonomics are first rate. Everything is very logically laid out and works just right. No space age climate controls or any such thing. Just a greatly functional interior that makes driving a pleasure. You really owe it to yourself to test drive this car if youre in the market. Where else can you get this incredible performance, including AWD and legendary Subaru reliability for slightly more than a loaded Accord? Its incredible!

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  First Sub - Very Happy. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Mainer Rich - April 14 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Sub (always had Hondas) and I have been very happy. I was nervous to purchase the car given the history of Subarus head gasket issues. With much research, it became clear that the issue has been addressed for new Subs. Plus, my dealership covers engine/tranny issues for the life of the car. Gas mileage greatly improved after 4000 miles, and with a little warmer weather. 26 mpg around town - 30+ on highway. Great car! I plan to hand it down to my 7 year old when he turns 16. If you are on the fence about purchasing, just do it. You will be happy you did.

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  Good mpg, Good everything. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By wes - April 14 - 2:50 am

  Went to the Subaru dealership to test-drive an Impreza. Left with a 2009 Forester. After purchasing and then reading reviews, I was leery of mpg. Today, I averaged 27mpg. How can you complain about that with an SUV? Solid vehicle all around.

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  A long time dream fulfilled - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Vernon Meade Jr - April 13 - 7:55 pm

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  Good All-a-round Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By kdburnsforester - April 10 - 10:00 am

  The Forest XT provides excellence in almost every category w/o much sacrifice. The turbo provides excellent acc + other recent improvements produces enough power at 2200rpms to climb a 5% grade in 5th gear w/o engine "lug-down," resulting in better gas mileage. So far, my combind highway/city gas milage has been 27.4mpg - highway almost 29. The XT /w premium adds luxury to a practical car. The "competition" (Rav4/CRV/Liberty) does not offer comparable features, performance, or handling: more comparable to an X3/Touareg/Freelander. More car for the $$.

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  Just the right mix - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By David Enlow - April 9 - 4:24 pm

  Outback brings all the good factors of a wagon and a suv into one platform. The safety features are without peer. The handling on the road says its ready for long distance excursions. The visibility exceeds other cars we have owned. Looking forward to many road days in the years to come.

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  Like a Miata with 4 doors & AWD - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By SubyConvert - April 7 - 5:50 am

  When I bought an Acura TL a year ago, the Legacy was my second choice. I recently reversed that decision and traded the TL for the Suby. What a difference! I love the sports car handling and the AWD because I live in a part of Canada that gets a lot of snow in winter. Its the first car Ive looked forward to driving every day since I sold my Miata. Acceleration is impressive in sport sharp mode. My TL had crazy, dangerous torque steer when accelerating hard in corners. The Suby is tight, predictable, with a slight rear wheel bias. The interior looks great and fits me well, except for the arm rest (needed to get the extender). Bluetooth would be nice, but shouldnt talk on the phone anyway.

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  AWD Confidence with Style - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By subiefan - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Traded in 01 Subaru Outback Wagon for this car. It has so many great standard features. It was a tough decision between the L Special Edition and the GT but I was a sucker for the heated seats and mirrors and the leather seating. I also went from a straight drive to Auto so I like the Sport Shift on the GT. These cars look great with a spoiler on the back.

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  Handles like no other - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By usmm01 - April 5 - 5:43 pm

  I am a loyal fan of Subaru, our old impreza was a 97 outback sport. This is my first purchase of a turbo. We are pleased with the WRX as usual with handling and fuel economy w/ cruise hwy. 29.5 mpg @ 65- 70mph! City 23mpg. I will own nothing but Subaru.

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  Family safe but sporty - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Rob - April 1 - 10:46 am

  I originally looked at this car as it was the best price for the amenities. 5 Star safety, power everything, AWD, 4 cyl gas mileage, plus it has the history of Subaru quality. What I found out after I drove it was that I not only lost the bad mileage of a V6, but I gained the nice power of a 4 cyl Boxer engine. I have no problem getting onto highways, passing, I even safely avoided an accident with the cars superior handling. If youre looking for something safe, but dont want to feel like youre trading your youth, then this car is a must to test drive.