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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  Everyday Dad Mobile!!! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Lance - March 24 - 1:09 am

  This car can easily fit a family of 5 as long as your kids are all 12 and under. A lot of fun to drive and extremely easy to drive. I do agree the clutch is a little touchy compared to others Ive had before. I see myself enjoying this car for years to come, and who knows I might get another one when I pass this on to the kids!!

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  Forester Reigns Supreme - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Highly recommended - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Subaru Forester in August of 1998. I had driven several of the competing models and all it took was 5 minutes behind the wheel to be sold. This little vehicle outperformed anything in its class at that time. It is quick, nimble, and comfortable, as well as provides a smooth ride. Hazardous weather does not slow this little wagon down...Ice, snow, sleet, rain, whatever. I love it, and plan to purchase another! The only thing I do not like is the wagon- like appearance...

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  subiewagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By brent from ontario - March 21 - 10:00 am

  car handles all the corners and twisties you want to give it for a vehicle in this price range. A little quick to shift from 1st to 2nd. ride is good on highway; not quite as good on our rough city roads in Toronto. I bought winter tires which make this car very impressive when it gets snowy or icy. Very fun to drive and surprises a few people from the lights.

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  We love this car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By mar7 - March 21 - 8:03 am

  Last month my wife and I happily stepped out of a 2002 Passat into a 2005 Outback. After a terrific sales experience, the car has been living up to its reputation. The interior is spacious and comfortable - my only complaint is the power windows (theyre incredibly slow.) We frequently drive rural roads with poor lighting and have no problems with the headlight performance. Speaking of performance, the wagon handles great and will get you where you need to go. Those accustomed to more power will probably need one of the bigger engines, though, as acceleration is leisurely at times with the base engine and automatic.

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  First Time Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By pico - March 20 - 3:30 pm

  Best driving "small SUV" of the RAV4, CRV bunch, even with base engine. There is no comparison. Even in base X form the handling is awesome, confidence inspiring. Turns are crisp, stopping/starting all great. Drove both XT and normally aspirated and was pleasantly surprised with the pull of the base engine. Interior is also roomier than expected, back seat is roomy enough if the front seats arent pushed all the way back but even if they are I feel I have just enough legroom with front seats at maximum travel. Love the height of the cabin plus the tall stance. And in terms of AWD systems, there is no comparison (especially with these Colorado winters weve been having).

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  My STi - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By CK - March 20 - 6:13 am

  This is my first Subaru & what Ive noticed is that wrx & sti owners have some special bond when they see another. Everyone always waves or smiles. Pretty cool. Those that know what a STi is, are always wanting to race & well sometimes I have to just let her run & they get to see my tail lights. ; ) Ive taken it snowboarding several times even in white out conditions & my STi has never let me down. Ive taken corners like it was on rails. I dont even sweat it anymore. So... definitely fun to drive & I hope to keep for a very long time because I cant see myself in another car.

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  Great package that needs just a bit more - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By simplyeasily - March 19 - 10:20 pm

  I have had my Forester for 3 months now. I love it; didnt think I would as much as I do since I changed over from a BMW. It drives a lot like a sedan, and its sure-footed and reliable. The customer service has been great as well. The seats are comfortable and the road visibility is good. The rear seats are even more comfortable, and the giant moonroof is awesome. I also like the sports mode and the ability to manually shift gears - very useful for me and for saving on the brakes when going downhill. And the price? What a great value.

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  Excellent car thanks Subaru - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By RODOLFO MANNELLA - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. I have a nice time driving it hard in all weather like rain or on sand. Never have any issues, thanks you. Nice handling at corners and stopping, power good top.

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  Dollar for Dollar it cant be beat - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By tupdog12 - March 18 - 2:48 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Outback Limited with the 3.6R engine for my wife. (Everything except Nav) After driving it from Maine to Oklahoma (home), I had to have my own Outback so I sold my 2010 Maxima and purchased another 2011 Outback Limited with the 3.6R engine except this time with nav. I frequently refer to my outbacks as Honda Accords with AWD, however much more practical. You can haul and carry a lot of stuff home from Lowes. I have several suggestions for improvement (explained later) and have actually conveyed them to Subaru. (Probably will fall on deaf ears though, however I did receive a nice response.) Great vehicle and you cant go wrong.

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  love it! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By judith - March 18 - 2:43 am

  this is great fun to drive: very sneaky, as it doesnt look like the great little sports car it really is. Handling is absolutely tight at really high speed on questionable roads, the turbo kicking in is a lovely thing indeed. This is the best fun Ive had in several years!