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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  02 WRX Sedan - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By WRX4FUN - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The fun factor rating on this car should be well over 10...This is my first subaru and I have had it for 3 weeks and what a blast I am having driving this car...For all you car enthusiasts who havent driven one yet, you must try...I work for a car dealership and have driven many cars and besides exotics most cars dont come close to this car in the fun factor...Recently placed 3rd at the Long Island Custom Car Show with this vehicles

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  The Best of all cars - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Adel - February 24 - 2:00 am

  It Handles perfect in the snow.

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  Great all around car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By liebling - February 23 - 6:53 am

  The 2.5i has more than ample power, handles like a dream, is amazingly quiet and is fun to drive. The AWD is a real asset when the roads are slick. The finish is quite nice, with no irregular gaps. There is plenty of interior plastic, but it doesnt look cheap. Nice interior, but the carpet could be of a better quality. Rear visibility is somewhat restricted. The chin sits low, and is easily scraped. The shifter is okay, but could be crisper. You lose a bit of feel with the hydraulically actuated clutch. Very good brakes. All in all, the car is not great in any single respect, but is more than adequate in every respect. Its a lot of car for the money.

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  A great little truck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Roadmaster - February 22 - 5:03 am

  This truck with the options for the bed extender does everything I want it to do. It drives like a car and really hauls the stuff.

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  The Ultimate Car For Mountain Residents - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By STier - February 21 - 10:06 pm

  I live in the mountains of Southern California and I couldnt imagine that there is a car better suited for me. Ive had this car for a year now and have had absolutely no problems with it. The car has insane power. Very comfortable and smooth on the freeway. The biggest bonus for me though, is that you can drive this car in snow! Ive driven up to Big Bear with literally 3.5 ft. of snow on the ground without a single slip, no chains needed! This is the ultimate car to have if you live in the mountains.

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  great car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Rich Clarke - February 20 - 4:06 am

  A great, stylish, very comfortable and well-built car; drove cross country (NYC to WA) in third week of owning and car drove great. Now have 3800 miles and averaging 27 mpg in mixed highway / rural. Couldnt be happier with it. Considered Toyota Highlander Hybrid but couldnt justify price; also considered Honda CRV SE but didnt want Hondas usual road noise and CRV not nearly as stylish or comfortable as Outback. I highly recommend the Outback.

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  egos review - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By ego115 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Just bought it and it kicks ass. Love the look, color and performance. Beware when you get one that people want to race you all the time.

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  First Impressions - Great! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jerry Connell - February 17 - 7:40 pm

  One month & 1800 miles after purchase, I am happy with my first SUV. After 2 Legacies in 17 years I had no doubts about Subaru quality. Our lifestyle now said more room so I test drove other brands to see what whistles and bells were out there. It compares very well in that regard. The tight turn radius is a pleasant surprise. The acceleration is there when needed. The ride is a little bit stiffer than our other car (Avalon). Im getting 21+ MPG in mixed city and freeway driving on regular gas. The instrument panel and controls are easy to get used to. The seats are comfortable. I feel like Im in a cockpit.

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  For my money, best in class - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By MN - February 15 - 8:37 pm

  Review at 1000 miles: We spent the last six months researching and test driving for our first new purchase. We had a budget of $35k and the final three contenders were the BMW X1, Honda CR-V Touring and the Subaru Forester XT Touring. We live at altitude in the Pacific Northwest and are "outdoorsy" without needing extreme off road capability. We also take the highway up to fairly high altitudes for hiking and ski excursions. Coming from a fun & spirited but extremely noisy and uncomfortable Impreza, we were looking for a good blend of comfort and utility. Forester XT Touring satisfied these criteria with the added FUN factor that the CRV just didnt bring to the table. The Forester XT has *almost* all of the get-up-and-go of a WRX with off road capability and a far, far quieter ride. I find the CVT to be quite responsive, particularly in the Sport mode. Interior comfort is impressive; Im 64" and 220 lbs, and have so far taken three 2+ hour trips behind the wheel, on highway and Forest Service roads. The cabin is quiet, with excellent visibility on all sides. While not quite the same in terms of luxury, at this price point, to get the AWD on the X1, wed have been dropping closer to $40k. I just couldnt justify paying the premium for mostly a badge. Only qualms so far is the entertainment suite: Starlink is basically useless aside from Pandora. Navigation combined with Sirius XM traffic is quite useful. Eyesight suite is powerful, useful and intuitive and is what ultimately swayed our purchase. Considering our Impreza lasted reliable 275k miles with strict maintenance, I am confident that the Forester XT will be reliable for years to come and serve our needs well.

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  Great car for long trips - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Anne - February 14 - 8:40 am

  Got it in Nov, 09. Now reported after long trip to New Orleans (360 miles each way). Very good long trip car. Easy to drive, stable handling in bad weather, roomy and seats are very comfortable. 30 mpg on freeway. Best is when hotel valet praised it over Lexus RX350 (Ha Ha, I traded my RX for the Suby)! So, if you are considering an Outback, dont wait!