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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  STI-ME! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Which Subaru Be U? - August 9 - 2:30 pm

  My 5th Subaru in 18 years. Started with a ‘92 Legacy sedan; ‘02 & ‘05 Legacy GT sedans have also filled my driveway. My wife also bought an ‘06 Legacy GT after driving mine. Other than maintenance/yearly inspections I have never had any problems with my Subarus. 3 weeks ago I was ready to buy a used Lotus Elise, new JCWorks MINI or new BMW 135i, when I made a trip to my dealer for my ’05 Legacy inspection. By days-end I bought a WRX STi SE hatchback which I test-drove wrapped in white plastic, fresh off the delivery truck. I’ve yet to question my decision. Wow, what a ride and it comes with serious street cred! Mine is Dark Grey Metallic; a real looker, but mature, color, IMHO.

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  Fast and Fun Hauler - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Wrxalot - August 9 - 7:50 am

  I bought my WRX Wagon for its rally bred performance. Since then I had a kid and it has turned into a family wagon but when my son isnt in the car its a sports car again. I can haul lots of stuff and have used it to move twice. I had a lease but just decided to buy out the lease and keep it. After all it is still a Subaru. Feels like it will last forever.

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  2008 WRX Premium - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By T from CA - August 8 - 1:46 pm

  I was in the market for a daily driver that was reliable, had excellent crash test ratings, affordable, and was fun to drive. The Subaru WRX was the answer. My wife and two kids fit comfortably in the car and the trunk has just the right amount of cargo space for our gear for our weekend getaway trips. This includes luggage, a stroller, and other miscellaneous things for the kids.

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  Great, safe car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By ??? - August 8 - 9:43 am

  This is my 4th Subaru. I need, and can rely on, its all wheel drive. Its very dependable. Nothing bad to say about it except I really dont like the Yokohama tires.

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  Subaru - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Barbara Bengels - August 7 - 12:26 am

  Adequate acceleration, stable braking, air conditioner dual controls and seat warmer excellent, single roof window works fine. Quite pleased with it. Miss cassette tape deck. Would like MP3 port.

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  From a Toyota to a Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By winter package - August 6 - 3:16 pm

  Im a first time buyer of a Subaru. Im very impressed with the Forester. I have always been a Toyota person. Til now. No problems with my Forester. So far, wonderful car

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  from a newly made subaru fan - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By BZS - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a spectacular vehicle. This is the cheapest new car I ever bought: it is the most satisfying I ever had. It does everything so well: you wouldnt anticipate that from "a subaru". My previous "performance" cars were an Audi A6, then a Cadillac CTS (So, I know how owning a new car makes you feel and have high standard for comparison). This car is more responsive, just as comfortable, and arguably safer, more reliable and much cheaper than those. Actually, it even looks nice (well, maybe not as nice as the Audi) It may not have the aura of the luxury cars, but its down-to-earth design and "ready for everything" personality makes you feel GOOD every day

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  Bummed about my Baja baby - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By ellen - August 5 - 10:46 am

  It was initially love @ 1st site but bloom soon faded. 1st issue, dash panels around A/C controls started peeling upon touch, never replaced. Bad experiences w/dealership caused me to go to another Subaru dlr serv. dept when brake problems began & driver window wouldnt close tightly. Was asked if car had been in accident because bolts were missing on one side @ brake apparatus. While under warranty, brakes were worked on @ least 3 times. No permanent resolution on brakes or ANY other issues I ever presented. Extended wrnty doesnt cover brakes & Im still having problems. Told my family to have car fully inspected if accident occurs due to brake issue - and sue the pants off of Subaru!

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  Good value and safety for utility reasons - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Alex Arnold - August 5 - 7:05 am

  Its a very good car for utility reasons. I mountain bike, ski, and carry lots of sporting gear all over the place. The acceleration is good for the HP and it drives very good for the price. I would recommend this car to others to consider highly because of the value and its safety. I rarely write reviews, but thought I would given the good experience I have had with this car. The bluebooth and noise in the car could be improved.

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  2017 outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Karen sims - August 1 - 1:38 pm

  Two things I wish Subaru did are to allow the radio to stay on when car is off and the window mechanism is tricky to just go down/up part way.