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:

• 

  Commuter Deluxe - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Ed Schwarz - February 13 - 2:30 pm

• 

  Best Car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By nasaalien - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Handles well.

• 

  Few Flaws - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Kyle Kaiser - February 13 - 10:00 am

  A much better choice for a daily driver than the Evo. The 2.5L powerplant was an excellent choice. Excellent buildy quality and looks. Gold rims are catchy, especially with my metallic black paint with golden fleck, matches perfectly. Looks xtra sharp. Only complaints, tight back seat, little sloppy feel on the tranny.

• 

  Love It - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By NevadaSubie - February 13 - 9:16 am

  After owning an Audi A4 then having 2 kids I felt the need to trade it in for an SUV. My requirements were AWD and comfort. I never even considered a Subaru, (I had not seen the 2010) and was very pleasantly surprised. Upon test driving the 3.6R it instantly took me back to my days of owning my Audi, but with more comfort and room. Exterior noise is quiet, but not as silent as the Audi. I sat in the backseat of both the A6 and Legacy with my 62" husband comfortably in the drivers seat and it was roomier and easier to get in and out of the Legacy. I LOVE IT!!!

• 

  Nice Car - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By myturbo66 - February 12 - 2:37 am

  Just picked up my new GT today but wanted to give a quick review. GTs are very hard to find. I had to order it. 7 weeks later it came in. First of all let me say the car is extremely quiet. Also, the car has really good acceleration. The turbo is a blast to drive. There is also a ton of room in the car. I will write a follow up in a few months to give additional input. If you are looking for a family sedan that isnt an Accord or a Camry give it a try. Im glad I did.

• 

  bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By mak - February 11 - 10:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 15 month and put on 10,500 miles with no problems. Igrew up in the muscle car era of the 60s and 70s this car out performes almost all of them in all catagories. a lot of performance for the money. puts the excitement back into driving. I take friends my age who also know muscle cars. they cant believe it!!!

• 

  Sensible and Fun - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Don W - February 10 - 5:06 pm

  After several months of online research, I bought this car as my retirement gift to myself. I used a car buying service online to get the car at the price I thought reasonable and then was referred to three dealers in my area that had the car I wanted. I chose the dealership with the most to offer. Free loaner cars during service visits, wave deductible up to $500 and free flatbed service for any collision repairs in the first 2 years, free oil change for 2 years and car washed at every visit. The buying experience was painless with the price set before I spoke to a dealer and I skipped the usual hassle of dealing with their finance officer by paying cash. I chose the Suburu Outback because it offered good cargo room, great all wheel drive system, comfort, safety and reliability on top of a very good reputation.

• 

  Very Happy with my new Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By William Pinder - February 10 - 11:27 am

  Have had my 2016 Forester for three weeks and about 800 miles. The CVT takes some getting used to , however, the gas mileage is impressive for all wheel drive, given this motor is not broken in yet and Im getting 27.5 mpg in mixed driving. No rattles, issues or negative impressions. Considered this vehicle because my wife has the 2012 model and loves it and no issues with her vehicle either. The Subaru dealership was great to work with and I feel I got a very good deal. Time will tell but so far this Forester is proving this was the right choice !!!

• 

  The car to buy... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By kohanlon - February 7 - 7:00 pm

  The all wheel drive, 250 hp engine, way it hugs the road, sharp look inside and outside, smooth ride, 6 airbags, gentle braking and overall fun make this car a great buy. It has everything a person needs and wants in a vehicle. It has the luxury to compete with more expensive cars, the power of a sports car and safety for your most precious cargo. All it will take is one test drive to prove to you that this is not the Subaru of old but one that fulfills the potential of a Subaru vehicle.

• 

  AMAZING CAR!!!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Robert Schwarze - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has to be the true peak of performance. I have never driven such a fun and reliable car. It can take turns at serious speeds and can haul when you want it too. THE FUNNEST car I have ever owned and if you havent tried one out, do it NOW. Was definitely the best buy of my life. I cant wait to use my FREE ONE YEAR OF SCCA - o ya that comes with it too!!! THIS CAR ROCKS!