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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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Ryan Reynolds - February 1 - 2:00 am

  How to put it in words? I needed to find a car for my wife that would be great in the Snow, sporty, and comfortable, and around $20,000. And I found it, This car is so much fun to drive. I looked around for about 8 months before buying, I looked at Dodge, Ford, and Honda, But no one made an All-Wheel Drive that compared. I purchased the 35th anniversary edition which came with power windows and lokcks, Sun roof, A/C, AWD, CD player. Everything I wanted and more. Any douts, Look at Consumer Reports reviews A+.

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  This is a fabulous car - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By FTCBN - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a fabulous car. Excellent steering, traction, road feel and mileage. Super reliable.

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  Subrau 6 cyl. - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Jim B. - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car, especially the 6 cyl. I have owned a 1997 Outback with the 2.5 engine. The new engine is much more refined and fun to drive. In fact, compared to my previous Acura coupe, it is close in handling and comfort and is just wonderful in the snow and other tough conditions. Yea, I would buy another one. Would like just a little bit more room however.

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  Best New Car Purchase Decision Ive Ever Made - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By jjmdr - January 31 - 11:30 am

  This is the fifth new car I have bought for my family or myself, and I am very happy with my decision. I am consistently getter better than predicted gas mileage for my daily commute. My kids love the back seat room (I have 3 so all the seats are full when the family travels). They always want to take "Daddys Car" instead of the minivan! The features for the money paid are an excellent value (I have the 2.5i Premium with MT, which comes standard with the All Weather Package). Although I am currently leasing the car, I am very seriously considering converting to a purchase, since I dont think Ill want to give the car up when my lease is over.

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  This car is awesome - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Joseph Piel - January 29 - 2:00 am

  great handling very fun to drive in bad and in good weather

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  The New Outback is Fantastic - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By rlj-Seattle - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Subaru and we could not be happier. This is the perfect trip car. The highway ride is smooth, quiet and the interior is very spacious. We tried both the 2.5 and 3.6R and went with the bigger engine that is more powerful and refined. It still gets great gas mileage for a vehicle this size. The Hardon Kardon stereo is definitely worth the money for both the sound and bluetooth phone. I drive an Audi A4 quattro so I was very happy to get this excellent all- wheel vehicle for my wife. She hasnt driven in the snow yet so she is in for a treat! She loves her new car.

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  Tribeca B9 is a winner! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Indiogoa - January 28 - 9:16 pm

  We checked out several SUVs in this size class before buying, including the Murano, Highlander, RX300 and Pilot. This SUV outclassed all of them for interior and exterior styling, performance and overall value. We are impressed with the handling and ride of the Tribeca; it is fun to drive and handles tight curves with little or no body lean. Our Tribeca gets about 22MPG highway with four passengers and camping gear, about 17.5MPG around city. It cruises well on the highway. The third row is cramped, fine for very small kids. But for our family of four, the third row serves as a cargo hold. The sound system and DVD are outstanding as our all the extras, heated seats etc. Overall, this is a great SUV.

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  The best small true SUV yet! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By John in Pacific NW - January 28 - 2:33 pm

  This totally redesigned 2010 Forester is much better than any of the other Subaru designs to date, and miles ahead of the older and dated designs of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The double wishbone suspension gives this Subie a supple quiet ride with superb controlled handling, even with over 8 inches of ground clearance. The outstanding outward vision and seating position is much better the competition. The high torque engine provides 2400 lb trailer pulling capacity which is much higher than most of the competition, and something I needed. Last, but not least, the safety features and crash tests scores are excellent for the 2010 Forester.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By spokane steeler - January 28 - 2:10 pm

  Researched and drove every SUV around (<$35K) and nothing excited me like a Tribeca. Interior is stunning. Used price is unbeatable. Drives just fine despite negative reviews in the media. Alfa Romero inspired front end will grow on you. Created an emotional connection for me that was completely lacking in an explorer/edge/highlander/pilot/crv or virtually anthing else. Also embraced the wisdom of buying used instead of new with 2 young children in the house.

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  Most Underrated Sports Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacywoman - January 26 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned this car for over 4 months and I couldnt be happier. It handles like a sports sedan that costs over $10K more. The gas mileage is very impressive as I get about 28 mpg combined city and highway and I drive mostly city. The real deal on this car was the price. Subaru had a promotion which gave me back $2000 cash. I bought the car for under $20K. I checked out the Toyota Camry (2007) and the Honda Accord (2006). The Camry reminded me of a Ford Taurus and the Accord was much more expensive equally equipped. Once I drove the Subaru, I realized the AWD is a must have feature and you cannot find a car anywhere that has AWD that is a sports sedan for this price. A real steal!