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:

• 

  2017 Subaru Forester is Great - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By carol caron - December 21 - 6:20 am

• 

  Sensible choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By 1stsubie - December 20 - 8:30 pm

  Upgraded from a 2003 Focus station wagon with leather and moon roof – I was looking for something practical, competent and reliable. Found it in the spacious Forester. Just would have wished road feel less SUV. Nevertheless, the Forester beats its competitors’ handling and demeanor. So far drove 900 miles in city and on a trip to Texas Hill Country. 3 adults plus driver very pleased with comfort during 5 hours road trip. Noise level remains low under 80 mph. AWD shines on wet roads. AC is more than sufficient for Texan heat. Lots of goodies for colder climates. Positively surprised by fuel consumption (comparable to old Focus).

• 

  Let it Snow, please... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Kristof - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Im at 20,000 miles, handling is more like hugging the turns and the car stops on a dime. I mostly enjoy driving this car on unpaved roads, snow and during ice storms. Only problem I have is the manual transmition reverse gear is a bit clunky. I also had to take in to reset the computer because I had an issue starting the car in the morning.

• 

  Supple Subaru - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By dborsheim - December 20 - 2:00 am

  There is no harshness in the ride of this smallish car. The seats are great. My arthritic 57 year old back feels fine even after all day trips. I had looked at Accord, Camry, A4, etc before buying the SE and I like its distinctive appearance. Fit and finish are excellent, handling is fun and predictable, but the overall suppleness of its ride has really impressed me.

• 

  Pleased to the Nth - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Twigaduma - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The LL Bean is on "special" edition that really is special. We are really enjoying this car and were very pleased with the salesman and dealership. This is a beautiful fun car for all the family.

• 

  Great car! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By G. Woolfe - December 20 - 1:06 am

  This is an extremely well built and attractive car. The SI drive really makes a difference in the response of the car. Sport sharp mode turns it into a real performance vehicle. The handling and road feel are great. The cabin is very quiet and the seating is supportive and comfortable. The controls, instruments and nav system are first class and easy to use. The radio with SRS sounds great and offers lots of features. We got the XM option and it offers a fine selection of listening options. This is truly an outstanding value for a great car. Strongly recommended.

• 

  Nothing ventured, everything gained. - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Shawn - December 19 - 7:23 pm

  One tends to assume that something will be forfeited when buying a high performance sedan. The only thing sacrificed when purchasing the STI is MPG, and thats only half true. In no other car can you get impeccable performance, perfect reliability, comfort, style, and the camaraderie that you get from owning an STI. Even with performance mods to put the car at >300 AWHP, gas mileage remains above 20 mpg. Consider how much higher it would be if I did not drive over 90, everywhere!! This intrepid little car has never let me down, not while sideways on dirt roads looking out the wrong window, or taking a 270^ on ramp under full acceleration. Add 5 star crash rating and the STI is hands down, #1.

• 

  Best Sedan - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Roy - December 19 - 11:36 am

  I love my Subaru Legacy GT. Ive had it a little over a year and its fun to drive handles like a dream 0-60 5.7 seconds and its not too bad on gas.

• 

  Traded 2011 Outback Sport (Lemon Law) for 2012 Sport Premium - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By tornado542 - December 18 - 6:16 pm

  My 2011 Impreza Outback Sport was bought back by Subaru due to 5 suspension issues in the first year of ownership. Subaru gave me all my money back and paid off my loan so I went and bought a 2012 Impreza Sport Premium. This is everything I loved about the OBS, but with a nicer interior, and better MPG!

• 

  Very Impressed - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Nittany Lion - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Just bought new 3.6r limited, very impressed. Wife has an 07 rav4 6 cylinderlimited, but I chose ob as need to climb our snow/ice mountain to home in north central pa. Slid down backwards in rav4 3 times last year. Computer shuts down power when wheels spin. Ob leather seats are the most comfortable Ive ever had, ride is unbelievable (a ride on a cloud) for a crossover. Toyota much stiffer and much louder inside- cannot talk front to rear on a trip. Mileage pretty good, acceleration great. Fit and finish good. Exterior lines cool, interior plush and techie. No steering shimmy and my dealership has never seen any. I am very happy with ob indeed.