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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  2.5 GT Ltd Wagon 5M - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Mountain Man - July 19 - 3:16 am

  This car is a real sleeper--its stylish yet conservative looks dont reveal the sporting performance unleashed behind the wheel. As a wagon, its incredibly utilitarian and practical, tons of fun, very comfortable and a great value compared to other AWD wagons priced similarly and higher. Subaru finally has a car which can compete on many levels with the more upscale entry-luxury and luxury models. No, this isnt a luxury car, but the appointments, comfort, performance, style and price make a compelling package. Costs much less than the smaller, heavier, slower but more luxurious Audi A4 Avant 2.0T. Gives the Volvo V50 T5 AWD a run for the money. 2005 VW Passat 4Motion cant compete.

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  Basic and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Joseph Goralik - July 18 - 10:40 am

  Always wanted to own one but there are hardly any used ones available in So. California. So went out and bought a brand new one. Although basic model, driving in the past 2 years was a pleasant experience. I like the easy self-maintenance, such as oil and filter (cabin and air) changes. Interior is simple and durable. Driving position is very good and handling is fine. Body integrity could be better - a rattle developed in the rear/left without being able to localize the source. The extras that do not come with the car are easily available from Subaru dealers and fairly simply to install. Quality and workmanship is excellent.

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  Great Crossover - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mike9743 - July 17 - 10:16 pm

  Great all around vehicle; it does OK on gas; it looks and drives fantastic... best large vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Sold on Subaru - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By rich man - July 17 - 10:30 am

  I bought a Subaru because I like the performance & handling of a German car but wanted the reliability & value of a Japanese car. I got exactly that. The only problem in two years has been a dash rattle that the dealer fixed with a foam jam (I know, but its not a luxury brand). It would be nice to get over 30 mpgs, but the trade-off is outstanding traction, performance and safety. Having survived a serious accident, safety is a major concern of mine. No regrets here. This is my first Subaru and I know it will be hard to talk myself into buying anything else again.

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  This is a great small family vehicle - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Joesubaru - July 17 - 1:13 am

  We love this car. This is our 4th Subaru and the biggest they make; we have the WRX and the Baja, and this make a great safe and fun car.

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  The RS 2.5 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dane0101 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the RS earlier this year and i have never been more impressed with a car which is an underdog to its cousins. the engine provides good torque and is quick off the line aswell with the AWD.

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  Subaru Virgins - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Asphalt Pirate - July 16 - 6:26 am

  We just purchased our first Subaru for my wife. Neither of us had owned or driven one before. Wow, was I impressed. I figured it would be a typical Japanese tin can with no power. This car is all business and yet refined. Fantastic engine, plenty of head and leg room (Im 63). Smooth endless power on tap. Nice layout of the interior controls. Absolutely an outstanding car.

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  2012 So Far So Good - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By bg18947 - July 16 - 5:32 am

  Ive had the Impreza for about 5 weeks now and I dont have any complaints (except for the cheap vinyl on the sun visors). For the price, it meets my expectations. This car replaces our older 00 Legacy GT Ltd. It is light and nimble. We also tested in comparison: Volvo S60 T6; Audi A4 Avant; Toyota Venza; Ford Edge SEL; Kia Optima, Sportage, Sorento. My wife decided to choose the car on a pre-order sight unseen as she is happy with her decision. We could easily afford more car, but she is very satisfied with the new Impreza.

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  The Beast!!!!!!! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By GUN-IT - July 16 - 4:46 am

  What a phenomenal car. It handles like a Porsche and accelerates like one too. Its reliable and you can have four people in it as well. Good size trunk. Fun factor in this car is an absolute 10!!!!!

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  Happy with forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Prefer not to say - July 15 - 6:57 am