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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  wrx - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ezatnova - November 12 - 6:53 am

  Best bang for the buck out there.

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  fun fun fun fun fun - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By davieboynj - November 11 - 2:26 am

  Granted my last car was a dog, but Im extremely happy with my rex so far. Contrary to popular opinion, I find the low RPM power to be quite acceptable (it supposedly is about 80% peak torque at 2000 RPM). I read one review here that said that the rex has understeer problems. THere is no wy the reviewer has actually driven this car! If anything, this car has oversteer. If I want it to, I can get the tihng to pivot! True, the looks are contriversial, but theyve grown on me and now i really like it. Go ahead and call her an ugly girl, but shes got personality...

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  Great all around car! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By retirednavy1 - November 10 - 2:03 pm

  We have a little over 4000 miles on our "15" Outback. The gas mileage is impressive. We drive mostly city with short drives on the Interstate. We average just over 30 MPG. The ride is smooth and everything works as advertised. We have owned many cars in our 43 years of marriage and the is 2015 Outback is THE BEST car we have ever had! We save the BEST for last!

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  Forester - 4cyl 4 Speed?? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ceejaymac - November 10 - 6:03 am

  Can a 4 cylinder (none turbo) 4 speed automatic do the job? Yes it can. 4 adults and luggage cruising at 120 km/hr without any effort. For the price the Forester is the best value in a 4 wheel drive SUV. For the reviewer who complained about lack of cup holders - there are 8 cup holders, how many drinks do you need?

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  My Very Favorite of Six Subaru Vehicles - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Kateri - November 8 - 12:03 am

  My 2005 Baja Turbo is my very favorite of the six Subarus Ive owned since 1985. This vehicle handles like a charm. February dumped the most snow ever on record in my area - no challenge for my Baja! March has only just begun and I drove to work today on icy roads, safely and confidently. I dont get trapped on the interstate between those rude truck drivers...I just whiz by before they can even begin to play their "chicken" games. The rear cargo bed area proves to be very handy. I can store things out of view and locked up. I just cannot imagine owning anything but a Subaru.

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  Awe Inspiring - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By TheJ - November 3 - 3:16 am

  This vehicle is not for the faint of heart. The power and handling characteristics are "world class" but for a middle class price. The grip of Subarus AWD, limited slip in front, limited slip in the rear and the driver or computer controled center planetery differential allow the 300 horses to do what they are designed to do. Move you at heart pounding speeds down curved or straight roads. I have owned this vehicle for two years and I love it. I have NEVER regreted my buying decision AT ALL.

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  Impressive Impreza - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Ken Gloor - November 2 - 6:45 pm

  Expect to get a VERY limited selection of this car with a manual transmission, if you actually want to DRIVE the car, but so far pretty much as Consumer Reports review noted - great visibility and reliability, decent handling and relatively comfortable for a small sedan.

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  04 Forester beats the competition - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By chruser - November 1 - 2:00 am

  replaced my 1999 Forester with the 04 model. What a delightful surprise to see what has happen in 5 yrs. Better interior design, a little higher seating, more comfort, better handling. Plush. Loved the 99, had 75,000 miles and never a problem. Quality and value you come to expect from Suburu. Test drove toyota rav4, honda crv, hyundai sante fe and jeep liberty, and tryed the Subura LAST. None of the competitors could stand up, and I really tryed not to buy another Suburu because I wanted to see if there was something better in that class--dont waste your time--try the Suburu Forester 1st. NO NEED to go further.

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  ts wagon - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By MJG - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The TS2 wagon is sporty, responsive in handeling and acceleration, and fun to drive.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By AnthonyN. - November 1 - 2:00 am

  All I have to say about this cars performance is... WOW! While there is noticeable turbo lag once the car gets going,its a rocket. While not cheap when compared to others in its class (27K) its worth every penny for the 227 Turbocharged ponies it delivers. Build quality is high on the exterior and fair on the interior. Shifter is tight and fairly smooth, but could use less vibration. Sound system is one of the worst I have heard! 6 disc changer is a nice feature but better speakers would be more appreciated. Over all I am VERY pleased with this car and the performance to dollar ratio it delivers