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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  2004 wrx STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By vtecTHIS - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this a great all around car. fast,handles like a dream. sticks to the road like you wouldnt beleive. it is on par with many high end exotics. it will hang with or beat my fathers porsche gt2 in all aspects. my hats off to subari for FINALLY bringing the sti to the usa. hopefully the battle for power and handling will continue with mitsubishi as it has for years overseas

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  Fuel saver safe fun - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By GJM - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2 weeks ago and already have over 2000 miles on it.Im getting 30 plus on the highway and Im looking forward to the snow.Handles well.I never drove a stick before but picked it up quickly on this model.

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  Wow! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jfish - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in an anemic 200 Outback w/ the normal 2.5 for the new XT. This car shows that Subaru pays attention to detail, and acutally improves wht needs to be improved, and can leave the rest alone. This car is fast, handles great, outstanding comfort! It was more $$ than the old 2.5, but well worth it. This care GOES!

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  Fast and practicle fun - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Midlife - October 14 - 11:33 am

  Very predictable handling and holds on tight to wet roads. Handling in the snow is very good after the summer only tires are changed to mud and snow tires. Auto temp control works well. There is actually enough room in the back seat for an adult human of average size, but not for an extended trip. Trunk space is good with room for golf clubs and groceries. Ride is tolerable to good,except on a real rough roads, you wont lose your teeth. Lots of road noise from the tires, but much better with with the M/S tires. The rear wing is annoying and attracts alittle more attention than I care for. Gas mileage is around 22-24 for me but I drive conservative. I look forward to driving it every time

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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve in Michigan - October 14 - 6:56 am

  I wanted an AWD vehicle and test-drove a Ford Fusion since I was ideally interested in an "American" car. However the AWD Fusion is only available in the SEL V6 which is loaded with options I didnt want. My brother has owned several Subarus & suggested I check them out. I was pleased that the entire legacy line comes in AWD (as does every Subaru model). I drove it and was impressed with the ride and handling and the price was within my budget without feeling deprived (moonroof incl.). I like the fact that you can get heated seats without splurging for leather/upgraded package (Ford take note). And then I found out it is assembled in Indiana. So I got a great "American" car after all!

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  Subie Forester XT Limited - ROCKS! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Cap232 - October 12 - 2:43 am

  Looked at everything from the new Maxima, Ford Flex,CRV,CX9 etc., name it I probably drove it. Went to the Subie dealer about three months ago, test drove all the above after my Subie dealer visit and measured price per feature, performance,safety, durability and cost(overall value). Each time the Subaru Forester XT Limited came back to the top and I went to drive again. Having owned several in Colorado, and took them all over 200K this Newport Blue Pearl became an easy choice with Consumer Reports recommended list pushing me along. The Turbo is not push you in the back of the seat turbo, just an "oh my gosh" I am at 60mph already turbo. Traded my Honda in for it and never looked back.

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  Base model 2017 Forester great buy - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By JS - October 11 - 10:38 pm

  First small SUV for me. It runs great and is an easy drive. Nice to adjust the seat higher as well for great road visibility. It is comfortable to ride and drive. Negative for me is the cruise control seems to vary the RPMs more, even on flatter highways, than just using the pedal. This has affected overall fuel economy. Drive distances with it and it is very comfortable. Combined MPG: 28.9 in winter time, had been around 35 in fall.

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  The 2004 Subaru Forester was a Life-Saver - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By pktsizecub - October 11 - 5:56 am

  I bought a silver Forester because of the snow and ice we get in Eastern Oregon. This car exceeded expectations. I never got below 25 MPG on the hwy, and around 22 in town. When "Chains Required" signs are posted on the interstate, this car buzzed past all the cars chaining up. Subaru is amazing for their safety and high quality. Because my son survived an extreme accident with only bruises I can endorse this car fully. Im not saying another car wouldnt have performed as well. But this Subaru when put to the test, passed with flying colors.

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  09 Outback Sport - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Dave - October 10 - 9:53 am

  I bought this car about a month ago. At first I was a little unsure about it since the WRX is also very appealing. I have grown used to the car though and have found it really fun. It doesnt accelerate like the WRX, but it handles curves like a champ. And I get around 24 mpg in Houston traffic and 28-32 mpg on the highway depending on how fast I drive. I get lots of comments on the car too... most call it "really cute." I have heard a few things about the radio, but Ive found that it plays nicely with MP3s. FM and AM bands are not as clear though.

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  Another Subaru Winner - 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By comiskeybum - October 10 - 3:00 am

  My wife went from a Chevy Equinox to this vehicle. We have only had the car for a week but will just leave some quick thoughts. -Easy to see everything around you and the backup camera is very nice. -Drives like a nimble and agile car with the height of an SUV. The turning radius is impressive. -Wife loves the easy to load kids and grocery heigh of the vehicle. -Plenty of cargo room and you can fold the seats flat for a lot lot more. -Vehicle does not have good 40-70 acceleration but that is to be expected with a CVT only being supplied with 148 horses. That being said the acceleration from a dead stop is impressive. -Build quality is top notch. -Back seat big enough for a 280 pound