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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  Good So Far - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By glj - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Only have 1200 miles on it, but I love it. Sold a Ford Ranger to get this because it suits my needs better. Turbo really gives it some power. Id recommend the turbo. Features and build of the car are solid.

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  Best value in its class. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Mitnik - December 22 - 9:43 pm

  After 2 years of researching the Outback and its competition, I concluded: You simply can not buy another vehicle with a 6 cylinder engine, AWD, and the safety features for less money. I now have 2,000 miles on my 3.6 R Limited and can say the handling is above average, the engine is smooth with plenty of power and the CVT (tranny) flawlessly transfers the power to the wheels. I have not had any problems so far. I saved $3,000 by not getting the "eye-site" package. Really, as long as I have half a brain, I dont need it - especially at that price. You can get a very good Garmin for about $200 if you really need one and I live in the dessert so a sun roof would just bake me. In todays ugly car world, the Outback also looks great next to its competitors. I expect to get at least 200,000 miles out of this car. CONS?: Doors should auto-lock and an extra cup holder that pops out of the dash would be a good idea.

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  Love this car!! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By birrell111 - December 22 - 7:25 pm

  Solid roomy car... quality build and great looks. A winner.

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  tips on equipping - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By twolvesfan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  i expected to buy an impreza wrx wagon for its performance, but ended up with the forester X instead. what really helps this car stand out is its space and utility (five people plus one bike fit comfortably inside over a three hour car ride), and its interior (far superior to the impreza, finish almost comparable to a luxury car). a little underpowered, but can still comfortably weave through highway traffic when needed. nothing you cant live without. get the pop equip pkg. also request the armrest extension; you wont know where to put your right arm without it.

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  2003 Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Mike - December 21 - 8:50 am

  This has been one of the best cars that I have purchased. The quality and reliability are great.

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  BEST CAR Ive EVER OWNED! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By PJ Delp - December 20 - 4:54 am

  This is the second 3.6r that Ive owned. Love the 6 cylinder, the pick up is quick and efficient. Comfortable, loaded with lots of technology, fun to drive. Comfortable for long rides, plenty of room and very stylish. You cant go wrong buying this car. They keep their value. I just sold my 2010 with 60,000 miles on it for 15,000.00. Happy driving.

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  Road trips across USA - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By colt - December 19 - 1:23 pm

  Took the 07 Forester on a X-country trip. Beginning in IN, traveled a total of 7,000 miles thru St Dak, Montana, ID, Wash, Ore, CA, and Nevada. From the snow in Montana to the desert in Death Valley the car was able to handle temperature extremes from 120 to 32 degrees! In Death Valley, the only problem experienced was a slight overheating and a need to turn the air conditioner off. Solved the problem, but made for a very warm journey through the valley!

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  Fun in Idaho - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By brs - December 19 - 7:43 am

  Took my 03 outback sedan in for service when I decided to take a look at the new legacy. Test drove one and fell in love. Dealer got one for me in 5 days. This is my 3rd sub and the best yet. Was looking at other vehicles to replace the 03 because of leg room issues and better gas mileage. But, after the test drive I was sold. Subaru finally made a car for taller people and better gas mileage. I thought going from the 3.0 h6 engine to the new CVT may leave me wishing for the bigger engine but, this new CVT is great/mileage. I only wish Subaru still made the "Outback Sedan". Better ground clearance in Idaho winters.

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  First of many roadtrips - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By TheFirstRule - December 18 - 5:43 pm

  Took the two week old Impreza on its first road trip. Nearly 1300 miles and pulled about 30 mpg the whole way. A/C worked great in 100+ degree heat. Clutch is still a little stiff, but that should loosen up after a while. I would highly recommend this car if you need an AWD. I live in Tahoe and cant wait to see how it does in the snow.

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  Smile - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Kypho - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I havent stopped smiling since the day I picked it up. I ordered White w/ silver wheels so I could be inocuous yea right, with a superbird spoiler and a hood scoop the size of the Holland Tunnel. VERY fast, stops as good as it goes too. Excellent handling with tons of gawking factor. I get comments everywhere. Youd have to spend two or three times as much $ to achieve this level of automotive panache (Mitsu Evo excepted), and even then the STi would cause serious embarrassment for the "high rollers". This is the very serious car with extremely high limits that can get you out of trouble as easily as it got you into it. It invites serious driving and