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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  Great in the mountains! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By The Outback Rocks - September 20 - 10:43 pm

  I have over 3000 miles on my 2011 Outback and have been very happy. It has a smooth quite ride with plenty of power for hills and passing other cars. The front seats are firm and comfortable for long trips and the rear seat room is the best on the market. I have taken it to the Sierra, in California, twice and it was very impressive. Driving up the steep grades was no problem and it handled the trails around Crowley Lake like a champ. The AC works well and keeps the inside cool and comfortable even when it’s well over 100 outside. There is enough space for a full size spare, which I added. I tried the hill assist mode on a steep hill and it worked as intended with no backward motion

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  2004 car of the year - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Josh - September 20 - 3:20 am

  This car is the funnest thing I have ever driven. I have wanted an STi since they came out in 1994 in every other country except the US. Everyone asked me what my favorite car was and I told them a Subaru Impreza WRX STi version 4 Type R. They were like huh and what the heck is that? Then in 2003 I found out they were coming to the US as a 2004 model WITH 300HP AND 300 FT.LBS!. Well, needless to say, I started saving my money up, but I got impatient and bought a nearly immaculate used 2004 with ridiculously low miles for a very good price. Why someone traded it in is beyond my comprehension.

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  Never thought I would be this happy - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By imedlee - September 20 - 2:00 am

  If you are thinking about buying a Legacy GT AWD LIMITED, I will be honest in saying you would be foolish not to buy this car. This car handles better than any car I have ever owned. It rides smooth, and its just a joy to own. It is fast, but not fast enough to road race by any means. Fast enough for me though. This car is just fun, fun, fun!!!

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  Snow, mud and backpacking - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tdxtys5rte - September 20 - 2:00 am

  As an outdoor person, the WRX wagon cannot be beat for the fun, usability, reliability and cargo. A mechanic by trade, I could not forego the reliability of Subaru when compared to its European counterparts. I have had it a little while now and still make excuses to drive to the store or any other reason to go out in the snow and play. With a rear sway bar kit from Hotchkis, the car, even as a wagon rotates perfectly on its second setting. Great car at a great price. Managed to get it for $21,900 with 16 miles on the clock from the dealer after several hours of negotiating. Couldnt recomend it higher at the price, functionality and fun factor.

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  The best car ever concieved - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Sniveley - September 20 - 2:00 am

  ItRocks!i love it. it needs more top end though. other than that it rocks. subaru should have rally options for when u purchase it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By F.Stipko - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my 2nd Outback and cannot express satisfaction enough. Very capable in heavy snow and wet rods. Naturally no vehicle is trustworthy on ice, but Ill take the Outback over some of my past four wheel drives Ive had regarding control of the unit. No need to worry about engaging in and out of four wheel drive as the All Wheel Drive is always there when you need it.

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  Love the assisted cruise control - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Patrick White - September 19 - 6:48 pm

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  Mountain lion/Battle tank - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Ashwin - September 19 - 1:36 pm

  This is the best AWD money can buy, I am so used to it now whenever I drive any other car it is always a comparison to an outback and everything else is disappointing, I specially like the solidly build chassis and suspension, wish there was little less body roll, I drove this car uphill in 1.5 feet of snow and it was like driving a battle tank, I love the sure footed handling, I tried a 4 wheel drive Passat and Volvo, BMW, Jeep, etc and nothing performs like it, I drove it in the mountains in Catskill all winter, I found many jeep 4x4 stuck in the same tracks as mine, love the robust engine. Cross country trip was so comfortable, no problems so far, I am at 100000 miles, VDC should be standard.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 19 - 12:33 am

  I live in snow country and NEVER need chains. The turbo delivers excellent performance with decent fuel economy (25 MPG highway).

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  Lovin it - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By SWN - September 18 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this to replace a Forester - 500 miles so far and I love it. Great lines, nice cockpit feel, handling is excellent. Very well equipped for a base model, including AWD and all Subarus standard safety features. 2007 base model dropped in price from last year due to them removing alloys, electric driver seat, rear cargo area cover...I dont need that, Id rather save $1500.