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 Car, Great Value - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By riverdriver - August 4 - 4:35 pm

  We traded our 2014 Outback for a 2015 and it is a completely different car. This car is much closer to the Volvo we traded for the 2014 at a fraction of the cost. Things we like: - It handles and tracks great - No jackrabbit starts like the throttle on the 2014 - No harsh suspension feedback like on the Volvo - Quieter ride - Big improvement in the GPS/infotainment system. Improved ergonomics of controls. - Great fuel efficiency for this sized vehicle - Better than my 4WD truck in snow and slippery conditions. - We continue to find features we didnt realize it had.

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  First Rue, and wont be the last! - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By nhrue - August 4 - 3:11 pm

  I had originally decided on the Mitsubishi Lancer, due to its selective AWD and its warranty. Upon making an appointment to purchase a Lancer I had a moment of second guessing and decided I would just go down to the local Subaru Dealer to look at some sticker prices. I found the sticker prices were the same for a Subaru Impreza Limited as it was going to be for a Lancer SE with more way more options installed on the Subaru. It also has an EPA rating of 7mpg more than the Mitsubishi. I went to the dealer a couple of days later to test drive the Impreza and was impressed by its features, handling, speed and build quality. Bought the undercoating and extended warranty, happy with my decision!

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  New car - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Susan broyer - August 4 - 9:57 am

  Much more luxurious than one would imagine. Very quiet drive.

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  Subaru finally has technology - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By mflook17 - August 3 - 9:11 am

  I live in Michigan and this is my third Outback. Last winter we got 190 inches of snow, we live in the middle of the forrest up a hill, on a dirt road, and we never ONCE got our driveway plowed and these Subarus are the only things that get up it. (No not even those over rated Jeep Grand Cherokees) This 2015 model is outstanding. I have the limited 6-cylinder model and it is very quick. It does 0-60 in just over 7 seconds and the engine noise has been COMPLETELY taken away (Once you get up around 70 mph the side-mirros create a little wind noise). The inside of the car has complete changed. The 7 inch touchscreen display is amazing and the voice control is even better. The whole car is 100%.

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  One hell of a Sports Wagon!!! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MrTran - August 3 - 3:33 am

  This car will pin you to your seat and pin a big fat grin to your face while doing it. Becareful, way to fun to drive, may get you in lots of trouble with the law. I love this car,sports demon, rocketship, whatever you want to call it!!! thats all I have to say.

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  Love the Subaru WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Kyletran - August 3 - 1:26 am

  I bought this car few month ago with 89000 miles on it at the small dealer in Norco and drove it home with happiness. The car still run great and powerful that surprise me and i dont have any problem with it at all until now. I love Subaru and love how they build the car that can last forever.

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  world performer - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By xfd - August 2 - 2:00 am

  One of the best all around performance cars in the world...for a bargain. Most cars of this level cost 2 to 3 times the price. Also very good detail work like the STi logo on the tail pipe... as for everything else lets just say.. you can take it to the race track right out of the box!!

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  Well engineered, manufactured car for city/Sierra - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jeff Puschell - August 1 - 12:25 am

  Shop around

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  2005 2.5 RS wagon - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By AB - July 31 - 7:56 pm

  I dont know how anyone looking for an economical AWD vehicle doesnt grab this one immediately. I have no problems, although I do believe that at 50,000k I shouldnt have any problems. Fact is a lot of cars do have issues after a few kms. I live in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, and during one of our largest snow storms in recent times, I was out having fun and watching all the people in regular cars, digging pushing and swearing. This car has been rock solid, the one single complaint I have is the paint, it is not terrible, just would think it could be more rugged, but then again, its my first new car and scuffs show up easier.

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  WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By mine - July 30 - 4:10 pm

  This car kicks ass