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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  No Comparison - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By employee446 - July 17 - 6:33 pm

  Subaru steps up the mid-size legacy inside and out. We own an 05 and were looking for something with more room, luxury features and interior. Researched so many vehicles. Wanted AWD for safety so we looked to Audi and BMW to compare. This car is great on the things that matter. Comfortable, safe, great on fuel economy and striking looks. Limited package is definitely worth the price.

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  Subaru Forester XT after 9 months - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By BCJ - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  Best car I have ever driven. Goes down hills like a spider climbing down a wall. Takes off like a rocket, have to watch myself on the acceleration. You think you are light on the pedal and next thing you know the rest of the traffic is a block behind you after the light changes.

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  Buy a WRX - best fun ever - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By aford - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Fanastic power and handling. Great reliability. Best legal fun available. If you want a sports car with the power, bulid quality and sheer fun you could buy an expensive german car but why bother the WRX matches the M3 in almost every factor for half the price.

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  Great Car To BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By sillie008 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  If any of you out there like SPEED, PERFORMANCE and MODIFICATIONS! Should go ahead get this car, even with standard manufactures specs it will make you go WOW.......^_^ Also, there are so many aftermarket mod parts out there that will really amaze you if you want to put in a little more .........

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  BIG CHANGE FOR ME - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Lonnie Donaldson - July 12 - 2:28 pm

  Solid car, not a sports car, but acceleration is ok. Took a 1100 mile trip, drove in hard rain and winds for 2/3 of the distance and handled both well. Traded in a 2011 Avalon, so had to adjust to stiffer ride and a little more noise.

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  No Regrets - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Danny Jung - July 12 - 1:23 am

  Like everyone, I test drove the others CRV, RAV4, but decided on the Forester ultimately for its AWD and safety reputation. Ive driven it for 3 months now and it definitely has been an overall positive experience. It feels great when driving in wet/snowy conditions...this alone makes it worth the purchase. Yes, there is a rattle in the back that my dealership is working on and the radio could be a bit more powerful...but other than that Im quite satisfied. I get 24 mpg mixed city/highway, which Im happy with. Hopefully Ill be one those loyal Subie fans.

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  My 3k mile trip - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By joseph sherman - July 11 - 11:30 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Outback 4/30/2009. I traded my 1999 Outback. I bought the new Outback because I got a great deal and I didnt look forward to 3k miles in the very uncomfortable 99 Outback driver seat. I have only one complaint about my new Outback. The cruise control is anemic! The cruise control in my 99, the car raced up hills regardless of incline or elevation. In this car, it acts like "the little engine who couldnt". Climb performance is affected by incline and/or elevation. On descent, it has trouble holding assigned speed. The cruise control is hit or miss in the mountains and on medium to steep inclines. Otherwise, the car is great and all Id hoped it would be... so far.

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  Awesome mini-SUV with capable engine - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By faster_1 - July 11 - 3:19 pm

  Finally found guts to get rid of my "Thirsty Elephant on hormones" - 2006 Jeep Commander. Both me and my wife love everythng about Outback and the 3.6 really moves it. Leather quality comparable only to Infinity. Everything is where it is expected to be. My only couple of little gripes are: (1) Cant raise the back glass (need to pop the entire door) which I find pretty irritating especially if you need to bring a few 10 ft 2x4s from Home Depot. (2) Also, it is strange that only drivers side mirror has one-touch up feature and you need to hold the button full time to close the passenger windor. But otherwise, it is a blast to drive. No regrets whatsoever. Get a 3.6R for sure!

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  2011 Outback Limited 2.5i - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Phil - July 10 - 12:46 pm

  I traded a Cadillac CTS and the Outback drives and feels better on the road than the Cadillac. I love the CVT as there is no shift at all.

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  A Great Performance Bargain - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vincenzo18 - July 9 - 7:36 pm

  The Subaru Forester has been a fantastic car. This car is very quick and can do a 0-60 sprint in just 7.5 seconds. The steering is very responsive, well waited, and stays absolutely flat during cornering. There is no need to get a reversing camera with this car because its got excellent visibility. If you decide to go with the Turbo you have an extreme need for speed, because the non-turbo is faster than most 6 cylinders. This car is a on road performer but does not disappoint in snow or ice. This car might not be the best cargo carrier, but if your looking for a wagon thats really fast and performance oriented there is no other car that will do it better.