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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  The best STI yet - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxlep - June 27 - 4:30 pm

  This is my third STI. So far it is my favorite! It is more grown up now, which is perfect for someone that has graduated from the blue interior and giant wing (which I STILL love). The hatch is really great for hauling around stuff or for a guy with a family. The car has lost a little edge from the old one, but for my needs, its for the better. I do recommend a 3M clear bra as the water based paint is still not as durable as it should be and rock chips WILL happen. The car is a little more incognito because of the new shape and isnt quite as much of a cop magnet.

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  Very Nice Car,.. from Day One - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Iowa Man - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and was second owner. Car Drives Great on Gravel Roads and hugs the road.. Has All Wheel Drive and its a Perfect Car for Winter Driving both on/ off Road. Heated Seats, Auto, Great Heat n Air Car at 190,000 miles , drives like New. Like all Midwestern and Northern Cars/ trucks.. problem with corrosion around wheel wells. Dash board Check Engine Light is Very Sensative to Gas Cap n little things that make it come on n off, but doesnt affect fun & Strong driving of this Car. Car will Drive over 400,000 miles before dying...

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  What a great car... - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Cabriniman - June 27 - 6:43 am

  This is such a great car! I have been looking for an all-around performer that is easy on the wallet and this is it. I dont know of any other cars in which you get a four door, turbo charged, all wheel drive, reliable, and super fun ride for around $23,000. I test drove a 2005 WRX last summer and was sorely disappointed. Way too much turbo lag. The 2006 virtually eliminates that problem and you have more choices. I love that this car is a "stealth speeder" without the spoiler too. This car has a great ride and handles well. I actually get decent gas mileage too (25-27 regularly). I highly recommend at least a test drive as I was completely blown away with the 2006!

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  Awesome - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wht93gt - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I dont even own one of these cars. I went to the dealer, and a younger guy came out to help me. He then offered to take it for a test drive!!!!! It was about a half hour before closing and he wanted to kill some time. While I was driving he said to me, "dont be a girl, give it some gas. this is a performance car." so thats what I did. All I can say is WOW. I have a 93 Mustang GT and the STI will destroy it. When the rpms hit about 2000, it feels like you just got shot out of a cannon. The car is absolutly mind- blowing. Im now trying to find things to sell, so that I can afford an STI.

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  SpecB is Tremendous - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Fizxman_37 - June 25 - 6:06 pm

  Traded in a Mazda 6s 5speed for the Legacy SpecB. Subaru is superior to the Mazda in ride quality, comfort, fit and finish inside the car, and certainly performance. Few vehicles perform like this one does while treating driver and passengers to such a pleasant riding experience. I like the styling, too. Understated is fine by me - it is no fun driving a "cop magnet"! My experience has been spectacular so far!

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  Best Subi Ever! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By RIchard Wurster - June 22 - 8:07 pm

  Did tons of research before buying a new car. Since cars are so expensive wanted one that would last long and was reliable. In the end it came down to Toyota, Honda and Subaru. All are very reliable. Subaru has the best resale value. Was set on a crosstrek when I decided to test drive a Forester. Three things made my choice. The incredible vision, no other car I drove came close, the added power, and the ample room to carry cargo. Also the back seats are roomy and actually recline a bit. Im 6 and feel comfortable in the back seats. I like prefer the styling on the forester because similar cars that look sportier have roofs that slope down cutting down on storage and visibility. I down do rock crawling but I like to drive into the mountains to take photos, this car can go almost anywhere. Service roads and trails are no problem. I opted for the turbo for the added power for freeway driving, also comes with almost everything, only option is eyesight. Subarus trailer hitch is great but expensive. I didnt buy a forester to race around I bought because of practicality and reliability, that being said I love driving it. While many cars corner better, this car can handle swerves and avoidance maneuvers better than anything I have test driven or owned, the AWD is amazing.

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  Excellent car, MT5 - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By martinfurman - June 22 - 5:10 am

  Chose it over TSX and Mazda6 5dr TSX has Nav and Stab Control, Mazda has functional and sporty hatch. But this has AWD, hood-scoop, great styling. I cant detect the handling problems mentioned in CR at the limits. (Maybe that is an Auto trans problem)

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  Fozzy! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Mark Manalili - June 21 - 10:21 pm

  Great price forthe features. Eyesight is a great feature to have. Went for a test drive at Subaru Santa Monica, immediately decided this is the right SUV for my family. My wife and my kids approved it!

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jeffm55 - June 21 - 4:26 pm

  Weve had the car about 3 weeks & took it on a 900 mile road trip last week. Got 29.5 MPG at 65 MPH. Smooth, quiet ride on most roads. Enough power to pass, go up hills, etc. Very comfortable drivers seat & good in rear. Good visibility front & sides, not so good to rear. We got a backup camera, so this helps greatly. Great looking interior. Great fit & finish. On the downside, over assisted steering at highway speeds. Front passengers seat cannot be adjusted for height.

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  Excellent acceleration! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Andi Foti - June 21 - 6:44 am

  This is a great car with super acceleration and tons of safety features. I love the lane assist, adaptive cruise control and all of the safety features. It does not sit as high up as my previous Toyota Highlander but I have a clear good view of the road. The backup camera and light is very good however note that the Reverse Braking Assist does not recognize everything.