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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  WHEELS DOWN - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Sharon - March 16 - 8:23 am

  I traded in a Land Rover and I am ecstatic about my new Subie! The gas mileage alone makes me want to drive more. I customized it with my Yakima rack system and a few stickers and it is now ready for the trek across the country. I cant wait for the drive.

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  Disappointed with Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By John Barrer - March 16 - 4:13 am

  Stiff and awkward. poor visibility out back sides. small cargo area.

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  Fun, affordable, and practical! - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By dunebuggy72 - March 15 - 8:42 pm

  Was in the market for a non fwd car, manual trans, and a useable back seat for under 30k. Very few cars to choose from, but thankfully Subaru exists! Great power, just the boost takes some getting used to.Steering is tight with great feel.Very comfortable seats and visabilty front and rear is great.

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  A great compromise - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By TallahasseePete - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car to replace a Bronco II. It was great in Buffalo snow, on the interstates, and in the Adirondack woods. Seriously sorry to trade it, but we need a pickup truck and cant justify two vehicles.

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  New to Subaru - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Steve - March 14 - 1:36 pm

  This is my first new car. In the past I have owned Hondas, and up until a few weeks ago, I thought I would still own a Honda, but after driving the 07 WRX, I was hooked. The performance is THE best for the price, I love the interior and the seats, the steering is crisp, the transmission is smooth, the brakes are awesome, Im getting better mileage than I thought with a turbo, 25-26 mpg, especially considering the way I have been driving it, and I cant get the grin off my face everytime I think about getting back in it. I am new to Subaru, and Honda set the bar high since that is all I have owned in the past 10 years. All I can say is, I am extremely pleased with my purchase.

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  My First and Only Subaru - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Kerensa - March 14 - 7:14 am

  I absolutely loved this car when I had it. I owned it close to 3 years. I needed an AWD vehicle, but I was hesitant to venture into the SUV world just yet. Besides normal maintenance on the vehicle, I literally had no problems with it. I just had to upgrade to something bigger so I was able to see out of it better.

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  This is the ultimate driving machine! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By J Camacho - March 12 - 11:02 pm

  Gas mileage depends on how much you step on the pedal, the car is fast.

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  Good solid car - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mark - March 11 - 9:03 am

  Owned a 2003 Forester until it was totaled in an accident. The safety design of the car was a selling point and paid off. I never had any problems with the car and dont expect any from my new Outback. The Basic comes loaded, so a higher version just buys luxury items. I think Subaru is trying to compete with the Audi and Volvo AWD sports sedans/wagons. I did not drive them, but the Outback Basic in comparison is a good value. Edmunds true cost to own statistics is a good tool. Even though it doesnt have the lowest total cost, a low purchase price and using Subaru rewards brings the cost down. Two months driving and no problems except the lift gate rattled over bumps. Dealer fixed it.

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  SWEEEET RIDE! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By MD - March 10 - 6:56 pm

  I just purchase this vehicle only 2 weeks ago. My first tank of fuel I drove 402 miles. I purchased this vehicle because my Nissan Pathfinder lease was up and I wanted a car with AWD and solid fuel economy for the Rocky Mts. It hauls up I-70 no problem. I was able to put all my Thule gear on top and still fit a my wife and two small children in the car with ease. The 5-speed is the only way to go with this ride due to the drag in the auto. I am surprised of all the complements I receive when I drive this car around. It is low on ego and fun to drive! It has the upgraded sound system which puts out plenty of bass and drowns out the noise of the roof rack.

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  Tons of Fun and Practicality for 23 G - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By LenEun - March 10 - 10:00 am

  This is one demonic wagon. Addictive turbo boost and handling that comes alive at speed. You can blast into a 25mph corner at 60mph in rain and it wont lose that AWD grip. Just so much fun to drive, yet theres more cargo room than a CamCord, that is if you dont care for the backseat. Yes, the overall refinment is not up to the 25G mark and its not the fastest car under 25G anymore either, but when you have this much fun and practicality, you have to give up something. So if you want refinement and some fun, get an RSX or a Mazda6. If you just wanna go fast, get an SRT4. But for me, this is the perfect combo of everything I need, plus some more.