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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  this car rocks - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By brandon - May 2 - 10:00 am

  today is 10-06-02 and i got the car on the 3rd ( thursday )and i have already but 300 miles on it i cant be in it enough its so fun to drive i have the 5 speed edition and i am having so much fun in it you done need to speed or be crazy to have fun in it how great is that...!

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  My Green Bean - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Nathan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its my first Subaru and hopefully not my last - we love our Green LL Bean (aka the Green Bean) - Our Subaru has an excellent highway ride and comfortable seating. However, the V6 Edition needs a little more power and could use some work on the handling maybe Subaru could borrow the suspension from the WRX.

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  2016 WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Ron - April 30 - 12:07 pm

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  versatile communter - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Fredd - April 28 - 11:14 pm

  Engine gaskets and CV boots only real issues over 12 years. I have taken it cross country (Wash to Maine), non turbo struggles up hills at higher altitudes (Idaho, Montana), gearing is great for best gas mileage @ 65 mph, drops considerably when up at 75 mph handles rain or snow with aplomb. Subaru need to update design and make a newer model within the next few years so I can buy my final BAJA

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  Only a week - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By gar - April 28 - 8:51 pm

  I have been in the car a whole week. However, I am really happy I bought the Outback. Very comfortable, extremely quiet on the inside.... so far I think it is one special vehicle.

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  Green Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - April 28 - 3:43 pm

  I saw the car on the lot and fell in love with the color (Willow Green) for starters. Thought the flared fenders and rugged looks were awesome. I took it for a ride and the seamless power from 0 to 70 was awesome. It does have a few second delay when you step on it so If you are counting on the 250 horses to make up for the close pull out in traffic, think before you put your nose out there. The huge sunroof is a bit chattery when closed and almost impossible to have open while going over 50 from the wind noise. I tried to buy a sunroof deflector from the dealer and the one listed ONLY fits the sedan, not the wagon.

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  Second Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Phil - April 27 - 9:46 am

  Had a 2000 Forester and replaced it with the 2005 after looking at CRV, RAV4 and Sportage. Though few visible changes, I can see great improvements over the 2000 model in mileage, acceleration and interior trim. This is my third Subaru and they cant be beat for cold climates.

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  Virgin2 Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By silencedogoode - April 26 - 9:32 am

  After over 25 faithful years to UAW built car, that was it. GM left me hang again. I first bought a 97 Corolla, too small, and bad on the northern Michigan snow. I spotted my 09 Outback, blue with silver on the bottom online, and went for a test drive. I admit,,I had pudding face. Its now late 2011, my used 09 with 24K mi drives better than my Trailblazer did new. I have owned this car all summer, and love driving it. MPG is 28-29 hwy, and I am ready for another road trip. I will buy a brand new Outback as soon as Subaru improves the look over the 2012. Thats one ugly stepchild to the 05-09. Never fear leaving the UAW behind.

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  Great Car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By vallyo - April 26 - 2:59 am

  Ive the car for 3 weeks now and I can tell one thing I dont why so many reviews complain about the 2.5 liter engine. Its working fine for me. my other car is a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and I am used to CVT it it a little different but still a good transmission. It corners really good for such a tall vehicle and it is almost as fun to drive as the Kizashi. Overall I cant think of something I dont like about the car. I am so happy that Subaru finally realized that the appearance matters.

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  Awesome - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By kevykev - April 25 - 2:00 am

  There is no other car like it. Best bang for the buck and it looks too sweet. I have had no major problems with the car.