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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  best ever - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By robert ranallo - March 25 - 10:00 am

  All wheel drive is execptional. You can take this car anyhwere, anytime in any weather with confidence. The handling is amazing with the all wheel drive coupled with the VDC at any speed.

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  Excellent car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By treich007 - March 24 - 8:33 pm

  Overall this car is the best car I have ever driven and I would never need a better car. The handling and power are simply amazing. The ONLY thing I would like different is the gear ratio (gears are too close together).

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  First new car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Frank - March 24 - 4:00 pm

  This is my first NEW car. I saw it driving one day about 9 months ago and knew I had to get one. Its definitely a fun car to drive. The only bad thing I can think of is I have a squeaky drivers seat, but besides that I love it.

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  Beach Buggy Delux - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By jhk008 - March 21 - 6:10 pm

  As a coastal geologist, I chose this vehicle to use in post-storm beach surveys. It has yet to be stuck in the sand...has hauled all the survey equipment I ever needed (plus 6 students in the bed and three more in the cab), gets great gas mileage, and has yet to have any major (or minor) maintenance issues. Did all the scheduled maintenance on time...had new brakes put on at 40K miles...still running on the original tires at 47K miles and have tread to spare. Recently used my beach buggy to haul 2 12 2X4s, 8 sheets of 3/4" CDX plywood, 2 square of shingles, and a roll of 30# felt...all in one trip. Ive pulled trailers and boats with no problems. Great car!

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  These are so much fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By John - March 21 - 6:03 pm

  I love this car i cant say one bad thing about it. Take one out for a drive and you will fall in love if you like the styling.

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  All Good - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By subie newbie - March 19 - 2:06 pm

  Have had it about 3 month about 5000 miles. The mileage keeps getting better with every tank full. Started at 28 mpg am now getting 30 mpg with a 30% city 70% highway driving. Been in 3 heavy snows and it handled great. Like everything about looks, comfort, mileage, handling its all good.

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  Im Sold - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Wayne Hartman - March 17 - 12:49 am

  Love the car. Love the ride. I love it more with every mile I drive.

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  Solid, no-nonsense vehicle. Good value. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By wolfie2 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Im six months and 13,000 miles into this subaru, and I cant say enough good things. It handles very well in all weather, the vehicle is well balanced, feels sturdy, has very natural interior controls, and good headlights. All the essentials are standard - ABS, cruise, power. If you want a no-nonsense vehicle, this is it. It does what its supposed to do, nothing more, and does it well. If youre sick of features that do nothing but cost you money down the road (VOLKSWAGEN! ARG!) then this is it.

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  I love my Impreza!!!!! - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By ryanlongacre - March 13 - 11:59 pm

  For years Ive been driving Toyotas. When it came time for me to buy a new car though, I wanted something different. I found the different in a brand new 2012 Subaru Impreza Premium. So far, it is AMAZING!!!! Ive never been excited about a car, but this Im pinching myself going, "Hey, this really is your car....this isnt a dream." I realize that Im still in the honeymoon phase, but I do plan to update this review in time to point out any problems or issues Ive come across.

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  The Best Small SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - March 13 - 9:43 pm

  This is hands down the best small SUV available on the market today. Great performance and excellent MPG for an AWD vehicle. Drove all of the competitors extensively and NONE of them comes close to the quality/features/performance and bang for the buck of the Forester. Feels extremely safe and secure on the road, yet is very fun to drive and a pleasure to ride in. I have owned many vehicles, and this is by far my favorite.