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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  Bank the Buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By CoreySTi04 - March 3 - 6:06 pm

  As a previous owner of a WRX and frequent passenger in an Evo. I can say that I made the right decision. Subaru build quality is excellent. The aceleration of this car is unlike any other on the street. With just a turbo back exhaust I have the car running 12.7 1/4 mile times. Thats Corvette country and that makes Evos disappear in the rearview mirror. The ride quality is not as good as the WRX but better than the Evo, but that is to be expected from a race ready car. The interior puts the Evo to shame. Gauges are great . The Evo seats are better than the STi, the STi seats are better than the WRX. The 6MT is far better than the WRX or Evo shifter. Short shifter is a great add-on

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  What they say is true - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By RAS3 - March 3 - 2:10 pm

  I took delivery of a plain, no-frills, 5 door, 5 sp 08 WRX this past Monday. It isnt as "solid" (heavy) or quiet or plush as my old car. In fact, I have a strong sense of deja-vu with a 78 Corolla we once owned. It isnt a hard riding racer. It is a simple car that is very comfortable, quicker than most and a whole lot of FUN. The more I drive it, the more I like it. I was shocked by my first tanks mileage, then I realized that if I got off the boost once in a while, I really could get 22.5 mpg in town.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chris - March 3 - 2:46 am

  Purchased as Company Car under reimbursement program... love 6 cyl engine, and height off ground. Feel very safe commuting long distances. Purchased for safety factor yet am impressed with comforts like excellent heated cloth seats, and bluetooth ease of use. Also get many comments on look & style... wife just got luxury SUV that costs twice as much yet we seem to drive the Subaru equally as often!

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  Definitely a Rally Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By djbii - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Incredibly fast with great handling, though road grip is best during acceleration-- it diminishes when easing off the gas. Still, the car easily takes ramps or highway curves 25 MPH above signs. Very limited body roll. No tire screech with the stock "summer" tires and AWD. Torque is fair at 1500 (5th gear is possible at 20 MPH). Impressive torque above 2500. Seats are a bit hard for long rides (1 hour +). The suspension is very stiff-- moves over rolling roads (barely noticeable bounce) but absorbs potholes / rough pavement very little (even small ones are obvious). The inside comfort is limited-- but then this is a rally car.

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  Unique and Solid - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Marks - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Almost 2 years of driving my first Subaru have sold me on the brand. This is a great little car. One might wish it to be a little longer, with more legroom front and back, but I picked it out and I knew what I was getting, so no complaints there. My 62" height just barely fits the drivers position - a taller person would have trouble. I have been very impressed by the smooth quiet engine. I would say it has not merely adequate, but "plenty" of power for average driving. And the brakes are the best I have ever driven. So far, there has been not one problem requiring dealer attention. A great car for driving in inclement, snowy weather!

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  I LOVED my Outback!!!! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Kt - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Outback so much. I bought it even though it broke the bank, but it had all the features I could ever want on it. I drove this car in 18" of snow and did not get stuck AT ALL!!!!

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  Best All Wheel Drive compact car - 2015 Subaru Impreza
  By Raghavan Mani - March 2 - 12:06 am

  I have been a big fan of Mazda 3 and for the sake of All Wheel Drive due to heavy snow in North east, I changed to Subaru Impreza Manual transmission. Very happy that I bought this. No regrets for leaving Mazda 3 (except of road noise which is more in subaru, but the driving stability of Subaru Impreza is incomparable). I used to be very scared of snow driving and now I enjoy driving when its snowing. Subaru Impreza is the best All Wheel drive system and the car is absolutely stable and has the best traction. I can change lanes in highways when snowing without a bit of shaking even when there is slurry. I enjoy the worst snow by driving. Unbelievable.

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  Awesome Performance Car!! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By David - March 1 - 5:46 am

  It is an exciting ride and handles like a race car. The suspension is Subarus new double wishbone rear suspension. Great improvement over previous years. Great acceleration and top speed. The WRX is such an great value for the money you pay!!!

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  Subaru Outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Craig Meldrum - March 1 - 2:31 am

  Car has everything that you could possibly want for safety and convenience. On the highway it can practically drive itself.

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  Great Subaru...if you can still get one! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Matt - February 27 - 2:33 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a small SUV and new we wanted to look at a Forester. We started with a test drive of the new 09 Forester. We were really dissapointed. They just changed it too much. Luckily for us, the dealer still had a few new 08 Foresters on the lot. We snapped one up for $4K off of the sticker price. We love the look of the 08 better, and the front seats were much more comfortable. This car has plenty of power and good gas mileage for an AWD car. We couldnt be happier.