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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  Going Up - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By QuickTM - February 18 - 11:06 am

  I have a cabin in the mountains, and I need AWD for the winter. I recently went up for the weekend only to see Cars coming down the mountian with their flashers on (because of snow) however my little subie handled perfectly with out a slip. I thought I would be getting better gas mileage than I am, only getting about 26-28 on the highway (must be my lead foot). There is nothing bad about the car that relatively cheap aftermarket gear cant fix --talking about shifter knobs and tint not expensive body kits.

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  Great subcompact SUV - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Steve F - February 18 - 8:27 am

  Just picked up the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with power moonroof and Eyesight for my wife. We also have a 2016 Forester XT and love that vehicle so we knew how great Subaru is for our region here in the Northwest. This is a fantastic smaller crossover and since we don’t have kids, it’s plenty roomy. Adding some cross bars and kayak racks and tinting the windows, what a cool ride! Dig the Apple Car Play too!

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  New Favorite - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Chase - February 18 - 7:06 am

  Previously owned 2 Audis. Would probably never buy another one. Just as good a car, if not better, for $15K less.

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  The car ive wanted since i was 16... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx420 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car...though, im pretty biased. Its quick, fun to drive, handles great...super tight. The interior is sleek and the 6-Disk in dash is very nice. If the engine holds up for another 200,000 miles ill have lived a happy life.

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  a great suvon "suv wagon" - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By letsgoyankees - February 17 - 2:23 pm

  A very fun car to drive. Great performance on wet and dry roads once you get a set of good tires on. Gas milage is not that bad for the amount of power you get. Great visibality for merging into traffic.

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  Fun and Functional - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Longhorn - February 15 - 10:56 pm

  Looks great, controls well laid out, incredible visibility, love the panoramic sun roof, comfortable and feel safe, sticks to the road like glue, good storage capacity, fun to drive. Turbo is a must, the standard 4 cylinder is underwhelming.

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  Very impressed! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Michael&Mary - February 15 - 9:03 pm

  We purchased this car without seeing one (saw pictures) and without test driving one. Big mistake! No way! This car is so much fun to drive. Plenty of power for a four cylinder even with the air conditioner on. Lots of leg room in the front, back might be a little tight for a tall person. Controls are simple and easy to find. Seats are comfortable and easy to maneuver. Radio is satisfactory. The safety features are excellent The car handles very well. Lots of car for the money.

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  My Car - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By John Brown - February 15 - 9:25 am

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  great car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By kinjox - February 15 - 2:00 am

  wanted one when i heard they were coming out, glad that i bought it and will enjoy it.

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  Subaru WRX review - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By EricD1983 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I have recently purchased the new WRX and have loved it since I drove it off the lot. This car will satisfy anyones needs because its both fast and reliable