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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  My Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Myrddin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Although this car was chosen by my wife, I can say I really enjoy driving it.. It really shines when the road is slick.. Two winters have proven its the car to have when the going gets slippery.. Mileage on long trips is has been in the 27MPG range when crusing at highway speeds.. The only drawbacks have been the placement of some controls, especially the seat heat switchs.. They are frequently turned on when you set some down between the seats.. All in all when it comes time to replace this vehicle we will get another Suberu...

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  Fantastic Forester! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By BaldBabs - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle!!!! Its very comfortable and handles great. Ive never had one problem with it ever!! I only wish it got a bit better gas milage but Im happy to spend a little more on gas and have All Wheel Drive. I used to clutch the steering wheel in wet weather but now I feel completely safe and in control. Love the Subaru and the support staff is knowledgable and friendly.

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  Luv it so far - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By AM - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  Only 1800 miles so far and besides the gas mileage, I love the SUV. Have the Nav system and never knew how helpful it would be. Like sitting up high. Like the secure feel of the airbags and cage.

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  love it - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By grocerygetten - January 25 - 9:23 pm

  I love this car. Got 8 inches of snow 1 week after I bought it, and it was great. Handles like a dream. Im over 6 foot and have plenty of room. Looks great too. I feel very safe in this car. Had a small S.U.V. before and was afraid it would tip over, not in my new Subaru. A very fun to drive car.

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  09 WRX 265 - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By noels - January 25 - 8:13 pm

  I am former Lexus IS 300 owner and wanted a similar sporty sedan. I am utterly impressed with the value this vehicle provides. I like how this package has everything you need without needing to purchase any extras for increased costs. Reasonably priced Japanese built car with amazing performance and decent looks. You cant go wrong and throw in the AWD while your at it. Pound for pound this blows my IS 300 out of the water with much greater value. The interior was nicer in the Lexus IS 300 but thats it.

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  Stand out of the crowd! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Incubus - January 24 - 11:30 am

  I wasnt really looking for a Subaru, altough I always liked the style; but I test drove one at a dealer almost by coincidence and that was it. I did what you are not supposed to: fall in love with the car. If you want to stand out of the crowd using regular and common Camrys, Accords, and Altimas, this is the car for you. Fun to drive, excellent handling, sporty style, and the AWD is excellent for my city where we get a lot of snow. A little bit small interior for big guys (Im 6 and I dont have much room left). Im impressed with the mpg given the AWD capabilities. Now I understand why some people say "once you get into a Subaru, youll never leave".

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  Rally Inspired Sports Wagon - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By MattS413 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Unbelieveable mix of power and comfort. The ultimate sports car under $25,000 with 0-60 in just under 6 seconds. Fast, fun and with the wagon makes it very practical.

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  Not So Boring Subaru - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By L Mortpn - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car for the money, safety, features, fuel economy, and price.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By aflier - January 23 - 1:13 am

  We are a two car family and use the Outback for around town as well as much freeway driving. The car performs beautifully in all conditions. Good feeling of security and reliability. The car is a basic 4 and we got 28 mpg on regular gas. This is our fifth Subaru and so far it is the best.

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  Awesome ride - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jeff Moss - January 22 - 10:23 pm

  This is truly a fabulous vehicle. I am a true Subaru customer over the years I have owned a Subaru Brat, Legacy, and now the B9 Tribeca and it truly performs. Not only is it fun to drive, it is well made and very reliable. I would recommend and purchase another but I simply do not want to part with mine.