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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  It Rocks! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - January 7 - 4:53 pm

  This is my third Outback and this is a quantum leap over my 2001. Smooth, strong acceleration, great sport shift, good mileage, 20-22 mpg in town. Beautiful interior and paint. Love the firm but compliant suspension. New sunroof is big and now opens all the way. Looked at Lexus, Acura, Infiniti. Subaru beat them in all categories above, and about $8,000 dollars less. Do not exceed 4000 rpm for the first 1000 miles and use the accelerator sparingly and you will not be disappointed. After that, let her rip. I also own a pristine 2001 BMW 530 w/SP. Would rather drive the Subaru. The best value on the market.

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  Wanna another one - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Lunnzz - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the since 3 July 03 and have been enjoying the car ever since I got rid of one Subaru to get this one and am glad at the time it was the only one on the lot and I was leary about buying a demo but I had to have it. Although it does not get the best gas mileage it makes up for that in the fun to drive department. It has lots of power and my wife also enjoys driving it. The fact that it does not come with a radio or floor mats.But who wants to listen to a radio when you can listen to the boxer engine singing as you drive it on a twisty road.

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  Best all around value! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By My 1st Subaru - January 6 - 1:33 am

  Buy it if: You demand safety for your family, desire a legendary AWD system, want a fail-proof reliable engine that delivers steady power, and want to stretch your $ further Forget if if: You demand a 1st class interior with all the trimmings, cant stand plastic, desire a sophisticated luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle. BL: Subaru prides itself in designing reliable, safe vehicles and the 2009/2010 Forester lives up to that reputation; drive it and you just might fall in love with it!

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  Subaru Newbie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Birdboy - January 4 - 10:46 am

  The Forester handles well at all speeds. It is peppy and climbs hills well especially when in sport mode. Is relatively quiet. The gas mileage has been good so far. I got 28-30mpg driving speeds around 55-65. Cabin is both roomy and comfortable, except for passengers seat. Visability is excellent

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  Petruggio loves his Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Petruggio - January 3 - 6:36 pm

  The versatility of this vehicle is remarkable. One one day you can drive 1000 miles and get reasonable gas mileage. While driving you can enjoy excellent handling and very smooth highway driving. On the very next day you can haul and/or tow a reasonable amount of supplies and/or materials for various household projects. While the Baja is clearly not for everyone, the versatility this car offers is impressive. Further, the way this vehicle handles different driving conditions (e.g., snow, rain, rough terrain) is amazing.

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  All New Legacy - Feel The Love - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By First Subaru - December 31 - 6:23 pm

  Really impressed with this car. Solid and responsive. Great build quality, nice interior and good looking exterior. Safety ratings are outstanding all around. Plus Made in America in Indiana.

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  When youre uninspired by Accord/Camry - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By T Whyte - December 31 - 10:19 am

  Great value.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By John V. - December 31 - 3:25 am

  I dislike reviews of this vehicle/truck hybrid that say it is limited in functionality. If one needs to haul drywall, then get a truck. The Baja is an amazing vehicle with no problems after 12 years and 90,000 miles. Its fun to drive and looks great. I get offers to buy my car all the time, even though it is not for sale. My wife encouraged me to treat myself to a new car. I wont trade this Subaru in for even a Mercedes. I owned a business for 10+ years and this was the perfect vehicle to take the kids back and forth while hauling boxes and landscaping equipment in the back. The Baja is a collectors car. I own the yellow, which is sporty and fun. Oh yeah, other drivers cant miss seeing it.

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  Reliable, Safe, Nice Looking - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Sarah - December 30 - 12:40 pm

  I love my Forester. I find some of these reviewers asking for things that are available if you are able/willing to pay for it. I searched many other cars and found that Subarus AWD is by far the most reasonably priced. If you want a great stereo and lumbar support, dont go with the base. However, if you want decent payments on a reliable SUV, go for the base. It is a great vehicle that handles well, steering is responsive and I never feel as though my safety is compromised. I love my car.

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  two years old and still get the stares - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By james pinsky - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is safe in the rain and snow, fast, sexy and smooth. I live in LA where all the "NICE" cars are and I get looks (the car not me) every time I take her out and I have had the car for almost two years now. Sure the WRX is faster ... but it doesnt look half as nice.