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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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By R.E.Rodzwic - December 18 - 11:46 pm

  This is my third Subaru (I have a 2005 Legacy & 2006 VDC); traded in a 2002 VDC. Its remarkable in the snow, went through 17"( tires were Dunlop Winter Sport). Its comfortable and fast. Fun to drive with the sport shift. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Best compact SUV available for the price - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By accupolka - December 18 - 7:26 pm

  We chose the 2009 Subaru Forester over the 2008 Honda CRV in that I like the exterior design better, especially enjoying the large rear windows. During test drives, the Forester has good acceleration, whereas the Honda CRV struggled to get up to speed. The CRV has a slightly better interior with upgraded cloth seats in the EX model. I dont like the fact that you need to buy Subaru accessories separately after purchasing the vehicle. But, overall, the Subaru won me over.

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  Lots of Room and Lots of Fun - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By AZWolfpack - December 18 - 3:10 am

  I have never owned a Subaru and never thought much about them but I stumbled upon this model after re-reading an older preview in Car and Driver. I went for the test drive and loved the car. There was plenty of room for 3 kids in the back seat and the wife liked everything about the car also. Big trunk, lots of headroom (Im 65"), and fun to drive. Its hard to find a manual transmission these days but this has it and rowing your own is my preference. The car is very quick and there is little noise except from the tires which I can live with (and get some quieter ones when these wear out). Cant go wrong with this car.

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  Great! - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By gdb85 - December 17 - 11:57 pm

  I really enjoy driving this car. It looks great and I like the features it has. This is my first car that has four wheel drive and it makes such a difference when driving during winter weather. Its amazing!

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  Happy with my first Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Celia - December 14 - 3:26 pm

  We have only had the Forester for one month, but it has met all of initial expectations. Getting 27 - 28 mpg with mixed city and highway driving, with AC blowing in Texas heat, & driving the speed limit. Thought that I would own a RAV4 forever, but once they enlarged the size, I went looking elsewhere for the best combination of a 4 cylinder car, safety, & fuel economy. Ended up trading a Tacoma for it, and have not missed the truck as the roof rack & interior can handle what we used the truck for. Also purchased a Honda Fit at the same time to use as in-town car for better mpg, and are very pleased with this combination. But on highways/in rain, we definitely prefer the Forester!

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  Legacy GT - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By marcon33 - December 12 - 11:46 am

  The real fun with this vehicle can be found on winding roads around Mt Rainier where the Supersport mode provides some real g forces. The other place is on open country roads free of risk where you can wind up that boxer engine in sport mode. It is a real surprise to passengers when they get pressed in the seat for 5 or 6 seconds with its most excellent acceleration. Of course, it is the manual transmission that makes it so fun.

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  Ive never loved a car so much! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Kitty - December 12 - 4:36 am

  I could not be happier with my new legacy! The car is gorgeous inside and out with a thoughtful design and high end features one would find in a luxury sedan. Some of my favorite features include the moonroof, heated seats, and leather interior. The car handles beautifully. The AWD really grips the road on turns and the car handles like a German sedan with great road feel. The car also has ample power, it accelerates nimbly on the highway and from a stop, especially in sport mode. The cabin is very tight and very quiet, theres no rattling or noise. Overall, I am thrilled with the car and I feel very secure driving it!

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  Good Alternative - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Mickey - December 11 - 4:30 pm

  I had done the usual research of the reviews here and want to provide some additional info for potential buyers. The build quality and tightness of assembly is very good. Materials & design are competitive with more upmarket brands. Overall the Subie is a great vehicle for those who are looking for versatility, durability and resale value. Gas mileage is around 21-22 mixed & 27 mpg hwy. Overall good value vs. Audi, VW, Mazda et al.

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  Scobbys new doo - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By coffee boy - December 10 - 1:23 pm

  Its nice to have a car that can get out of its own way...and not sound like a frieght train while doing so. Its also nice to cruise at highway speeds and be able to talk to the person next to you with out the use of a megaphone. Corners great, stops on a dime, and smiles like a prom queen the whole time.

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  super subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By jan mann - December 10 - 11:55 am

  My new Subaru is even better than I thought it would be. It looks good and drives well. Even the dog likes it!