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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  The best vehicle I have ever owned. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Sara - November 26 - 11:31 am

  I bought this vehicle in 2012, it was already 10 years old. The previous owner had been great to it, it only had 94,000 miles on it and looked practically new aside from a scrape or two on the bumper. I got it when I did because I needed a reliable vehicle because I was going off to college, and the SUV I had been driving was on its last legs. I also live in the mountains, and was going to school in the mountains as well, so I needed a vehicle that could handle any weather situation, but also didnt eat gas. This vehicle was perfect. Its like a hybrid of an SUV and a sedan. It handles like a dream. Ive driven it through snow, ice, extreme rain storms, gravel, mud, you name it, the Outback can handle it. Since purchasing, I have put nearly 100,000 miles on this baby and I have yet to have a single mechanical issue with it, aside from the usual tune ups of getting the brakes or tires changed. I practically lived in my vehicle, all except for sleep, for one semester in particular, and I can safely say it is very comfortable. I always feel safe in it. It has a great sound system and fairly good, though not the most powerful, AC. Cup holders are less of an issue in this model then Ive seen it be in other Subarus. Its true that it isnt the most attractive of cars, but for the vehicle type, it certainly isnt hard on the eyes either. I love this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone who lives in a climate with lots of weather extremes, or for anyone who just loves to explore the world. I will drive this car till it wont drive anymore.

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  Great buy! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Joey S. - November 26 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car after researching it for months. It lived up to what I had read. Great handling, outstanding performance, and excellent dependability. Plus the AWD and safety ratings made the WRX a great fit for me. I enjoy also being able to get a high performance vehicle in an automatic. Not all of us want to take it to the track every weekend, even though it might be capable of that, but for those of us who drive in the city, I enjoy the easy drive of the auto. Plus having performance, styling, and 4 doors is great.

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  Love the Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Andrew Liebowitz - November 26 - 11:01 am

  We wound up getting the special edition 2017 Subaru Forester XT turbo. We LOVE the vehicle. Its fast, reliable, looks great and my wife is in love with her new truck. I have the 2006 WRX which I love. We are happy to be a Subaru family!!

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  This truck is a blast - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Bertag - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My Turbo Baja handles like a sedan, will haul my bicycles or dirt bike and accelerates like a musclecar. The interior is well designed and very comfortable. The five speed was hard to find but well worth the effort. If 80% of the full size truck drivers would admit to themselves that this is all they really need for hauling and off road operation---they would be a lot happier on a daily basis.

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  Best AWD For The Money - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By jparees - November 26 - 2:00 am

  After researching AWD wagons under $21,000, We decided on this car.It has more than lived up to our expectations.With more than adequate power(165HP)and a smooth 5sp transmission, it handles mountain roads under all conditions(wet or Dry). The breaks are excellent and its handling is responsive.With the seats down,it has 61 cu.ft. of cargo room. And with the top rack it provided plenty of space for camping gear. Additionally, we averaged 27.5mpg on the trip to Yosemite.

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  fun drive for low $$$ - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By cfe - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Traded Lexus RX300 for WRX & feel 20 yrs younger. Very fun w ample storage for activities. 9500 mi. Took time to learn power characteristics (weak low end). Rough throttle tip-in w somewhat lumpy power band. Superb traction & AWD system. Very tossable w some understeer (sedans have bigger rear sway bar than wagons). Likes being driven aggressively. Easily squirts though traffic. Stable & relatively quiet hiway cruiser (w16s, 17s noisier, rougher ride based on test drive). Some rattles but curable. Solid chassis. Stereo upgrade barely acceptable. Better mileage than expected. Exceptional paint. Would buy again. Great dealer experience.

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  First Subaru, but likely not my last! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By racer - November 26 - 2:00 am

  After my VW GTI gave up the ghost, it was time to look for a suitable replacement. Having had VWs for so long, I looked around and test drove the much written about WRX, in wagon form. What a fun car. Strong acceleration and handling. AWD. Hatchback versatility. Good fuel economy. Now after some 9,000 miles in 6 months that included hot summer trips, great fall getaway drives and snowy commutes, I can say "what a great car!" My only true complaint about the car, which has been voiced in other forums, is the decidedly WEAK A/C. The car just never seems cold enough inside on 85-95 degree days.

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  Solid ride - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By MOutback - November 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is solid, but needs more power and refinement. The ride is smooth, handling is balanced, interior is comfortable, traction is superb, and ergonomics are decent. Of course, the key selling point was the AWD and Subaru dependability, which have proven their worth. Plus, its good looking. After 38K miles, the only problem Ive had was a bad AC compressor, which was covered by the warranty. But Im glad I dont have the McIntosh stereo (what a loser). Id gladly buy another, especially the 2005 model, which promises to be an excellent improvement.

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  Love My WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By tdubb - November 25 - 6:16 pm

  Without a doubt this is the most fun Ive ever had driving a car. The WRX is the ultimate driving machine for anyone. All I can say is go out today and buy one.

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  My first Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Nicole - November 25 - 7:13 am

  This is my first Subaru and I am very happy with it. I traded in a 2006 Civic that went nowhere in the snow and during Minnesota winters thats not a good thing. I decided on this because of the AWD, the looks and the price. I am impressed with the ride, and quality of the car and it has great pick up, its pretty quick! Not much road noise either. Feels like a nice solid ride. Cant wait for some snow to test it out. It gets a pretty solid 26 mpg city and when I drove a 200 mile trip all highway it got a solid 32 mpg which I think is great for this car and it isnt even broken in yet. Overall happy with my purchase and will buy a Subaru again, maybe a Legacy next time :)