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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  Subaru...Love it! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By soulxchill - October 12 - 7:20 am

  I traded my VW Golf for the Impreza 2.5i sedan. I wanted the WRX but cant swing the cash. For the money, the Impreza 2.5i is outstanding. You can really feel the 170 HP because the car is so light. The boxer engine shifts smooth as silk. The AWD is also excellent. This car handles very well for its class and feels super solid when driving. it really is a blast to drive. I have no trouble getting on the gas at 60mph to blow by someone on the highway, the torque and HP are great. I ask for the power and its there! You really couldnt get a better car for the money.

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  Love My Subaru - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By MW3304 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 33k on the clock. Cant go wrong with this one, peppy, planted, sips gas, good looking

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  From 4Runner to Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Lee - October 11 - 3:26 am

  Replaced wifes 2000 Toyota 4Runner. New 4Runner is too big for her & too expensive for me. Outback is a big improvement over 4Runner: much more stable, much faster, gets better MPG, and has a great interior with all the gadgets (Limited). Granted, we didnt use full capabilities of truck- based 4Runners 4WD. We are really impressed with the Outback not like the 1987 wagon I had! Very quiet & stable at highway speed. 6 cyl is fast, getting ~20 mpg overall after 600 miles of mixed driving. No evidence of front end "shimmy" some 2010 Outback owners reported. Really impressed so far.

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  Excellent choice - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Amanda - October 10 - 7:23 pm

  My only complaint is that the heater could be quicker to kick in.

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  Subaru - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Beth - October 9 - 1:50 am

  Im a 17 year old girl [what do I know about cars, right?] and I drive a 1998 Subaru Forester. The car is easy to drive for a new driver, gets pretty good gas mileage, and is the right size so that its not too big and awkward but also not stiflingly small. However, I live in New England and the absolute best thing about this car is its handling in the snow. Im not a good driver and the bad weather in Mass. makes me nervous, but Ive never had trouble getting up a hill or driving on slippery roads. My driveway is very steep and both my parents have trouble getting up it in their midsize sedans. Also, this car has almost 150,000 on it and is still running great and has never broken down.

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  Primo Sleeper - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By DelmarRex - October 9 - 1:46 am

  After 2-1/2 years, this car is still a blast to drive. Beats all other stock, street cars! Ive been driving Subarus since 1980 for their 4/all wheel drive, reliability, good gas mileage, and all-around handling, and now I can have zip, too! I get 26 mpg highway and 20 to 21 mpg around town. Pretty good considering I drive the car hard. Keep the rpms above 3200 and nothing will catch you. No repairs, just normal maintenance. What a great car for relatively very little money.

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  Solid Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By orndog - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Subarus are tough, easy to work on, and fun to drive. Not the biggest car inside, but for a single commuter or a small family it is fine. The AWD is great when it is needed, but otherwise sucks up a bit of power. The car is a perfect blend of utility and performance, and is a great value.

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  super suburu - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By STEVEN SCHOENGOLD - October 5 - 8:51 am

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  Is there anything this car cant do? - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Jvs04 - October 5 - 1:50 am

  Before this car I had a 2004 Subaru WRX. The car was modded to 340whp. I got tired of the suspension, brakes, and tranny so I decided to upgrade to an STI. Stock, I know this thing isnt as fast as my WRX, but it feels so much quicker, so much smoother, so much more nimble. The transmission is built like a tank and so smooth, especially with a short throw shifter. Power delivery is linear and there is little to no turbo lag. The brakes are insane and have an amazing bite to them. Buying this car was the best decision Ive ever made.

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  Great car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ty - October 1 - 1:56 pm

  This is my second Subaru. Had a Legacy wagon previously and loved it. The new 3.6R outback I bought is higher but more powerful. Love the paddle shift and handling. Highly recommended. The version I purchased has identical power seats on both sides (no height problems here).