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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  Safe and Sound - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By college dad - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Car handles like a champ. Quiet and roomy enough to travel with a college student. Decent power and fuel economy

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  Fantastic Ride! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Love this car!! - June 26 - 2:36 am

  If youre looking for a really fun car to drive with performance and good looks to spare- this is it. I was once considering purchasing the new Civic Si, but after driving both of them, it was a no-brainer. Great bang for buck value too. There are of course a few things I would improve upon, but overall I love this car.

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  cruise (out of) control - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By fred - June 25 - 8:53 am

  Had an 03 Forester with cruise control that worked great. Why did they change it? Have they never heard "if it aint broke, dont fix it"? Have had it "worked on" several times including sending the unit to regional office for re-programming and it still "hunts" while going down hill. Very annoying! :-( Is the factory going to recall the 05s and correct it? Am losing my patience! Otherwise, I think it is a very fine vehicle.

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  Speed Limiter - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Black Vishnu STI - June 25 - 1:46 am

  Speed limiter is at 147? why? Evo is 157

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  First Time Subaru Buyer - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By DPL428 - June 24 - 11:13 am

  I am a first time buyer of Subaru having mainly owned domestic cars in the past. So far I absolutely love this vehicle! The ride is smooth and quiet and the CVT seems to give me good mileage and also gets the most out of the 2.5 engine. I averaged over 26 mpg on my first tank of gas and it will only go up from there.

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  Only a month in but we LOVE it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Scott Graham - June 24 - 8:20 am

  Weve only had the car a month but love it so far. The EyeSight system is awesome. Very solid safe feeling car.

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  Great Car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By jakeylake - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall a solid car, both inside and out. The exterior finish of car is outstanding, while the interior is above average. The simplicity of using the controls in the car suggests a well designed layout. The lumbar seat for the driver is wonderful for long trips. The AWD was one of the main selling points for this car. The AWD is rock solid, and cars like the VW passat, Audi A4 and Volvo charge $1000.00s when comparing with Legacy GT.

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  some flaws, but great - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxtarheel - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I had been drooling over a WRX since seeing them in WRC and British car mags like CAR or EVO, and was highly anticipating their advent into the US market. Ive had one for 6 months and 8000 miles now. The engine is lethargic up to 3000 rpms, but then pushes the power to the wheels from that point up. Driving part-throttle is fine above 2500 rpms, but theres still that lag. Love the car in town, but find it a bit twitchy at highway speeds of 70 and up. Body is solid, with some body roll, but not bad. MPG Is not what it could be--I average about 22 in town, but 29 highway. Power can be helped with muffler or aftermarket items.

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  Serious review from real owner - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By jazawash - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Have 7000 miles on my WRX wagon.I read all I could on this vehicle for about 6 months and test drove it 4 times before purchasing.Having driven everything from Acuras,Hondas,Mustangs,other Subarus and a Porsche 928.I will say this is the best all around handling, performance car I have driven.For under 25,000, a steal.In weather no comparison,unless you purchase an Audi,BMW or Volvo.Car is a blast to drive,and with mods,0-60 low 4s and 1/4 mile in 13s.Super car territory.

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  Love Our 2013 Subaru Outback Limited - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By sus77 - June 22 - 3:26 pm

  Traded in our 2007 Ford Expedition for a 2013 Outback 2.5i Limited with Moonroof. We are so glad we did! We have about 1000 miles on the car and its been a blast to drive. The car handles well and the 2nd generation CVT is very smooth. Our gas mileage has ranged between 26 and 29 MPG in 50/50 mixed driving. The new front end and grille makes the 2013 Outback stand out. The interior is spacious and seems to be made of material in high quality. The harmon karmen sound system is great as well. This is our third Subaru and it wont be our last!