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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  Love My Subaru.. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - May 31 - 6:03 am

  Loving my Outback, I am a first time Subaru owner and it is great and fun to drive. Comfort level wonderful and enough room for a car seat in the back with plenty of leg room for a toddler. Just the right size. My husband drives and SUV and we agreed to scale down. I looked at all crossover, Rav $, CR-V, GMC and this one was the bested priced, best rating for safety. Hands down this car came in first and a good all around.

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  Great alternative to your typical mid-size sedans - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By ev25 - May 31 - 1:27 am

  I bought the 2016 Legacy Limited 2.5i with all tech features included. Overall, I have to say this is a great car for the money. Not only does it come with all-wheel drive, but all the tech features, especially those related to safety, can be obtained at a reasonable price. The only downside I can think of is the fact that the car isnt fast at all compared to its competitors. If you are tired of seeing too many Accords and Camrys, the Legacy is the way to go.

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  Really Great - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By sjr - May 30 - 3:36 am

  This was the first brand new car Ive had. Wonderful price, AWD is awesome for nasty winter driving (I feel very safe), and its easy to get in and out of. Can fit a wheelchair in the back with the seats down and my 99-year-old grandmother can get in and out without problems (most cars are too low). Roomy interior. The interior is nice for the price. Visibility great. Stereo is fine. Hatchback makes loading vehicle very easy. It does dog if youre using the AC, but it seems sturdy and reliable. After a year of mostly in-town driving I love it. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, but worth it for confidence and security AWD gives me in the winter. Id buy another Subaru after this.

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  Love my Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By thetibetan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Having been a Mercedes M-class owner, I traded for a Subaru 2004 Forester this past August. I have nothing but positives to say about this vehicle! It is far more fun to drive than the M- class, is equally well-built, and very comfortable. The only thing that my Subaru lacks is a built-in control for programming in the garage-door opener. For the price difference, I think I can live with that small failing. I actually am looking forward to a nice snow so that I can try out my go-in-the- snow power. This is no lie-- I have to remind myself to drive my Mercedes C- class and my classic Porsche!

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  Great car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Vic S - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Have really enjoyed having and driving this vehicle especially in snowy and icy weather. It is comfortable, handles extremely well and corners like it was on rails. The heater warms up quickly in cold weather adding to the enjoyment of this vehicle.

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  No more SUV! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Gabiker - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Absolute joy to drive! Plenty of power (any more and Id be in trouble) and handles and drives so much better than my Explorer. Interior room was a concern, but so far I havent missed it. I just returned from a 1500 mile roadtrip with mountains, interstates, and some snow, and the car handled it all better than anything Ive ever driven. I considered the Forester, but I just liked the sportier feel (and lower price) of the OBS.

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  2004 SUBARU WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By VJBEAR - May 29 - 2:00 am

  THE SUBARU WRX IS A REAL FUN CAR TO DRIVE.I REALLY LIKE THIS CAR ALOT .IT IS RELIABLE,FAST,HANDLES,AND IS GOOD ON GAS.YOU ARE GETTING A REAL BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.THE AWD SYSTEM IS AWSOME IN BAD WEATHER ,AND YOU WILL SHOCK ALOT OF MUSCLE CAR,BMW,AUDI,AND OTHER CAR OWNERS ,WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE WRX,YOU CAN WAVE AS YOU BLOW THEM AWAY I SAY GET THIS CAR YOU WILL LOVE IT.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By DM - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got mine in Feb 2001, It handles great, the features are terrific and also at a great price. Heated seats, heated wipers, 6 CD Changer etc. The AWD system is excellent and gives one a lot of confidence while driving in any kind of weather. Once I had very low fuel and left the vehicle in snow for 2 complete days, and the Forester started after a little chugging at an outside temperature of 2 degrees Faranheit !!!, I was impressed. A definite Value for Money vehicle

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  From Volvo XC70 to Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Denver D - May 28 - 8:53 am

  Just let my 04 Volvo XC70 go off lease and picked up an 08 Forester and am very happy with the decision. Where I drove the Volvo, the Subaru I just drive; Im much more in tune with the road, and quite happy with less mass to maneuver (especially parallel parking). My daughter drove it yesterday and commented "Its like driving a go cart!" My wife is on her second of two Foresters, so I knew what I was getting. Hers have been the base model; I am SO glad I spent the extra $1500 on the Premium package. Shes already put dibs on the 08 when I move on in two years! Its a no nonsense, supremely competent runabout, with the carrying capacity of a small van.

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  Lovin the Tribeca! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By SW - May 25 - 11:46 am

  We ended up buying the Tribeca unexpectedly due to another car being totaled. Ive never owned a Subaru, and it wasnt even on the radar when we started shopping, but their $2750 incentive couldnt be beat. With about 2000 miles so far, I am very pleased. What sold me most was the wonderful interior - well-appointed with quality materials and a stylish dash design. Very upscale. The engine isnt as bad as some say. Power, while not thrilling, is certainly adequate. Great highway ride - quiet and smooth. The exterior design really grows on you as well. I probably see 50 Highlanders or Muranos for every Tribeca on the road. I like that it stands out from the SUV crowd. Well done, Subaru.