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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  Tribeca is the best - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jackson W. - March 29 - 6:43 pm

  Subaru is a very unusual brand for me but after taking the new Tribeca for 24 hours test drive I could not stop my self and bought one. Unbelievably stylish, great performance, nice features, great fuel economy. It is so luxurious, and comfortable. It changes the everything about the SUV we know.

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  Satisfied Subaru Owner - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By O.Sheinman - March 29 - 11:26 am

  As a former owner of an 02 Outback and a structural engineer who designs satellite structures for NASA, I am impressed with the reliability and engineering approach Subaru melds into their vehicles. I traded in my Outback for an 09 WRX 4dr when my pup passed away this year for a sportier vehicle; the WRX is an absolute blast to drive, I added the SPT dual exhaust, short throw shifter, and COBB access port and downpipe. I opted not going with the STI because this car is a commuter and I wanted a smoother ride; also really liked the window and mirror heaters on my Outback and they were not available on the STI. Handling is great and the 0-60 is unbeatable for a car in this price range.

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  Great car and an attention-getter - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Outbacker - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car all of the time. I sell insurance; so I am on the road alot. This is one smooth running car. I will be driving over eighty without even noticing it if I am not carefull. i wish that it was a little bit faster from a dead stop, but it such a good running car on the highway. My back does not hurt over long distances with this car as it has with other vehicles. I nearly always get lots of attention when I am in this car. It is a rare car and looks great. People of all ages will stare at it or say something good about it. My first trip to Florida got me 30 MPG on the highway when I set the cruise at the speed limit. Great Car!

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  Love at first drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jhc003 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up this car last week and I absolutely love it! The ride, build quality and value are second to none. The ride is very solid and stable and the interior ammenities are superb. This is my first Subie and I was skeptical at first but after I drove this car I knew nothing else could compare in terms of quality and value. The revamped interior is very stylish and functional. The exterior is also nicely done and whats under the hood is the real treat. The 250 hp turbo engine is phenomenal! You better hang on to your hat when you hit the gas in this baby. If youre looking for versatility, power, luxury and AWD you simply cant beat this car. I cant wait to drive this car more!

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  Best of all worlds - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bruce - March 27 - 3:50 pm

  Of all the the new cars/suvs Ive owned, this ones the best so far. I wanted good gas mileage, decent performance, good handling, safe, full time all wheel drive, decent ground clearance, room to carry, comfort and this car has got it all. I got the base engine and its been a solid performer. Only once trying to pass going UP a hill did I notice less power available to me. Im getting 24.3 MPH in mixed driving with lots of hills. The one car Ive never regretted buying for any reason. Get the leather seats. :-) Cant think of one complaint yet.

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  First time Subaru owner! - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By megann22 - March 26 - 1:43 pm

  Im a first-time Subaru owner and loving every minute of it! Ive been a Ford girl for most of my life (3 Mustang GTs) and was ready to trade out my 2005 Explorer for a larger SUV- Expedition or Tahoe/Yukon. However with the crazy gas prices, my husband convinced me to check out the Toyota Venza. When I arrived at the dealership to check out a year-old Venza, I spied the most gorgeous car and was FLOORED to find out it was a Legacy! I drove it and was hooked! My car turns heads everywhere I go and handles like a dream. I dont miss my big SUV at all. It helps me recapture the sportiness that ive been missing all these years, while still hauling my family. I couldnt love it more!

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  Subaru Delivers - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Roeder - March 26 - 5:34 am

  Everything written by others was true

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  Fantastic! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By bethee - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle the first moment I climbed in. The ride is wonderful, and it is so safe and stable to drive!

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  Man and Machine as One - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SeaDog - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive because I feel connected. The car is almost as responsive as my own reflexes so it complies with your inputs very well. The passing power on the highway is wonderful, great speed once your moving, but I hate to flog the little engine hard enough from a red light to really see the quick acceration. I prefer to push it harder once under way. Extremely comfortable up front and the kids are fine with the back seat. The dark fabric shows lint and dust dirt more easily than other interiors Ive had.

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  2.0XT Touring is a high quality jem - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By autotimer - March 24 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned this car for two months. It is really fun to drive. I drove the2.5i Limited first but when I drove the 2.0 XT I fell in love with it. I have sacrificed gas mileage but the smooth power and increased handling capabilities sold me. Then the dealer offered me a trade in price for my car I could not pass up. I had a Mazda CX5 which was a good car but my wife had problems getting in that car and its visibility was not great. The Forester solved those problems. There is a solid high quality feeling with the Forester. Each day I drive this car I feel the refinement of its build.