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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  SERIOUS WORD OF WARNING REGARDING FORESTER - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By gedmage1 - May 24 - 7:33 pm

  Take my word for it, the VERY worst thing about this vehicle, at least in SW Ohio, is: YOU CANNOT GET ONE. Kid wrecked my car (2006 Escape) 3 weeks ago. Immediately went to a Subaru dealer to look (first time owner), the dealer had 12-20 on the lot, every color, option, etc. Went back 8 days later ready to buy: There were ZERO on the lot, 5 in the back fresh off the truck, couldnt buy those cause they were already sold. At another dealer: Stopped because we were in the area. He had three: One in showroom, one new on lot, one 4000 mile demonstrator on lot. We were there 1/2 hr., while there: He sold the one in showroom and new on lot. BEWARE!

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  This car is Awesome! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NewREXDude - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven hundreds of cars over the years (I used to work at GM) and the WRX is one of my favorite. Im not interested in being a "tuner", so I wanted a fun to drive, everyday, AWD car. I drove the EVO and found it too harsh, and the STI was too expensive (although really sweet). I commute in my WRX over crappy PA roads and find it fairly quiet and smooth. The interior, although not luxurious, is very nice and the build quality is excellent. No problems at all so far. Performance is more than adequate for spirited driving. I definitely made the right choice. Also considered: Saab 9-3, EVO, STI, Mini Cooper, BMW 3 series, TSX.

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  Simply said... "amazing" - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By AWSTi - May 23 - 3:33 pm

  I have an Aspen White 08 beast. It is simply thrilling!. Safety of AWD, performance of a Porsche killer, comfortable and satisfying as a daily driver thrill giver!

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  2009 Subaru Legacy Special Edition - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By edman01 - May 23 - 10:36 am

  Just bought this 2009 Subaru Legacy Special Edition with 8500 miles at a good price. I liked the new style but went with the older design. It is fun to drive....

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  Love My Wagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By marketresearch2001 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a hoot to drive and has all kinds of mods available. You can make this car go very fast cheaply. Just by pulling a vacuum/pressure hose I was apply to pull a 13.68 in a 1/4 mile. This car is otherwise stock except for an aftermarket muffler. What is also great about this car is the following at WRXs forums and all the info about them.

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  Just a review - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By smith - May 20 - 5:10 pm

  With the chunky Toyo Garit HT winter snows this car handled very well in most of what a harsh Canadian winter could throw at it. A pleasure to drive in the summer as well with the huge moon roof open. Tight handling - great.

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  Sti fanatic - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Jason - May 20 - 1:47 pm

  Absolutely love the value and memories in this car i miss mine every day. Id buy another one in a heartbeat. Turbo cars have turbo problems but this car can battle with the likes of corvette, ferrari, gtr for a fraction of the price

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  2007 Forester Subaru--- LL Bean - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - May 15 - 3:03 pm

  Big fan of Subaru for over 20 years. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Living in Maine was quite the experience with the harsh winters. It would be 60 below zero in January and my Subaru would start every time. Also, excellent traction and control in the snow.

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  Subaru delivers! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Patel - May 15 - 3:46 am

  This is my second subaru and I am very happy with their vehicles they offer the safety without compromising fuel efficiency. In the Midwest we get all sorts of weather and knowing the car can handle any thing Mother Nature sends our way is the peace of mind we wanted for our family.

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  PERFECT - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By WRXlover182 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Best car ever for the price. Handles like god, accelerates great, just perfect. the interior is great with the 6 cd changer. get this car