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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  I couldnt love my car more - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Cherijoli - February 21 - 12:53 pm

  I am a service manager at a car dealer and have been exposed to many makes and models. This is by far the most fun car to drive!!!!

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  Feel safe - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mary - February 21 - 12:40 am

  My last vehicle was a Hyundai suv in which I had no problems with, but being an outside sales rep. I needed a car with better safety features and better gas mileage and I found it with the Subaru outback. I feel very safe in this car it handles the road in all kinds of bad weather especially the snow! This is the 1st cat that I did not have to put snow tires on. I tinted the windows on the rear and back to make the car look a little sharper and allows more privacy I would definitely purchase another Subaru product!

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  Solid and Quick - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Dan - February 20 - 7:13 am

  Have my Outback manual for 1000 miles now and it is a pleasure to drive. The car is solid as a rock and the ride is very controlled but not too stiff even with the 17" wheels. The interior is laid out well and is also very comfortable to drive. Could use a bigger armest and lumbar control. The passenger seat could be a bit higher. Other than that it is very quick and gets good gas mileage, so far average 25 mpg in mixed relaxed driving. On highway it will get close to 30 mpg. Its not even broken in yet. I had a 2002 Impreza Outback and they dont even compare. This new one is that much better.

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  Best auto Ive ever purchased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By subfamily - February 19 - 8:40 pm

  I did a lot of research and test driving when my wife and decided to purchase a new vehicle. After months of searching I was at the end of my rope and about to settle on Ford Escape. Then I saw an ad for the new 2009 Forester, at first I thought who the heck drives a Subaru? Out of desperation I went to the Subaru dealership sat down in the LL Bean addition and fell in love! Right away you realized how much roomier the Forester was than other small SUVs and the lumbar support was great for my back. I took it for a test drive and was sold. It handled great (love the AWD) the moon roof was huge!

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  WOW! I cant wait to drive to work - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By ScottNevin - February 18 - 6:46 pm

  What a car. Subaru as created a vehicle with attitude that doesnt flaunt it. I spent a year considering this new car purchase and Im very pleased with my decision. This is a fast car with jet like g-producing acceleration. The interior is very nicely executed. The "cockpit" is a pilots dream. The red instrumentation and electroluminescent dash are very comfortable for night driving. Im glad I got the 5 speed gear box, the AT just shifts bizarrely. 60 MPH in 2nd gear, you bet. Dont buy this car for your teenager unless you like paying their speeding tickets! Fuel consumption runs at the lower end of the EPA ratings. Switch the display over to instantaneous MPG to get a real scare.

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  Love My subie - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By jbkona - February 18 - 11:30 am

  I love my subie (pet name for subaru) This is the 4th subaru I have owned and they keep getting better and better. So zippy like a sports car. Love the turning radius can get in and out without 4 to 5 point turning. Love the cornering its the best. Reliable and safe, I never worry about losing traction in our Hawaii downpours!!!

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  07 Legact GT, 5spd Man - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By JP - February 17 - 3:33 pm

  I am thoroughly satisfied and very impressed with my new Legacy. The car received a glowing review from NHSTA testing and that really adds to my peace of mind. This car is the perfect sleeper, very understated yet beautiful. Youd never guess what kind of performance it was capable of.

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  Feels Very Euro - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Paul in L.A. - February 17 - 3:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Legacy since the early 90s. I traded my 2003 Legacy SE Sedan for a 2006 on the current Subaru promotion and got a great deal! The car feels very luxe and like a Euro import ... more like a Volvo or Audi (I had a 99 A6 for comparison). The jurys still out on whether my 06 corners as well as my nimble little 03 did. Im a total Subie fan, and love this car. Seating comfort is WAY superior to the 03 ... nice gauge lighting, inner door design, dash design, console. The chrome pipes at the back look great, same for the 17" wheels ... no regrets at all.

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  Love it! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Drake - February 17 - 10:36 am

  This has been a great few weeks, drives with comfort and luxury. Handles Pennsylvania bumpy roads well, no more backache!

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  3 weeks and 3000 miles - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By guzziman - February 16 - 8:16 pm

  The Limited in stunning World Rally Blue is a work of art. A true drivers car. I am 62 275 lbs and plenty of room for me front and back. Excellent seats and position of controls. Superb build quality and extensive use of lightweight body panels. Engine sound and performance is designed for those who are truly drivers. Clutch feel is progressive and light enough for all day city driving. Turn in and braking is spot on. Dunlop performance rubber is a good choice. No needs for any after market upgrades. Many comments about Clarion radio..Simple reset of some settings solve this.Check on line for tweaks. Road noise is evident on anything less than smooth asphalt. Could be the tires.