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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  Fast and balanced - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By W.C. - October 29 - 5:53 pm

  Bought the car a month ago and love every minute driving the WRX. My 2nd Subaru (2005 OBS) and WRX higher quality materials, cluster, seats. Much faster too. Extraordinarily spacious with 5 door, able to fit a whole patio furniture set no problem. Living in NYC, wanted AWD and looked at Audis but the 5 door WRX balances driving fun with practicality of everyday living for a little less money. I have grey metallic and its beautiful, thought the OBS was bland w/o the scoop. Look forward to each moment behind the wheel.

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  First Subaru - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Derek - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 2004 Lancer Ralliart before this with alot of mods, but got into a non-fault collision. I then settled for a Subaru because it was either Mitsu or Subi. I absolutely love this vehicle. Its not as fast as my Lancer was, but i also had more stuff in it than the Impreza. Things i dont like about this car is that aftermarket parts are extremely limited. Aside from aftermarket parts, this car is absolutely fantastic to drive. Hauls big time, and looks sleek and sexy. Interior is a great design, and my favorite feature is the shape of the headlights and front end. Its too bad they didnt have a clutch that can take a beating.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Sean - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2004 Impreza RS for a 2010 XT Limited. This thing handles like a dream. The ride is great, very smooth, great pick up. The stock turbo isnt too bad, would be nice to have WRX type power though. I like the interior and the cargo room, its great for the kids aka dogs. It would be nice to have a better stock stereo, (like the Harmon Kardon in the Outback LTD) I did purchase a Limited edition after all. iPod interface would be nice as well as opposed to just AUX jack. I love the monster sized moon roof, the

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  What a Find - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Landshark - October 28 - 3:46 pm

  I am not your "typical" import buyer. I only owned one other import make in my life and that was a Honda Civic I purchased new. That was built in Ohio, and this car is built in Indiana - an excellent selling point for me. My son crashed my Saturn Aura so I was put into the used car market, and my wife and I settled on looking for a good buy on a Subaru since we did not really want to have 2 trucks or SUVs. This little machine is great. I dont live where I can do the things I really like very often(boat, fish, swim, jet ski) but what we do have is some excellent twisty, hilly roads that those in coastal locals often dont have. With the Subaru,I get to have fun on my way home from work! Get1!

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  Turner Ready - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By DANO - October 27 - 6:03 am

  Turner ready says it all. Excellent inexpensive platform to build on or just leave alone. Fun to drive and offers the wallet a break and the flexibility to add as funds become available. I would start with the brake cables, coil overs and then pipes. Easy to install and easier to enjoy.

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  Great small SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By aquapong - October 25 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased the Forester while looking for a small SUV. I thought about a Forester several years before, but passed on it. When I came back for another look, I knew it was for me after the test drive. Personally, I love the interior and the I4 engine is good enough for it. Its not going to go roaring down the interstate, but its got more pep than many other I4s seem to have. Ive had it for a year and Im completely satisfied with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a moderately priced small SUV without all the frills. All the usual convenience features are there.

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  Best Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By BILL - October 25 - 2:40 pm

  Great overall value as with previous Subarus Ive owned, but very refined. Compares favorably to an Audi A4 Quattro in performance, features and comfort, but it was $10-12k less. Full-time AWD is seamless and sure, and the 6 cyl boxster engine with the Auto stick trans is great for both performance and convenience, but I still get 26-29 mpg in mixed driving. In almost 60k on the odo, not a single maintenance issue. I know all cars are getting better all the time, but Ive owned dozens of every type and major brand over 38 years, and this is the best ever for me. Im keeping this one, but if I had to trade, Id swap for a newer version of the same.

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  Acceleration Heavan - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By STiLover - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my new pocket rocket. It is a blast to drive. Im also relearning other pleasures associated with smaller cars, like increased parking opportunities, nimbleness in traffic, weight-to-power ratio and smaller surface area to wash :>) This car has neck snapping acceleration. When pushing this car to its limits one better be paying attention. Great for around the city, not sure Ill be taking this car on long road trips; not a lot of leg room for back seat riders and the trunk is a little small for luggage for four (ok for groceries though).

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Eric - October 24 - 5:10 pm

  I just traded in my 2005 Forester XS for a 2006 XT. What an incredible difference in performance. The turbo version is a bullet off the line and I have blown away some "performance" cars and probably left them wondering what just happened.

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  Great Drive, tight turning circle, comfortable - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By othercarnotvan - October 24 - 10:39 am

  Bought this car to downsize from a minivan. It drives like a dream -- nimble, commanding view. Got the eyesight feature and we like the adaptive cruise control and how it beeps if you stray out of lane. Power is adequate. We opted for better mileage and regular fuel. Been getting 27-33 on the freeway (depending on speed and if a/c is on) and 19-24 in city. EPA number for city isnt real. Cabin is roomy and airy. Visibility is good but rear window could be bigger. Nav system is unintuitive and wont let your passenger program it if car is moving - a drawback in my book. Up front storage is limited. Moonroof uses 6 cu/ft of cargo space but only base model doesnt have it.