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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  Nice to drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - August 14 - 11:43 pm

  Driving is fun again; while I liked this Limited in the show room it has been a delight to drive. In the snow it was a dream, smooth and very much in control. The power ports are well placed. One surprise that was unexpected is that you can leave an interior drivers spot light on by accident and find the battery dead in the morning. No auto shut off as all of my past cars. I would love to say I have all the power I need with the 4 but not always without really downshifting to get things moving. I would have picked the 6 or turbo but the higher priced gas is needed. Rear door too narrow at times. The family loves it and it never gets to rest in the driveway 15K in 6 months.

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  Great value - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By ultimate driver - August 14 - 3:33 am

  After driving BMWs, Corvettes and Audis, I needed something that would drive well in all weather conditions, including snow and ice, and yet give me good performance with superior reliability and that was also fun to drive. The Legacy GT wagon with the turbo and 5 speed short throw stick is all of the above and then some. I highly recommend it, and at the price, there simply isnt anything else that comes even close. GREAT car.

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  Really enjoy my WRX! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By David Feinstein - August 13 - 8:37 pm

  Extremely well made car that is a blast to drive. It performs well, and looks great without drawing too much attention. Its fun to drive every single time I get into it.

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  Great for western mountains driving - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By combattracker5 - August 13 - 2:44 pm

  We had a 2012 with 13000 miles and loved it but wanted leather and a better stereo so got the 2013. Several friends have new and old Subarus and they seem to have exceptionally good build quality and long-term endurance. The newer/bigger/taller models (2011-2013) are very quiet, roomy and comfy. I liked the looks of the 2012 front end better as it was dressier, but the 2013 is more sporty looking. This wagon is surefooted on Pacific Mountain highways where we drive. The suspension/steering "fix" made the 2013 handle more like a SUV. The 2012 had a feeling more like an Avalon on the road.

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  I like my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Venkee - August 13 - 1:56 pm

  The Subaru has very appealing interiors compared to other compact/small cars. It is certainly different from the boring Corollas. One of the best things about a Forester is the visibility. The visibility itself is a great safety feature. It handles like a car and I feel pretty safe sitting in a Forester. One thing that they can do better is the finishing. There are a couple of allen screws projecting out on the frame right behind the doors. Also, you see plastic rivets on the roof. They should have had some way of not having nuts and bolts projecting out and being visible. But, that is a minor flaw.

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  This car delivers! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By taspz - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Subaru and second Outback. The 3.0 Outback sedan is a great car to drive and enjoy, a class up from the 4 cylinder wagon. It is plush inside with excellent climate control and a fantastic sound system. It combines typical Outback clearance and AWD comfort and safety on wet roads with smooth, quiet performance. It rivals cars that are far more expensive, as it is equally loaded. I love driving it.

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  Fun for the whole Family - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Herzart - August 12 - 5:23 am

  Traded in our 2005 Liberty and took a chance on Subaru Forester. Great room and space for me and my family and seems to have more room than the Liberty in some spots. Ride is comfortable. Steering and acceleration is quick and sporty. Test drove many compact SUVs. CRV was weak, Rav 4 was noisy and the Forester seemed to be the right fit and finish and less expensive. Panoramic moonroof in compact SUV! Only one in its class to offer it. My wife loves the drive.

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  From an ex-Jeep owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Theresa - August 11 - 9:06 pm

  I am a business owner in CO. I drive city, highway, dirt roads and have to get through the snow. I LOVE my Forester. The winter package is a must.The Forester looks small on the outside but packs a punch on the inside. I have yet to max out the cargo space inside. Backseats fold flat and provide enormous space. Symmetrical AWD is amazing. I often see vehicles sliding and getting stuck, and I drive right by with no problem. As a previous Wrangler and Liberty owner, I was concerned about ground clearance, but it is not an issue. We have a cabin located at 12k ft. Only access is a steep, dirt road lined with trees and boulders. Taking the Forester up the road is no problem.

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  CRAZY WRX !!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By MAP2000 - August 11 - 6:40 pm

  Very fun car to drive in all-season.

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  Cross to the Trek - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By CY - August 10 - 3:22 pm

  Word can describe this vehicle. Awesome!