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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  Scooby Doo = my new Subie-Roo! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Thadman - October 14 - 9:10 pm

  I was giggling like a little boy after test-driving my WRX at the dealership. Id tested the 2.5i Premium and was disappointed by the performance. Then I drove Scooby. Oh. My. God. Love at first drive. Stupid fast. I shouldnt be allowed to have a car this fast. Scooby loves curves too, eats em up. Im taking it to the track (never been before) in a couple of weeks. I go to sleep every night dreaming of my upcoming track day. So fast, my wife complains if I hit the gas. My Dad said it was "almost scary" after I took him for a spin (pretty sure he meant the car, not my driving ;)). Best car for my money!

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  Nice Reliable Vehicle - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By John - October 14 - 5:50 pm

  Great car for snow conditions. Take it skiing and never have had a problem with handling or starting in below zero weather. Air conditioning and heating are fast and efficient. My only major complaint is the poor comfort of the seats. My bottom hurts during a long trip. The vehicle is reliable.

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  AXLE LEAKING WHAT IS THAT? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By apstoreca - October 14 - 10:00 am

  service is good if you can get it in the bay. the cloth on the headrest keeps popping and subarau unwilling to fix it in a timely fashion or well.

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  Well researched decision - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By derekisaac - October 13 - 12:42 pm

  I rated the performance a 3 simply because their are better performing choices out there in a sedan. I wanted an AWD vehicle, but I also was looking to upgrade in mpg from my previous f150 4x4. My research had lead to me to the Subaru Legacy. I had never driven one or even sat inside one. This car gives the best bang for your buck if you purchase slightly used. I got a limited model 29k miles for 16995. Everyone that gets inside the car cant believe the features I got for the price tag. Ive done a lot of research and nothing else compares. I wish the mpg was a bit better but I can live with all the features I get instead. The fun-to-drive factor is great despite the small engine.

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  Long on Performance, short on looks - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Gwennie - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Amazing performance car. I have had a few problems with it listed below. Very difficult to shift into first gear-almost always, but especially in the cold. Almost impossible to shift into reverse. Eats oil like crazy (though not leaking) and the dealer does not want to admit that it is a problem. (1 quart every 1,000 miles)

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  Best Car Available Today - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By GKnight 17 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Quite possibly the best vehicle offered today! The WRX wagon gives you the best of both worlds- high-performance and utility. I can haul anything I want AND I find excuses to drive any- and everywhere. No longer have pizzas delivered cause its an excuse to drive somewhere. The car has a real fun-to-drive vibe. All-wheel-drive and responsive steering inspire confidence to a much greater degree than any other sports car I have driven- and this is a wagon! The turbo comes on strong at 3000 rpm- pushing you back into your seat. It literally feels like a rollercoaster. And just as with rollercoasters, that sudden burst of speed is addictive.

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  Bargain AWD funster with space for stuff - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By super_haggis - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Had the car for 5 months now. The turbo takes a little getting used to compared with the VR6 torque of my old VW Jetta. You have to spin the engine to get the best from it. Build quality seems to be on a par with VW too if a little plasticky. Hopefully the electrics are better. Time will tell. The 4wd is great in the California downpours we have been experiencing of late. It holds the road like a limpit. Compared it with the new Jetta VR6, Audi 1.8T quattro, Nissan 350Z and Altima when I shopped. Offered the best bang for the buck when hauling 4 and want a manual gearbox.

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  Terrific Small SUV - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pf03bob - October 4 - 1:34 pm

  Great design. Spacious cabin. Terrific handling and visibility. Good gas mileage, average 23 mpg around town. Seats ok for daily driving but need more support when driving long distances. Ground clearance and 4 wheel drive provide added safety in heavy down pours. Havent driven in snow. Subaru engineers did a great job designing a practical vehicle at a reasonable price.

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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Collegegrad - October 2 - 1:56 pm

  I have a little over 600 miles on this car and so far I am very impressed. For the money this car is a steal. This car is a great alternative to Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda because it is one of the safest cars on the road and because its AWD. For the money, youre getting a great car that you dont see too much on the road. It has many great features that are not standard on many cars costing this price. When I hear the name Subaru mentioned, I think of AWD, safety, reliability, quality, and performance. This is one of the nicest cars in this price range.

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  Practical and fun - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Zachary F. - September 26 - 6:28 am

  I’d suggest this to any one looking at something like a WRX it’s a little more practical I’d also suggest negotiating hard... you can get a great deal