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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  clutchsqueak - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By bond007 - June 13 - 3:23 am

  Love the car and fun to drive. So does everyone else that encounters it. Have had impromtu offers for same. Only thing is a tiny tiny clutch squeak, does not affect performance, Subaru has checked, indicate it is inherent in the car.

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  Wanted one for 20 years - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Mark Piggott - June 12 - 2:10 am

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  Love it so far - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By DtotheR - June 12 - 1:16 am

  Had the car for about two months already and love driving it. Turning radius is awesome and it handles very well. I have two large dogs and love how Subaru has a gate to keep them in the back. The overall appearance inside and out are great. Power for a 4 banger is good. Overall am very pleased with this purchase.

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  Hella Mad Fun - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By dragonsfyre - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. How much fun is it to embarass Camaro drivers in a four cylinder car? Excellent handling responses, quicker than the Mustang GT I traded in for it, much more comfortable in front and back than all of the other cars I tested. I cant praise this car enough.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By theanimal - June 10 - 7:00 pm

  Have owned Lexus LS, Toyota Camrys and Corolla, BMW 3/5/Z4 series, and Honda Civic. Hadnt ever looked at Subaru before but researched sedans with top safety ratings and the Legacy stood out. I have had the car for 2 days and am very pleased with how well it was designed and built. Very well appointed, great value, above average performance, even providing a bit of luxury but without being pretentious in any way. Fuel economy like a small SUV, requires premium gas and frequent oil changes. More fun than a Camry/Corolla or Accord/Civic but just as practical and more bang for your buck than Lexus or BMW.

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  Nice Subby - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By XCELLR8 - June 10 - 7:33 am

  Bought the 2005 STI in May of this year. Since then I have noticed only VERY small limitations to the performance of the this car. If you plan on buying an STI, here is what to expect. YES, turbo lag only until you hit the 3000 RPM area; then its a beast. Understeer on tight corners, and vision out the rear view mirror because of the wild foot tall wing, love it! I have to admit coming from all types of American and German vehicles, this car has what it takes to be a real threat to the more exotic cars available and in some cases half the price and to boot economical at the pump! Another little tidbit...youre going to need to invest in floor mats and the better sounding stereo system!

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  A Newbie Subie Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Tigerbangs - June 9 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in a 2005 Dodge Magnum SXT, which served through 130,000 miles of blatant abuse. Needed similar accommodations, and the new Outback fits the bill: its very roomy, has comfortable seating front AND rear, and more cargo space than the Magnum did. We opted for the 2.5liter 4 cyl, and I was worried about not having enough power, but found adequate passing power,and smooth and quiet performance. Im 65" and over 300 lbs, and found the driving position and seating comfort among the very best that I have found, and a 6+ passenger can still ride comfortably behind me. Easy to use controls, superb ride and confident handling. Its a real revelation.

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  SUV for Nor Cal - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By German Silva Jr - June 8 - 10:20 pm

  My first Subie - love it. Every morning I cant wait to get behind the wheel and slam the RPMs near red line. By the way mine is non-turbo. Took it off-roading today in the Marine Headlands and handled perfect in mud, wet grass, gravel, and pouring rain. Im planning on putting winter Blizzacks for winter driving to Tahoe to fully appreciate the AWD. Added a bra, cargo box liner, Weathertech floor mats (a MUST), synthetic oil after 1K. This will not be my last Subie. Bring the Forester STI to the States!!

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  Amazing car!! - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Adrian - June 8 - 4:39 pm

  The Legacy 3.6 is Best car I’ve owned. It accelerates great is quiet and handles the road easily. I got my Legacy fully loaded, dark blue pearl and tinted the windows. It looks great and I get los of compliments ! Couldn’t be happier

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  car - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By sickwitit - June 8 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive. handles good stuff like that