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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  Excellent Sports Wagon - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By cards - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This car also offers a great performance even with the base, 2.5 L engine. The performance can be further improved by installing the K & N high- flow air filter instead of the factory one. I found that the K&N filter significantly improves the low-end torque. I also noticed improved a/t performance (smoother operation), but not the fuel efficiency. The latter might be due to impressive 23/30mpg (city/highway) numbers, which I already had registered right after my Outback passed the 3K miles mark. After 15K miles, this car still offers problem-free (knocking on a wood), very comfortable, and quite ride.

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  What a Cool Car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pc2mac - June 7 - 12:46 pm

  Just drove got a XT last night. I was looking for something that can carry a lot of stuff, had AWD, and had decent power. What I got is something that feels like a luxury car with a ton of power and it is practical too. The fit and finish rivals my wifes Infiniti G35 sports coupe. It drives really nice and I cant believe how quiet it is for a 4 cylinder turbo. Got a great deal on one of the last 2005s they had. Looking forward to driving up to the Sierras in a couple of weeks up Highway 395 and hitting the dirt roads around the Owens!

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  Great car at an affordable price - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By mr suby - June 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle which allows the versitility of a truck with better gas mileage, more creature comforts and standard all wheel drive and Subarus infamous safety ratings. It was a Baja vs a Tacoma Doublecab or Frontier Crewcab, styling, standard features with all wheel drive, creature comforts and gas mileage mad this one a no brainer!

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  Happy to Join the Subaru Family - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By cornpuff - June 5 - 2:06 am

  Shopped around a lot, but was won over by the Outbacks push-button park brake (wife has physical issues with pull-ups), its interior refinement, its reputation for reliability, its snow-handling prowess (BIG plus). Dealer couldnt have been happier to give a great trade in value and shave 2,500 off MSRP. It has SUV abilities, but drives like a car, and does not jiggle like a tall SUV. We are an empty nest couple in our 60s, who live on a farm in PA, and we need the perfect blend of on-road manners with the guts to get up and down a challenging driveway. It is a relief to find such a vehicle after fighting the SUV wars for decades. Shouldve done this years ago.

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  WRX = high performance for cheap - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By subafan - June 4 - 11:33 am

  I bought my 02 WRX wagon exactly 2 years ago with 60,000 miles on it, just out of warranty. I now have 102,000 miles on it and have only replaced the brakes and done regular maintenance, mobile 1 synthetic only. While it may need more maintenance than Ive given it, it still has given me no problems whatsoever. This car is super fast for a wagon. Nobody expects to see a subaru wagon to pull off the line as quick as the WRX wagon. I can get to 60mph, with a passenger, in 6 seconds which is impressive for a 2.0L 4cyl. Also, the AWD performs better in 6in or less snow than my Jeep Cherokee.

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  Solid Performer - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By brianm - June 4 - 1:33 am

  Moving from a Lexus SUV to the Forester made me a believer. Solidly built and this car handles like a champ in inclement weather. Living in New England, this car runs up hills in snow and cruises wonderfully on the highway. My 06 has 30,000 miles and basically still runs like new. Heated seats are great in our cold winters although if Id buy the leather next time around as my tan cloth seats stain easily. Gas mileage is fantastic coming out of a gas guzzling SUV. Visibility is also great, love the huge sunroof. Id buy this car again in a second. Its a great value and such a common sense vehicle.

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  really like our Subaru Sport - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Rdrockjunc - June 3 - 10:41 pm

  The car handles great good mileage Instrument Panel easy to read interior looks great with the red stitching and carbon fiber . My wife really likes the car I got it for her shes very happy with it.

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  BEST CAR/SUV/WAGON EVER - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Josh Evans - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE VEHICLE!

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  The most fun and reliable car I ever own - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Myeelotter - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have driving 7,500 miles and I look forward to every time I get to drive it. Its so much fun even going to the supermarket. On the highway, its pure exhiliaration. I can just cruise or keep it up 5 notches to pass other annoying drivers and other aggresive drivers that like to tailgate me. This car has so much mid- range power that it really suprises me when I have to pass another vehicle. The interior is not as fancy as some of my friends Audi or Infiniti but its good enough for all my needs. Although I see they may some minor changes in the 2005 model that I love to have in my.

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  Ultimate Utility Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - May 30 - 10:33 pm

  This is our second Outback, the first was a 2001 but in the basic package. The VDC edition is simply an extremely well designed and built car. Put an aggressive tire on it and you can get any where you need to go in any weather. Handling is surprisingly sport like and has enough power to make driving fun, we trailer an atv with it. Decked out with all the bells and whistles.