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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  08 Outback sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By rachel - January 27 - 2:06 pm

  I have had this car for two weeks. It is quite different than my last car (95 Toyota Camry), so its taken some getting used to. My only complaints are road noise on the highway, and uncomfortable headrests (they push your head forward). I like the way it looks and drives so far, but well see after the upcoming winter. Thats the reason why I bought a Subaru, for all the bad weather driving we do in New England.

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  Most Underrated Sports Sedan - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Legacywoman - January 26 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned this car for over 4 months and I couldnt be happier. It handles like a sports sedan that costs over $10K more. The gas mileage is very impressive as I get about 28 mpg combined city and highway and I drive mostly city. The real deal on this car was the price. Subaru had a promotion which gave me back $2000 cash. I bought the car for under $20K. I checked out the Toyota Camry (2007) and the Honda Accord (2006). The Camry reminded me of a Ford Taurus and the Accord was much more expensive equally equipped. Once I drove the Subaru, I realized the AWD is a must have feature and you cannot find a car anywhere that has AWD that is a sports sedan for this price. A real steal!

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  Was so fun to drive and proven very safe - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By bizarro13 - January 26 - 11:10 am

  I got my Subie in the end of December and loved it instantly. I admit, I was pretty bad at driving stick, so it took some getting used to, but the car just stuck to the road like it was glued down. The styling is unique. Thats the only way i can put it. The ride is definately choppy though. If you want asmooth ride, look elsewhere. This is a sports car. The car proved very safe as well recently when I hit a car parked onthe highway at around 70 mph. The cabin was untouched. I walked away with nothing but a couple of bruises and a small burn from the airbag. It couldhave been much worse. This is a very fun and safe car!!!

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  Blown engine at 2600 - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Skoalsnuff - January 25 - 8:00 pm

  Love the car, thats why having this motor issue is so painful. Driving down the freeway and I hear tapping that gets progressively worse. With no associated lights car just shuts down. Dealer says I have blown motor, come to find out that they are having problems with turbos doing so. Funny thing is everyone at Subaru acts like it hasnt happened at all. Getting new motor, but not feeling good about car. Read up, the turbos are lemons.

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  Worst new veiled I have ever drove. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Dawg - January 25 - 8:26 am

  Drives [non-permissible content removed] in cross wind.Any wind will torque steer this car.Going to trade in asap.Drivers power seat very uncomfortable with no rear bottom adjustment.

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  Good winter driving - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By anonymous739 - January 24 - 11:50 pm

  Overall happy with purchase. Great for driving in snow. Responsive CVT. Handles very well at all speeds and while turning. Nice quality sound from stereo system . Good rear visibility compared to many cars these days. Car does sit too low to the ground, often scraping snow on streets with the undercarriage, and bumper scrapes while going up/down driveways. Hatch is a bit low on space, especially if using cargo cover. Fuel economy stated by manufacturer is overly optimistic.

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  First Subaru - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By 14bronz - January 24 - 5:42 pm

  Just bought mt first Subaru this wekend. We were set on the CRV but wanted to at least look at the Forester. Well, we drove it home, done deal. I will come back and post more once we get used to it. So far it seems like an amazing little SUV. A bit of electronic overload setting up the audio, but we have it all figured out now. Good buying experience here with Heuberger Motors in Colorado Springs. 2.5i CVT Touring with mirror and rugged packages for $28,244. Great people to work with.

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  Reliable but uncomfortable - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By wvfrontier - January 24 - 5:40 pm

  I drive quite a distance to work everyday and wanted a reliable economical car. I got both those things in my Subaru legacy but what I didnt get was any comfort. The seats in the legacy are the most uncomfortable hard seats I have ever set in. You cannot stand to sit in them for more then 15 min. which makes going for long drives in this car unbearable.

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  Its not just for kids! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By HerbH - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Having owned Imprezas since 1996, I was expecting a faster, but no more refined, car in the WRX. Surprise! The WRX is much smoother and quieter than its less sporty predecessors. At first the controls felt too light, and the seat felt too hard, but after a long drive I feel quite fresh. The turbo lag is not very noticeable except at high altitude with the AC running. Then you need to coordinate clutch and throttle with finesse. Reports of lousy mileage are due to test drive behavior; Im averaging 23- 26, and I drive fast but efficiently. Coolest experience? Going up to Donner Pass (7,200 feet) at half throttle in fifth gear at 70-80mph.

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  Cool Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Hello - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Subaru Impreza Wrx is the coolest car I have ever driven!