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:

• 

  AMAZING - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Lou - March 17 - 12:30 pm

  Perfect blend of speed and functionality. Absolutely beautiful car, very hard to improve upon.

• 

  B9 BINGO! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Anthony - March 14 - 11:10 pm

  This vehicle is awesome! I feel like Im driving a $55,000 vehicle for close to $20,000 less.

• 

  Love it - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Ken - March 13 - 6:06 am

  I have had the car for three months and like it better than when I bought it.

• 

  luv my subie - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Doug McLeod - March 11 - 8:53 am

  incredibly reliable

• 

  All the bells and whistles - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Jason Kellner - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Coming from an AWD Impreza, I thought the handling was good. My 03 Legacy GT far surpasses it. Because it sticks to the road like glue, I can keep up with Porsches and BMWs easily on mountain roads and fly right by clumsy SUVs. I test drove one with an automatic, and the complaints about power with this trans are warranted. I got a 5-speed and the sluggishness issues were resolved. Im averaging 28 MPG in mixed driving. Whats best is the 03 and 04 GTs have every option imagineable -- In-dash CD changer, heated leather seats w/side airbags, heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, fog lights, 16-inch wheels, moonroof, etc. Very hard to find a 5-speed.

• 

  Subaru Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Badger 777 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Great overall performance and fuel mileage. It should have a little more horsepower without sacrificing the fuel mileage, (200 hp would be perfect). The ride is excellent in town an on the highway. I really have no complaints it is a well designed vehicle and the best part is it was assembled using U.S. laborers. My Cheverolet Silverado was made in Canada. In fact I believe my 2002 Cougar was made in Mexico.

• 

  B9 Tribeca w/ Nav - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By wxman475 - March 8 - 4:30 pm

  Its certainly the one of a kind SUV - powerful, solid, luxury & fun to drive. Looking for a premium quality SUV for some time, I was initially interested in ACURA RDX and test drove that many times. RDX, besides pricey, turned out to be too small compared to Tribeca, especially the tight back seat and small cargo area; its also way too noisy when speeding up from low speed. Tribeca, on the other hand, feels more solid when turning & smoother speeding up. Some people complained about the gas mileage. Im getting 21.5 to 23.9 mi/gal combined local and highway in the DC area. For an SUV this size with AWD, Im happy. Sport shift is certainly helpful to gain speedy pass when needed-easy to use.

• 

  Outstanding in all respects. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve Ratcliffe - March 7 - 9:57 pm

  I was downsizing from SUVs since I dont need the third row and dont tow anymore. I studied and drove the Volvo, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai. The Subaru Outback beat them all "Hands-down". I bought the Outback Limited 2.5 with the "Eye Sight" system on it and find it to be far superior to any other make for excellent setting options and comfort in using it. I also like the multitude of options with the audio and map controls. The back seat is also comfortable and has adequate leg and hip room. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  Best Car Ever, so far - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By iluvcar - March 5 - 9:38 am

  It may be a little early to write a review. Ive owned the car since 120,xxx, it has 150,000 now. This car is solid. Ive had no major mechanical issues. With some weight reduction and iridium spark plugs, this car can easily get 22 city/ 28 hwy mpg. I bought it in May 2013 for $2,400.

• 

  The best car on the road!! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Judi Epstein - March 4 - 3:23 pm

  I love my LL Bean Outback and am sorry to let it go. Ive never owned a car as well built and reliable. Its absolutely fantastic!!