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:

• 

  Stealth hotrod - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Snowstorm - February 5 - 11:56 pm

  I traded a VW Passat V6 for this car and it beats the Passat in almost every way: handling, acceleration, traction, braking, comfort and standard equipment. Build quality and materials are equal to the VW -- and thats saying a lot because the VW is a great car! The Legacy feels glued to the road unlike any sedan or wagon Ive driven with the exception of a BMW 3-series. In fact, a friend who own a Porsche Boxster was comparing (favorably) the Legacys handling to his car after I let him take a spin. When he let me take a reciprocal drive in the Boxster, I understood.

• 

  Powerful Ride, Great Handling - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Phipka - February 5 - 9:16 pm

  This is my third new Subaru and there are noticeable improvements from model to model. The only real negative I see is a hesitation to accelerate. This is a real problem when coming onto a road past a blind curve or pulling onto a parkway with fast unforgiving traffic. Otherwise the car has amazing handling and is the best foul weather car I have ever driven in. It is a little closer to the ground than my 2000 Outback Limited offering excellent stability in the wind. I particularly liked the sport shift when I went over the 16% grade of the Sonora Pass in California this year - I really feel safe in this car under almost any condition. 19/25 mpg traffic/highway.

• 

  Perfect all around vehicle - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Justin - February 5 - 10:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying my Subaru. I narrowed my choices to a Jeep Liberty, Mazda 3, Toyota Rav4, and the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza won out for a few reasons. I was looking for something that was good in the snow since I live in Minnesota. I was also looking for something that was good on gas, but could also be rugged and haul my camping gear. The Subaru Impreza was the perfect mix of everything I had wanted in a vehicle. It performed extremely well this winter in the snow. The car does better than an SUV for gas, but worse than most small cars. I am getting 23 city, 28hwy. Overall, I couldnt be happier with my decision.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Darrek - February 3 - 8:20 pm

  It holds everything I need to haul and then some...

• 

  Great all-around car - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Jim - February 2 - 8:53 pm

  I recently purchased a 2016 Legacy 2.5i Limited with the moonroof/nav/eyesight package and this is a great all-around car for the money. I got black with the ivory interior and its a very sharp looking car. It has an incredibly smooth and quiet ride and it really feels like a car that would cost thousands more. It doesnt even feel like a Subaru! Ive owned some older ones going back to 1999 and theyve come a long way! So far Im enjoying the comfy roomy interior which is well appointed. The materials have a soft and luxurious feel which is nice. The "high tech" features can be a bit much but many things in the world have become more complicated so thats just the way it is these days. The Eyesight system works well and it applied the brakes for me probably preventing an accident. I looked down for a sec then all of a sudden the car was stopping by itself. Pretty amazing feature. Overall this is a great car for the money.

• 

  You Only Live Once - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By 04BlueSTI - February 1 - 9:46 pm

  This is an absolutely amazing car for the money! I have had mine for almost a month now, and have many upgrades. We can fit the carseat in the back, and as far as the insurance company knows, the STi is a four door family car. I traded in a mustang gt for the STI and love the trade. The STi has power, as well as being VERY economical. Gas mileage is good, when youre not wearing the lead shoes. And the dependability that Subaru offers is one that stands strong. It is hard to find a fast car that will never get stuck in the snow, but the Subaru did it.

• 

  Love The Features - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tim Satterfield - February 1 - 7:26 am

  I purchased a 2016 Outback Limited with all the bells and whistles. The car looks great inside and out. In fact, inside it is close to as nice as any luxury car I have owned (MB, BMW, Acura), with leather all around, a great sound system (HK, including sub), comfy seats, and excellent safety features. I am only 1,000 miles in, so cant comment on reliability, etc., but will say that the EyeSight system is awesome! I love that it detects anything behind or to the side of me, and alerts me when I am veering or getting to close to other traffic. It is easy to see all around this car, much better than the Toyotas and VWs we have recently owned. While it is a workmanlike car on the road, the comfort features in the cabin keep us happy.

• 

  Great Ride - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By dru - February 1 - 1:36 am

  Ive only had this car for 2 1/2 weeks and I love it. I sold my 2002 Jeep Liberty 2wheel drive for this Subie and I love it. I live were it snows a lot and the all wheel drive is great. The car handles nicely. I had a rattle in the back but I just opened and closed all the doors and it went away. The radio is on the cheap side but I dont live in the car I just drive to work so it will do just fine. The passenger seat is a little low but thats a minor issue. all-in-all this is a great value for what you get in terms of safety and driving. There is also a lot of cargo space for a small SUV

• 

  Best SUV Ever - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Joe Lopez - January 31 - 3:53 pm

  I love my Tribeca. its great that its not everywhere. People say "wow thats so beautiful, what is it?" I love it. First Subaru. Forever Subaru.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By jo151 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  All i can say is that for the money this car is excellent. I think for any price this car is a good choice because it can be driven all year long. If you need only one car this should be it. I was considering a 911, boxster, corvette, and M3 but they all require a separate car for the winter. Besides, after driving them all i came away more impressed with the power, grip, and brakes.