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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  For love of a car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Kiriel - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a WRX from the time they came out. When the STi came out, I decided to get it instead. I am very glad that I did. When I finally do get a different car (years down the road, and my STi has been driven into the ground) it will have to be even more amazing than this one. I love driving it. It is the most fun Ive had in a long time. We might even have to get my husband his own.

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  Our 5th Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By CMartin - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Black & Gold 3.0 AWD Outback Sedan! Its fun to drive, and handles EXTREMELY well in snow and rain. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven for long trips. 600-700 miles in a day, and I still feel great at the end of the days drive. I have only one complaint that my Service Department has no answer -- the heating/cooling system. Seems theres no happy medium for it. Hopefully Subaru will come up with a fix soon! Weve been a Subaru family for a long time. I drove a 2000 Outback Sedan before getting the 2002, with the bigger engine. Glad I made the upgrade, except -- give me my old air conditioner/heater!!!

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  I love this car. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Marcia - December 17 - 10:10 pm

  I have owned 8 Subarus since 1991. The 2005 L. L. Bean Forester has given me the greatest satisfaction for its practicality, fine interior, and SUV features.

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  My first Subbie - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By tcbranger - December 17 - 1:16 am

  3 guys I knew swore by their Outbacks. Was looking for a new car and test drove the Limited wagon. Leather is nice. Definitely the best car I have ever bought. Perfect size for hauling people yet small and nimble for zipping in Atlanta traffic. All the features on the Limited are worth the extra price. I love it. Im a normal sized guy and the seats fit me like a glove.

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  Luxury & Finesse Beyond Expectations - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By trace sexton - December 13 - 5:55 pm

  If you are looking for luxury, performance, reliability, and safety while paying 32k or less, this is the car for you.

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  Were Baaaaaaaaaack! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Dan - December 13 - 2:00 pm

  We have been Subaru owners since 1997 (our first Subie was the Outback Sport). The confidence of knowing you have AWD (true AWD, not the "mamby pamby" pretend AWD offered by all the competition). We broke away from Subaru when the 2010s came out and, for some reason, the Subaru engineers dialed the steering to a non-existent feel and wandering effect. That felt very unlike the Subarus we owned in the past. We were so disappointed that we purchased a Nissan Murano until Subaru could get their act together regarding the handling we always were accustomed o and Subaru was noted for. Well, the wait and all the loyal Subaru customers spoke and Subaru listened. Finally, we test drove the 2016 Legacy 3.6 and our patience has paid off! The superior handling is back with the addition of great safety additions (ours has the Eyesight and remote start) comfort and styling....and of course the true AWD (sorry Nissan, the Murano so called AWD is not what you claim it to be...we know, weve driven Subarus for years to notice the difference). We traded our 2012 Murano on Thursday, November 12th, and dealt with Day Apollo Subaru in Moon Twp in Western Pennsylvania. The salesman (James) and sales manager (Eric) worked with us on what we were looking to get on our trade and what we were willing to pay for our new 2016 Legacy. To make a long story short, we received the deal we wanted and asked for on both ends (the trade and the purchase). My wife and I couldnt be happier! We are thankful to be back in the Subaru family! Thank you Subaru for making the car fun to drive again with the excellent handling and thanks to James and Eric of Day Apollo Subaru who made it all happen!

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  fun 2 drive - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Avalita - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and I love it! I have had three cars before this one and none comes close to this. Every where I go I get comments on how nice my car is. Not to mention it is quick off the line and really fun to drive. I love the look on peoples faces when they see me fly past! My only complaint is that the back seet is too small.

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  Excellent all around - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  This is a lot of car for the money. You will be pleased with the performance of the engine, the handling and tight turn circle, heated seats, enormous sunroof, creature comforts, automatic climate control, visibility and other features. The car is fun to drive. No rattles after 3500 miles. CR rated very high (top) in small SUV category. I definitely agree.

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  A different Subaru wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Stan - December 10 - 12:43 pm

  I test drove the Ltd w/ 4 cyl. I was impressed w/ the new look, the pick up, the extra leg room on the 2nd row. However, I had an issue w/ the headrest. It pushes my head forward and gives me an uncomfortable feeling. I was told that once the seat was adjusted correctly, the headrest issue would go away. Overall, I like the car a lot, just hope that Subaru would have a better financing program and/or rebate and/or dealer incentive.

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Steve - December 8 - 9:53 pm

  I looked at a lot of cars before buying this. I got a great deal at $17,750. $1000 instant rebate for end of year, and another $250 below dealer invoice - negotiated for one of the last 06s. Plenty of power, handles great, AWD is great in snow and on bumpy roads. I always look forward to driving it. Unless you do serious 4 wheeling or tow a boat, an SUV is not only a waste of gas, but MUCH, MUCH less fun to drive. Im so glad to have a car that will do anything I need it to, plus its a blast to drive. If you dont need AWD the Mazda 5 and Matrix are comparable, but for AWD nothing compare to a Subie at the price point. It drives like a $40,000 Audi or BMW, but is MORE reliable.