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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  Five Star Overall - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Lillianna - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  The safety features are outstanding compared to all other models in its category. Safety is number one for me, because I have a new driver to share this new auto with me. So, as you know Mom is always concerned about the childrens well being, and safety comes first. The Subaru Forester is equipped with all the latest technology and up to date gadgets anyone can possibly think of. Yes, including a USB Port in the middle compartment. Oh, and several outlets for charging all the external stuff, like games, cell phones, and anything else that might need to be charged. The interior leather seats are very comfortable, both up front and in the back. The cargo area is large enough for suitcases and a good size ice chest, plenty of room. I am enjoying my new forester...

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  Build these again!! - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By bluebaja - November 5 - 10:50 pm

  When our 03 Baja was getting high miles, there was only 1 choice to replace it - another Baja! We found our 06 6 hours from our home still under factory warranty. The only complaint I have about the Baja is SOA didnt keep making them based on the new Outback. Comfortable, capable off road, great in the snow - what more could anyone want from a daily driver? If you dont need the towing capacity of a full size truck and still want decent gas mileage with a truck bed (plywood and drywall as well as dimensional lumber fits), the Baja is your vehicle! If SOA had advertised them, they would have sold like hot cakes. 3 people bought 1 after seeing our 03.

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  No Better Car Out There For The Money - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian & Erin - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Having parents that have owned two Subarus for years and hearing how great a car they build, we decided to go out and buy one. After owning the car for a little over a year now, I can honestly tell you this is the best car Ive owned. I am NOT a family car type of guy and I love driving this car. From the solid Subaru build quality to the All-Wheel drive and the suprisingly well cornering ability. The list goes on and on. At around $20,000 this car is a steal.

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  STI vs EVO - Ive owned then Both Now. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bobspeed - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just got rid of a 2003 Evo after 1 year, and just got a 2004 STI: Both cars are just like the press says - But I give an edge to the STI. One big blast of a ride, the STI does have a more forgiving a ride than the Evo, has a better interior, and has a cruise control (Mitsu you listening?). Seat of the pants tells me the STIs 29 more horses and 27 more lbs torque are for real. Handling - both handle different and require different techniques on hard cornering. The Sti just a little lift throttle oversteer to set the apex, then punch it and watch the thing scream. Im a speed junkie and the STI is just that much more than the EVO.

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  Great all climate car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By A Flyer - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This is our 5th Subaru and it is driven 60 miles round trip everyday and we use it to visit our daughters in Westchester and Fairfax counties every 3 to four weeks. This H6 is by far the best Subaru weve owned. The ride is very good, stable, responsive on the expressway and most of all reliable. An added plus is that it looks great. The car earned our confidence. Living in Rochester NY, we do get a lot of inclement weather; ice, snow, sleet, wind, etc. When that happens the Saab 9-5 stays in the garage and the Subaru becomes our workhorse. Cant say enought good things about the car.

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  An overlooked offering - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Chris - November 4 - 10:43 pm

  I did a lot of research (both online and in person) before buying. Safety was a huge factor for me, so the great safety ratings and crash test results were a large part my decision. I ended up getting a 2009 Legacy Limited sedan. It handles very well. The 2009 has stability control standard. Feels pretty sporty around the curves. The AWD helps. The base engine has more than enough power for my driving habits. If you need more, get the turbo or 6 cylinder. The interior layout is great; very logical and oriented toward the driver. For a "family car" its a fun car to drive. Its a little small compared to other midsized sedans, but is comfortable for average sized adults.

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  Great car, great value. Money well spent. - 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By damayberry - November 4 - 5:38 pm

  Ive only had my Crosstrek for two days but so far I am highly impressed with everything. Its no fire breathing V8 but its powerful enough. Cabin is very spacious, seats are wonderful, the ride to me is quiet and pleasant. As soon as I bought the car, it started snowing. Even after driving through almost a foot of snow and ice, I have absolute confidence I can go anywhere I need to go! Gas mileage is incredible. Reliability? Purchased the 7 year extended warranty and lifetime powertrain.

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  Get ONE!! - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Sylencce - November 4 - 10:00 am

  What an unbelievable driving machine!

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  WRX CRUSHES ALL OTHER IMPRORTS - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By racrx - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Nothing comes close to this level of performance for the price! It crushes cars $10000 -$20000 including audi S- 4,A4,TT,bmw3 series,and all of the jap. sport compacts. 0-60 5.2sec. 1/4 mile 14.2 sec. slolom,skidpad it rules all with mud and snow tires and 4 catalytic converters. The potential is unreal and it goes off road and in the snow better than most suvs and trucks.

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  Definitely Love my Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By rthomas18 - November 3 - 8:42 pm

  Bought my subaru in May 2010 - put 22,000 miles on it over the past 6 months -- 2500 where I was towing at the maximum capacity. I could not be happier with the performance. The seats could be more comfy, and yes - the cup holders absolutely suck (I was told by a guy in the service department to use a strip of foam-works pretty well). Its a great car at a great price - just wish they offered the leather interior w/the 5-speed!