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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  Extraordinary - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Greg - October 24 - 10:40 pm

  The car is fantastic. The handling is neutral and very responsive. The brakes have a lot of stopping power. The car has a lot of grip. The engine has a lot of bottom end torque as well as peak horsepower. The car works very well int he wet, and the hydroplaning stability is superb. I have never driven a better car in the snow. I had Michelin Pilot Alpin snow tires on it, this winter, and on three highway trips in snow storms, there was no other vehicle with the grip, stability, and control to keep up with me. The interior is well laid out, comfortable, and efficient. Overall, I think this car is probably the best valued car made; it certainly is the best performance car value.

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  2004 BAJA Turbo - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Gene Forget - October 24 - 1:53 pm

  I actually own a 2004 Turbo Baja. This is the second Outback type that we own, and my wife and I love it. I wanted a WRX, but I couldnt justify it, as it wasnt practical. THIS, I can justify, as it serves many purposes. So far mileage is good, it is still breaking in, and it is just plain old fun to drive.

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  Best Car Ive had - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By bluefoot14 - October 23 - 10:18 pm

  This car has been a fun car to drive. I count on it everyday to get my daughter to school and me to work. Its safe, tough, high quality, and reliable.

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  Saved my life - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Pace - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I had a 96 Subaru. I had an accident with a tree and the car was completely totalled. All I got out of the accident was a small mark on my neck from the seatbelt. I hit the tree (2ft diameter jackpine) going speeds exceding 65 mph. The build of these cars are incredible.

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  Drove it and I was sold - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By junochoe - October 21 - 1:43 am

  I have owned the Tribeca for about three weeks and I am continuously amazed. When we first test drove it, I noticed how smooth this SUVs boxer engine revs and how much willingness it has on acceleration. I also did some crazy turns in a parking lot and I noticed minimum body roll and solid grip during acceleration from the Tribecas AWD. Recently, I took my Tribeca on slick and wet winding roads at about 45 mph, and the Tribeca kept its composure. At no time did I feel excessive body roll or loss of traction. This is one fun car to drive! The exterior is a bit funky, but Ive learned to love it. Also, the interior is pretty space-age but very comfortable.

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  Limited production car with great features - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By BP - October 20 - 1:03 pm

  Ultimate sedan sleeper! People underestimate this cars performance and its wonderful to destroy that expectation. Smooth engine, transmission, and handling. Power is phenomenal for a 2.5L. Think STi but much more refined. This car rides very smooth and one would think that the suspension is too soft until you throw it in a corner. This car will amaze you how nimble and aggressive it can be when pushed. The interior cabin is very quiet and you never hear the engine strain. Fit and finish is top notch. For the price you will not find a more refined and powerful car on the market. Ive only owned Hondas and Im proud to say this car exceeded my expectations of Subaru; sorry Honda will miss you!

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  Great for the money - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Alberto - October 19 - 4:23 pm

  Great AWD for the money. I feel in control when the road becomes unpredictable. Im beginning to like the exteriors styling. Its so much fun to drive, next best thing after BMW 325. Stop reading and go buy one.

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  Love our 06 Forester! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By RI-Jim - October 18 - 12:50 pm

  OK, weve had it just 2 1/2 months and 4,000 miles, but its an excellent vehicle. Peppy engine (for a non-turbo), nice ride, handles well, has AWD (great for NE winters). The Premium upgrade has heated seats, sun/moonroof, alloy wheels, heated mirrors & windshield, nice sound system. Quiet on the highway, with some engine noise at lower speeds. Getting 26 MPG in mixed driving, 29 highway. Very comfortable seats. Top-rated by Consumer Reports, with really good crash-test results too. Its just a great value!

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  Love My Subaru! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Robin - October 18 - 12:00 am

  After test driving the CR-V, Saturn Vue, VW, Rav-4... the Subaru stands alone. Its quiet. A smooth ride and spacious interior. Its interior has a more harmonious feel than the rest. I have all the high end features without paying a high end price.

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  fun to drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By grebnesor - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have just turned 1000 miles on my forester and am enjoying the car more than I did with my Volkswagen beatles,which were fun cars to drive. It has every standard feature that you would have to buy as options in other cars.The turning radius is a blessing,and so far our mileage has been about 23 mpg both city and hyw.When the gas prices get back to normal we will enjoy it even more.love it-love it -love it.