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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  Awesome - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Loveit - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Some of these I couldnt answer honestly since I have only had it for 3 days. But, with my past experience with Subaru this is going to be a wonderful vehicle. Overall a beautiful change over in body style and overall performance. Would recommend 100%

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  2 year update - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Red Herring - August 7 - 9:36 am

  Have owned now for almost 2 years, and still am impressed by what a sound, competent SUV this is. Through 2 winters now, tracks like a goat-no way to get it stuck, and rain is irrelevant due to great visibility, wipers and traction. Body quality is high also-survived a nine inch wide, 12 foot long tree branch falling on it and grape sized hail without a dent or scratch. Plenty roomy (Im 64" and comfortable front or back) and practical (carried everything I ever asked it to, much more than CR-V or RAV). Turbo makes it a VERY competent performer, and I think the handling is a great compromise between comfort and performance. Critics need to keep in mind that this is a Subaru, not an Audi

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  Love my scooby! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By dirtyru - August 7 - 2:08 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Handles like a true rally car in the curves! With the AWD, it handles exceptionally well off road. I honestly believe that this car handles/ drives even smoother in the rain! 154,000 miles and still counting! I have the S model, which on here says its a manual, but i do infact have the crafty automatic. The leather interior has held up greatly & the seat warmers come in handy on those brisk mornings. Getting rid of my car & having this vehicle has truely inspired me to make it a point to get out of the office & enjoy the outdoors. Its the perfect utility vehicle that also doubles as an economical, every day driver. I hope to keep this for a looong time!

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  Love Our Subie - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By murphy and emma - August 5 - 9:40 am

  First time owners of a Suburu. We love how quiet it is! Handles great in the snow. Driver side very comfortable. Need 8-way passenger seat! Would also like to see memory driver seat, heated steering wheel, lighted Home-link buttons, and folding mirrors. Love it.

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  More than expected - 2013 Subaru BRZ
  By bsxyz - August 3 - 3:19 am

  My wife wanted a sports car and we looked at a lot of different models but she fell in love with the BRZ. It took a while to find one but we finally found one in inventory in ATL that was not let in dealer stock and went in and put down a deposit. We had drove the Scion version and it was OK but not great so we werent sure if we would buy it when it came in. It was well worth the wait. Drives much better that the FRS and quality of interior and the few upgraded options are great. Great driving little car! IF you can find one its a great car.

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  A world apart from the last generation - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By MOutback - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 Outback to buy a 2005 Outback XT Ltd., and the difference is incredible. This car is a world apart from the last generation in terms of power, handling, ride, and interior/exterior design. Its ridiculously fast, yet very capable & composed. The mild turbo lag isnt annoying at all. The SPORTSHIFT is nearly delivers the thrill of a manual (although the steering wheel buttons must be replaced with stereo controls and paddle shifters). This is a sports car with room! Sure, there still is plenty of room for improvement (see below), but the positives easily make up for the negatives. Every drive is so rewarding. Is this really a Subaru?

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  The most amazing thing on wheels. - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By luxcar101 - August 2 - 1:43 am

  I think that God is a rally fan, and if he is he drifts around cloud 9 in this AWD excitment I call my car. Mustangs, Camaros, A4s, GTis, etc., etc. all are scared of this car and rightfully so! The AWD system on this car has to be the most amazing part of this vehicle. The only thing I can say is that I feel VERY SAFE in this car. Overall, what this car lacks in refinement it makes up for in brut force and speed.

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  works great - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By l c - August 1 - 1:37 pm

  good small car with super price

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  Subaru - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Honey Barnett - July 31 - 4:35 pm

  Its great!

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  Luv My New Subie Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Daveknight - July 30 - 11:50 am

  I researched several comparable models and chose a 2009 Forester having consideres Forester for a couple of years, The 2009 model is a step forward from the excellent previous Forester. This car handles beautifully and is a joy to drive. It has more room than the previus model yet maintains the Forester image. Gas mileage has been as high as 32 highway at 60 mph. Fit and finish is excellent. I am thrilled with my new 2009 Forester. Would recommend the Rugged Package which includes side moldings, fender moldings, roof rack bars and rear bumper protector.