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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  All round great vehicle! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Sabina Spencer - July 24 - 1:59 pm

  This is a very sound and sensible car not exciting and sexy but safe and reliable. Id highly recommend it.

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  WRX - sports car in family attire - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Bob DAugustine - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The WRX wagon may look like a strictly utilitarian vehicle, but drives like an expensive sports car. Its acceleration, handling and braking match those of cars that cost thousands of dollars more and have the sporting pedigrees to match. I have been thrilled with this car!

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  Low-Impact Driving Machine - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By dnealv - July 23 - 5:23 pm

  This is a good car. In California, its a partial zero emissions vehicle. As pollution free as a Prius. It handles well. The ride is a bit harsher than a Camry, which Im accustomed to. Fuel economy, after only 1000 miles, has been about 23 mpg average. It holds the road well, has enough room for four and groceries. I can tow a small boat and drive on marginal roads. The dealer had an excellent price. $19,000, after the $1500 rebate. This included options of rubber floor mats, mud guards and rear bumper non-skid.

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  2003 Subaru 2.5X auto - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Glock88 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  My lease was up on my 01 Honda CRV EX auto. The Subaru has much more power, better transmission, tons of standard features, drives like a sports car, does not lean much in curves compared to the CRV, great grip, great steering feel, brake pedal soft but stops well, well made, easy maintenance with directions in manual. About 2 miles per gallon better fuel mileage than CRV. Has more room than older Forrester I had looked at a few years ago. I like it much better and was same price I paid for my old CRV when new.

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  Perfect complete package? - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Daily Driver - July 19 - 7:03 am

  I was looking for a reliable, economical, fun daily driver - a combination surprisingly hard to find. Enter the Impreza: AWD, fun, safe, good looking, good mpg, sporty, practical, good standard equipment. Was ready to buy the 2.5i after the test drive, but told dealer I needed to give the WRX a chance at least. 15 minutes behind the wheel and I was sold. WRX = 2.5i + fun (read: fast!), great standard equipment, decent mpgs. Add the Premium Package for a list of great amenities that cant be beat for the money.

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  2006 Impreza - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Donna - July 18 - 9:56 pm

  This is a hot little car. The get up and go is fabulous. The ride is smooth and easy. The controls are very ergonomically situated.

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  Love my Legacy! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By M Winkler - July 17 - 6:46 am

  We have the 2007 Legacy with SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive), which gives the engine 3 modes: Intelligent (great for around town and best fuel economy) Sport, standard mode, and Sport Sharp, which gives it better performance for sport driving. This car handles great, fun to drive, looks awesome, and came with XM installed. You get so much for your money with this car. We are very happy with it.

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  Great driving car & great MPG with AWD - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By sealcove1970 - July 16 - 4:41 pm

  I have not had the car for too long, but so far I am really pleased with it. I enjoy the ride, I like how the CVT feels, it is very comfortable for me (I am 6 4"), and so far I am getting great mileage (averaging between 36 & 39 for mostly 40-55mph driving with light traffic and stops). I cant explain the poor mileage some report, unless it has to do with city driving and driving style. I purchased mine after getting to know two others purchased by fiends last winter, and they both report mid-30s or better for MPG. I gave it a five for reliability, but it is obviously too soon to know that. Hopeful!

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  My First New Import - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By DFMYERS - July 15 - 2:13 pm

  At this point I couldnt be happier with this little wagon. We also own a 05 Pontiac Vibe which weve owned for about a year so its neat to be able to compare the two. The Impreza excels over the Vibe in handling and performance but lacks in interior features and room. Both are winners in my book.

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  The vehicle I was looking for - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ken Myers - July 14 - 11:36 am

  Replaced gas-guzzler 3/4-ton ’05 Chevy pickup with the ’08 Outback. My requirements; better mpg, able to pull motorcycle and its trailer, high ground clearance w/ 4-WD or AWD to traverse the 2-track to my cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, handle winter snow, carry my radio-controlled planes and R/C equipment, ease of front seat access for my 85- year-old mother. Went to test drive an ’09 Forester and while waiting saw the Blue/Silver Metallic ’08 Outback and changed the test drive! The test drive, on poorly maintained paved roads, felt comfortable, and has proven so. There is a very solid feel between the car and the road. Good value. Better than a SUV for me. I like it a lot so far.