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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  More fun than a WRX or Mustang - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bellis - July 7 - 8:56 am

  Quicker from a standing start than our previous WRXs and our 05 Legacy 2.5 GT turbo. No serious turbo lag felt in the XT, as well as being stronger through the gears. Doesnt handle as well as the WRXs, but it is a lot more comfortable and versatile, especially on a long trip or bumpy gravel roads. Mileage of 24-25 mpg in mixed driving with generous use of the turbo is excellent for such a high performance vehicle. A trip with 4 people on board through mountains (6,000 to 10,000 ft) did not diminish its performance/fun factor. Not as cute as the V8 Mustang we had, but feels just as fast and a lot better handling (safer) in inclement weather. Actually fun to drive in the rain.

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  Great Buy, Great Car - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By me - July 6 - 6:43 pm

  Really enjoying the car. I test drove the Accord, Civic, CR-V and a used Volvo S40. The value, comfort and luxury feel of the Legacy left them all behind. The ride is smoother and handling better than the Accord at around the same price. With more power and AWD to boot. The only competition was the CR-V, which I loved to drive. But similarly equipped it cost $3k more and is funny looking from the outside. This is my 3rd Subaru, my last car being an Outback Sport. I notice that the radio is MUCH better in this car.

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  Insurance - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Peno13 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I Love This Car!!! If you havent driven one, Find one, Steal one, Borrow one, Rent one, Take your friends!! They are so much fun. Also they should have left the body alone till 05 and came out with the STi in the 02-03 body style. Biggest downfall :::::INSURANCE IS A KILLER on this car!!!:::::

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  Imprezas Rule - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ryanphar - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Dont bother looking at any other cars by far this car is the best on the market

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  wrx owners notes: - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By p k - July 4 - 2:00 am

  the best bang for the buck in terms of performance. get behind the wheel and youll notice the impressive amount of head and leg room. flip the ignit and you hear the thundering roar of ease into an intimidating purr. rip into the accel and you get some serious kick. no car in its class even comes close. id buy another one if i had a spare 25k.

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  Happy Trails - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hdiddy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a real pleasure to drive. Excellent handling and I really enjoy the extras on the Bean. This is my first soob and probably wont be my last.

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  American Fuji - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By snowmass1 - July 3 - 9:41 pm

  What a surprise. Ive always wondered how this vehicle would be to own and so far have no disappointments. Well engineered and perfectly assembled in the good old U.S. of A

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By seang - July 3 - 10:16 am

  Traded in 07 Civic and the Legacy is like driving a luxury car. Test drove a 08 Legacy but car gave rough ride and even smaller interior than the civic. Tested the 10 Legacy and was blown away. Great interior room, great ride quality, great radio sound. Engine sounds awesome under high rev but very quiet when cruising. Considering AWD and the price, you get A LOT for the money. I have 300 miles and am getting over 25 mpg and engine not even broken in yet. Love this car!

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  Best value for money - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By dee - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my forester in April 2010 and I have no regrets. Its the best value for money. My car is loaded with Blue tooth, navigation, heated seats, satellite radio, remote start, auto dimming mirrors, fog lights, moon roof, leather seats, dvd player, cd player, ipod connections and its all wheel drive. Brand new it cost me less than 30,000. I live in new hampshire so I need a car that is great in the snow, rain, mud or dry road. So far the subie is perfect. I strongly recommend fully loading this vehicle if you plan to get it. You wont be able to enjoy all of these comforts in any other high quality new SUV for the price of a Subaru. I road trip in comfort and style. no problem

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  I Love THIS car! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By holderad - July 2 - 7:16 pm

  I love my 2014 Plasma Green Crosstrek Hybrid. My one word description: Awesome! The hybrid system works significantly better than any hybrid I test drove. It is used for power / torque augmentation more than fully powering the car most of the time. I think Subaru under-reported their MPG figures on purpose. The car is not even broken in, and Im getting almost 38 MPG highway and so far about 31.7 MPG with downtown driving. The car does some kinda magic with the CVT and that electric motor. It is seamless. The car has "the pull" at all speeds that its all gas brother just doesnt. I mean, you can feel the surge at highway speeds when you stand on it to pass. The symmetrical AWD is fantastic!