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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  Great Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By celcam - August 2 - 1:56 am

  The RS is a great car. You cant beat the 4WD, which was a great comfort on the winter roads. The car has great torque, low and high end, and is a riot o drive. It hugs the road and is fantastic.

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  Well engineered, manufactured car for city/Sierra - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jeff Puschell - August 1 - 12:25 am

  Shop around

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  2005 2.5 RS wagon - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By AB - July 31 - 7:56 pm

  I dont know how anyone looking for an economical AWD vehicle doesnt grab this one immediately. I have no problems, although I do believe that at 50,000k I shouldnt have any problems. Fact is a lot of cars do have issues after a few kms. I live in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, and during one of our largest snow storms in recent times, I was out having fun and watching all the people in regular cars, digging pushing and swearing. This car has been rock solid, the one single complaint I have is the paint, it is not terrible, just would think it could be more rugged, but then again, its my first new car and scuffs show up easier.

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  WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By mine - July 30 - 4:10 pm

  This car kicks ass

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  Best car for the money out there - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Gary - July 30 - 1:43 pm

  Have had 6 Subarus before this one and this is the best of the lot. My first 6 cylinder and it doesnt disappoint. Its a sports car, take it to the supermarket, it will do anything you want. Its well built, so far trouble free and handsome. The engine purrs like a kitten and the exhaust has a sound like a Jaguar. I guess you can tell I love this car. We are keeping it over a new 2010. Did I say its fun to drive!

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  subaru success - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By bogus - July 30 - 10:36 am

  this car has been trouble free and my wife loves it. we had one problem with the speedometer and it was replaced under waranty. this car is incredible in snow and on slippery roads

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  Great Car. But some issues. - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian - July 30 - 12:13 am

  My wife and I have owned this Scoobie for 4 years next month. While we love the car and truly love Subarus this car has had some annoying issues that the dealers cant seem to fix. Our car has been in three times for an annoying rattle in the dash. It apparently disappears when the service techs look at it (rolling eyes). The front brakes squeal when the ambient temperature is above 60 outside. Ive replaced everything and they still squeak. Oh, the clutch went out at 38000. My wife and I know how to drive stick well and do not abuse the car. But this one let go at a very young age. Kudos to Subaru though for not stiffing us with the whole $1100 bill.

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  2008 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Turbo 5A - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By subaru convert - July 29 - 8:56 am

  After owing German performance sedans for the past 15 years, I test drove the 2008 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited with the 2.5 turbo boxer four mated with the five-speed automatic trans. I absolutely loved the car. It looked good. The interior was well-appointed. The steering was precise. The handling was exceptional. The ride was very good. The engine was surprisingly responsive and powerful. The price was extremely competitive. The only negative is the automatic transmission. The gear changes are sluggish and delayed. Even when manually changing gears with the paddle shifter, there is significant delay. If not for the auto trans, it gets all "10s".

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  Outback is Outfront - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Hauff - July 29 - 12:03 am

  Ive owned several 4x4s in the past, but never an AWD. I bought the Outback after extensive research and test drives against several other comparable mid to full size SUVs. I have not, for a moment, regretted my decision to purchase this little gem. I bought an 2.5FX Limited wirh all the options and an auto 5 speed Sport Shift transmission. I still havent gotten over the power this vehicle exhibits. When the turbo kicks in, its like going into hyperdrive. The interior is excellently finished and ergonomic. The exterior fit and finish is like cars costing much more. The only problem -- gas mileage goes down when you hit the turbo, who cares? Its too much FUN!

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  Pleased - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Zman - July 28 - 4:13 pm

  Works great in snow; 25 MPG; good to haul stuff with yet maintains comfort like a car. I call it combination- car and truck CRUCK.