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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  Forester rocks! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By oareagle - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2001 Forester new in April 2000 for my wife, and couldnt be more pleased. It handles great, even more so once we replaced the crappy Firestones with some Michelin X-ones, and it has more than enough power for conquering other vehicles on the road. Got a five- speed, and its a kick to leave a BMW or Miata at the light on a rainy day, when the all-wheel-drive virtually eliminates any spin. Its all-wheel-drive traction, all good. And its got a low center of gravity that allows you to whip it around curves with no worries.

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  Outback rocks! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By oareagle - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Got the Outback limited sedan for a steal at just under $18,000 because it had been sitting on the dealers lot for almost a year. I personally like the sedan design better than the Outback wagon design. Its a great car, with a classy, comfortable leather interior and a rugged all-wheel-drive system that doesnt mind a minor trail or two. Its not as fun to throw around in the slalom as my 2001 Forester, but part of that can be attributed to the fact that my Forester is a five speed, and youre stuck with an auto tranny in the limited sedan. The standard Firestones also dont grip as well as the Michelin X-ones I put on my Forester.

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  Wow...from Subaru? - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By FirstSubie - June 24 - 4:20 am

  This vehicle is truly a refreshing drive considering all the other SUVs I have owned. I think the thing that will blow you away is the interior. The fit and finish and design is on par with our Teutonic friends from Germany. It almost has a "cockpit" like feel from a fighter jet and the electroluminescent gauges are awesome. Also, get the "puddle" lights. They really finish the vehicle off nicely! The Boxer motor is amazingly smooth as is the tranny. Shifts are seamless and road/wind noise is non-existent. The driving experience is very pleasing. The Boxer motor provides a low center of gravity so you have sharp/precise handling, not "tippy". Sports car handling with SUV clearance!

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  Subaru WRX is a great overall car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By WRX Fan - June 22 - 4:56 pm

  The Subaru Impreza WRX is an amazing overall vehicle. It has great pickup, reliability, and styling. For the money I give this car a 12/10. I have had no problems and enjoy driving my 5 speed Subaru everywhere. It always feels good when you see everybody else looking at your car and giving you the thumbs up. The Subaru is a great buy because of the price, safety, and it is fun to drive.

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  Japanese feel like a European - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By slickmetal - June 19 - 1:43 am

  Its my first Subaru. I always have been a Toyota fan. I have been an owner of a Corolla, Camry and the 2000 Celica. I wanted a AWD, thats why I want to try the Subaru. Its a solid car. I have always like the interior of European cars like VW and Audi. The Legacy is the first Japanese car I feel like Im inside an European make. The traction is excellent and cornering doesnt feel like youre in a wagon. Subaru should put in a base engine with 200 horse power to make it more fun to drive without paying the premium price for GT turbo model.

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  Fantastic Car - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By michaelz08 - June 15 - 1:39 pm

  This is the first Subaru weve ever bought, and we have no regrets about it. Its a fantastic car, and thats even before you look at how much value it offers; for example, a similarly optioned Ford Fusion costs upwards of $5 thousand dollars more! And the features arent even as good or refined. The Eyesight adaptive cruise is awesome, and it is completely worth the extra money. The Harman/Kardon sound system is better than some in more expensive cars. The interior is roomy and the seats are very comfortable, and even the rear seats are heated. Thats something you dont see in some $60 thousand Mercedes! The navigation system is really good, and its easy to use. On that note, the rear vie

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  Home Run! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By A.R.G. - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I first drove it for two blocks, and was almost sold, until I flexed the Scoobies muscle. It is the grown up version of the WRX: smooth, quiet, soild. I bought it the next day. It keeps impressing me. Great car!!

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  four POWER - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By celldtrx - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This four cylinder is comparable to some eights. Acceleration is very impressive.High speed acceleration is very good.All other brands take note or this will be the only car on the road.

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  Subaru reveiw - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Luis Cruz - June 13 - 8:10 pm

  You get a lot for your money and you feel the safety in your vehicle

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  Very Fun & Practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By brian - June 13 - 11:23 am

  I love to drive my WRX. It handles great, and the wagon has enough room to make runs to the hardware store. Main complaint is the slight turbo lag. Otherwise the car is great for roadtrips and is built rock solid.