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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  Safest Car On the Road - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By spenza253 - July 20 - 5:43 pm

  A few nights ago I hit a deer with my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, unfortunately she might be totaled. The most amazing thing about this car? How safe it is! I hit the deer going about 55 mph, both the steering wheel airbag and, to my surprise because I did not know it existed, an airbag at knee - calf level. Upon hitting the deer the car felt solid, and in the drivers seat I felt completely secure, I was not going anywhere. My Subaru provided me with the ultimate protection from the accident and I will forever rant about how safe and amazing this car is. I am 17 years old and this was my first car, and I recommend this car for worried parents who want the safest car on the road.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By BajaMan - July 20 - 11:03 am

  I bought this vehicle as a replacement for my 1994 Jeep Wrangler in December 2002. I was attracted by the fact it was a car and a truck and its all wheel drive. So far the only major problem was the battery went flat about a year ago for no apparent reason.

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  A great car that could be better - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By stijockey - July 20 - 6:26 am

  The STI is a great daily driver: fast, comfortable, good visibility and the hatch makes it practical. Handling is good with some understeer but the AWD grip is amazing. The interior quality is a little sub-par but it is an Impreza after all. Road noise is a bit on the high side but much quieter than the previous generation. Whats missing are heated mirrors and headlight washers, heated seats and the push button start system.

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  Subaru Outback Ltd by NoNickYet - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nonickyet - July 19 - 4:56 pm

  I love the Transmission. The ability to go from automatic to electronic shift is great. The standard 4 cyl engine is powerfull enough to get you in and out of tight traffic situations. It rides and handels well. My only complaint would be the cabin area is a little tight.

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  Four-Channel ABS - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By era174 - July 18 - 11:33 am

  This is my first all wheel drive car. i thought AWD is better in bad weather (snow, black ice, wet roads). Some experts at Edmunds Subaru forums pointed out SNOW TIRES are a key factor, not AWD. Of course, AWD with SNOW TIRES are better, but AWD alone doesnt help that much in bad weather. My salesperson showed me the four-channel ABS under the hood. Its much better than normal three or two-channel ABS found on almost every front wheel drive vehicles.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By sriegg - July 17 - 4:00 am

  This has to be the most fun Ive ever had driving. Its quick, sharp and loves to go.

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  Not much slower than my STI - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Martin - July 16 - 11:23 pm

  I traded my 2008 STI on this vehicle. I was impressed by its performance and the quality of the design. I share this car with my wife and she loves this car.

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  New to AWD - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Kevin - July 16 - 8:20 am

  Bought a Subaru because I drive way to much for a lease. I got a slightly used (Dealer Demo) 07 2.5i 4EAT w/sport shifter. Excellent value for the size of car. Gas miles are good, power is good and looks are stunning. Nobody know what you are driving. Lots of extras for these cars. Mostly Turbo related but items can be found for the 2.5i (non-turbo).

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  Great car, Awesome Harman Kardon audio! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Steve B - July 16 - 5:20 am

  Replaced a Honda CR-V, was a very good decision for us. The Outback is roomier, more versatile, has better features for the money. So far, we are very pleased with the decision. CVT took some getting used to - the wind up/wind down is not something I have experienced before. Resulting gas mileage is a reasonable trade off. We thought about getting the V- 6 - glad we did not.

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  best "car" so far!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By zpsbob - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Needed to replace one of our company vehicles.. needed pickup function and ability to handle 4 real adults. This little guy does it all!! Not many choices in this category... Avalanche is too big/expensive/gas hog... Explorer Sport Trac is ugly as sin, thirsy also, plus didnt care for the ride. This vehicle is loaded as standard eq: power windows, locks, cruise ,tilt, air, CD, sunroof, etc. I opted for the Sprot because I didnt want the standard leather seats (personal preference) and the cloth seats are excellent on long trips!! Look hard and find one with monotone paint... theyre out there...