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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  A GREAT LITTLE SUV WAGON - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By JIM - June 12 - 6:46 pm

  What a great little SUV wagon, try it you love it. Drive it and you will be convinced that it is one of best all-wheel drive wagons on the road in this price range. This is my second Subaru Forester that I have own,

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  A winner for affordable compact SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By taco2bme - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping around and a friend told me about her Forester. She was right! The Forester has an excellent safety rating, which was important to me, and living in the north, AWD is ideal. However, it rides like a car which is also a plus. Id recommend to anyone.

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  The Best in Snow - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Dragan - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased this car and had an opportunity to drive it in fresh snow the same day. I could not beleive how easy and at the same time fun was to drive this incredible machine. It is so nice to push it in the controlled slide, press the accelerator and enjoy... the most fun to drive car I ever had.

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  Great All-Weather Sports Sedan - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By d__w__a - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic automobile. Ive had mine for almost two years and its been a great experience. I got one of the first ones and the only "problem" Ive had was an overly sensitive system control computer which displayed "check engine" warnings after prolonged high-rpm driving. The car was out of commission for a few days to have the unit re-programmed and I havent had a problem since. The car is roomy (for a compact), comfortable and. most importantly, a blast to drive.

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  WRX has No downsides - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By David - June 10 - 1:33 am

  I have a 05 WRX in World Rally Blue with 16 inch rims and this car has been so much fun. 13,000 miles on her now and no problems. All wheel drive really helped when a friend and I were caught in a snow blizzard. We never needed chains but I saw that mostly everyone else did; even those big full size and 1 ton trucks need chains on and in 4 wheel drive.

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  Reliable Car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Blueimpreza - June 9 - 9:00 am

  I bought this impreza l coupe 3 months ago for my job. I have put 10k miles on it in 3 months and this car has been amazing inside and out. If you want a reliable motor the 2.2 is the way to go as long as you do your basic maintenance this car will go above 200k mark easy. This is my 2nd Subaru and i can say that for the price, this is the best investment ive made.

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  Happy after 2 weeks - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By chicagoblues - June 8 - 6:00 pm

  Ive had my 14 Forester in the Limited trim model and Ive been delighted. So many things people have already noted are true: the terrific visibility, the great mileage, the quality of the interior features, the quiet and stable ride. Ive noticed, too, that it has a nimble feel, with a very tight turning radius. Responsive steering, perfectly adequate acceleration with the CVT normally aspirated engine. Im happy with the sound system--I went for the tweeter upgrade--and I like the all weather package, power lift gate and leather which are standard on the Limited.

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  Loyal Owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By juice - June 7 - 9:13 am

  Got this after owning a 98 model for many good years. Mileage had been good, we break 30 on trips. Like the perforated and heated leather seats, too. Good size for a family of 4 - small outside, big inside. Ours hasnt seen the dealership since we bought it, our salesman says we see him every 7 years, when its time to buy a new one. Id like to see them add Direct Injection and maybe the CVT from the Outback. All in all were happy and would buy the same car again.

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  Hot RS - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By 1236585224 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Snow will not stop this car. After this NY winter, I KNOW!!!

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  2003 Forester X 2.5 GREAT CHOICE for SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Rog - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Great size, excellent interior design and appointments. Very good standard sound system. Easy operating folding seats, good passenger and drive head and leg room. Good fuel economy average of 23 MPH. Nice ride and handling.