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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  Impressive Impreza - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By bluedog63 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Handling is excellent. Great front legroom, poor rear seat legroom. Stylish. Fun to drive. Peppy engine.

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  The BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Doug Farmer - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The Best in subaru line of Subaru cars.

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  Post Porsche Rush - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SilverStreak - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Having owned and driven many "high" performance and sports cars (TR-4, 5L Mustang, Porsche(s) 911E, 924S, Mercedes 230SL), I can unequivocally say that this ride beats the rest in every parameter except perhaps the comfort of the front seats. It is a sleeper and the new STi should be made in the wagon version to appeal to those of us who no longer need to shout "look at me."

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  TS=Terrific Sportwagon! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Beacom - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Cant rate the reliability yet but every other aspect; handling, function, acceleration, looks, quality are superb. In choosing the TS, I researched the Protege wagon, focus wagon, vibe, element & matrix. This is in the uppermid price range, but is clearly on top in features & function. The gas mileage is good considering the power and towing capacity. I liked the protege wagon until I drove the TS. They are not even in the same club. I like the Element but there was not enough driver leg room. The leg/head room in the TS is great. Normally my hair brushes the ceiling in smaller cars, but I have 2 inches above my head in the TS. Overall, a very nice car.

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  the best bang for your buck - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tekfoc - May 31 - 10:00 am

  you cant beat this do it all vehicle,in all weather conditions.the best part about this car is the power.

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  Best car onplanet - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt Groves - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I searched for a year or more for car to fit my needs. Thought about 911, except needed to occasionally take my kids. Then thought M5 or M3, but after driving STI I never thought about anything else. This car is flawless in terms of performance and handling. Might not have the same prestige, but I would stack it up against anything. I love it.

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  Suprise! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian - May 30 - 2:10 am

  OK, so my clunker died and it was time for new wheels. I am a 35 year old man, and a father. I wanted something fun, sporty, comfy, and fun to drive. And I found it! I could not be happier with my Legacy 3.0R Limited. The car is a rocket, smooth as silk on the road, and is loaded with enough features to keep me busy for the next 6 months figuring them all out. Nav works well, although sometimes takes an odd turn or two. The car is a beauty, and accelerates better than any I have ever driven (and I test drive frequently as I am a car lover). This is a drivers car in every way, and Subaru deserves more street cred after making a machine like this one! I truly look forward to driving.

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  Head Turning Winner - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By gayleen jaeger - May 29 - 9:30 pm

  Where else can you get a four seater, four door, pick-up with extended bed and roof rack that is a head turner every where you go? All this and be rated as a passenger car for insurance? Ive never had a problem and get through Buffalo winters with ease.

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  Very nice car-- get the 5 spd XT! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By georg - May 28 - 4:43 am

  This is our second Outback 2.5 5spd. Our first qas a 2006 Limited 2.5 5 spd that had a persistent air conditioner interior leak that we rolled over in at 45 mph and walked away fine. We replaced it with our current vehicle because it has the VDC. This Outback is great; the fit and finish is perfect. The XT should be purchased with the 5spd; the power of the engine in Sport# and the delayed shifting is a great experience.

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  Luxury, sleek, fun - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Zechariah - May 27 - 9:31 pm

  This is my first Subaru Ive owned and I must say I love it. I financed with all of the warranties and the company is great about notifying you of your oil changes and monitoring everything online. I have the EYESIGHT feature which is amazing, you literally cant get better safety features on any other vehicle. The ONLY thing I wish this car had is Apple CarPlay. Thats it. I got the heated leather seats in front and back, moonroof; pretty much the works on this car and it honestly feel like being in a Lexus. My friend has a same year Acura and it is not as well designed, elegant or luxurious as this car; this is a side note from the outstanding safety features, gas mileage, and great consumer support from Subaru(reminders of oil changes, sales promotions, and great warranties). I couldnt be more happy with this vehicle, I feel like it covers all corners on quality, luxury, safety, and economy. Ill probably buy another Subaru after this one is paid off in a few years. You really get A LOT for the price on this vehicle. Mine was about $31,000 but you feel like youre driving a $50-$60,000 car.