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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  Awesome mini-SUV with capable engine - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By faster_1 - July 11 - 3:19 pm

  Finally found guts to get rid of my "Thirsty Elephant on hormones" - 2006 Jeep Commander. Both me and my wife love everythng about Outback and the 3.6 really moves it. Leather quality comparable only to Infinity. Everything is where it is expected to be. My only couple of little gripes are: (1) Cant raise the back glass (need to pop the entire door) which I find pretty irritating especially if you need to bring a few 10 ft 2x4s from Home Depot. (2) Also, it is strange that only drivers side mirror has one-touch up feature and you need to hold the button full time to close the passenger windor. But otherwise, it is a blast to drive. No regrets whatsoever. Get a 3.6R for sure!

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  I found what I was looking for! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By timdimi - July 11 - 2:03 pm

  I had test driven several Foresters from previous years with the moonroof and did not fit (62 280). Finally in 09 the head clearance is improved, and the seats are comfortable. As a first time Subaru owner, I am surprised at the the tight handling, adequate acceleration and how much fun it was to drive. I drove the X for a week and then returned it for the X w/ premium pkg. because of the extra features.

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  2011 Outback Limited 2.5i - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Phil - July 10 - 12:46 pm

  I traded a Cadillac CTS and the Outback drives and feels better on the road than the Cadillac. I love the CVT as there is no shift at all.

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  A Great Performance Bargain - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vincenzo18 - July 9 - 7:36 pm

  The Subaru Forester has been a fantastic car. This car is very quick and can do a 0-60 sprint in just 7.5 seconds. The steering is very responsive, well waited, and stays absolutely flat during cornering. There is no need to get a reversing camera with this car because its got excellent visibility. If you decide to go with the Turbo you have an extreme need for speed, because the non-turbo is faster than most 6 cylinders. This car is a on road performer but does not disappoint in snow or ice. This car might not be the best cargo carrier, but if your looking for a wagon thats really fast and performance oriented there is no other car that will do it better.

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  Best car ever - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Eric - July 8 - 12:35 pm

  Im not into writing long reviews. my run down and i got one of the first new Imprezas. Super quiet ride, all wheel drive, very safe and great sounding stereo. If you dont buy this car in that price range your an idiot.

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  Fun and reliable - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By nhibbert - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a sporty, fun-to-drive car. My wife wanted a safe and reliable car. The Impreza fit the bill at a price we could afford. Unfortunately, I had to give in and get the automatic.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By alex1234 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  my wife wanted for me to get the 350Z, but I can think of many other ways to spend $8-12k to get the same performance. Granted the bug eye looks arent that great and the new EVO is supposed to be overall a great performer, but this Subaru has great reliability and status. Its amazing fun to drive (2 speeding tickets in the first 6 months). Worth every penny!

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  more than you bargained for - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SupperPupp - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had mine for about 3 weeks now and the break in period is done. Performance: WOW! This thing is a rocketship. Its a real eye-opener for those goofballs in Vettes, Mustangs, etc that think since its a Subaru it isnt a performance car. Too bad the only part they will be seeing much of is the back!

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  Traded up from a 14 to a 15 - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By cornpuff - July 6 - 7:23 am

  We drove a 14 Limited Outback for a year, our first Subaru, and we loved it. When the 15s came out, I was intrigued by the new features and positive reviews. We are not the kind of people who trade up this quickly, but we wanted a push-button start and power lift gate to help my wife, who suffers from RA. We loved the push-button parking brake in the 14. Bottom line: this car is quieter, more powerful, more solid and way more luxurious than previous Outbacks. Features galore, right down to LEDs and ambient interior lighting! Awesome stereo, beautiful night time display. Our 14 was noisy at high speeds; not so, this one. Honest! Yes, trade up! It is SO worth it!

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  Outback 2.5i Limited Excellent Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dr. Barry - July 6 - 7:13 am

  Drove a Saab 9-2 x as a loaner car when brought my 9-3 Linear in for service. I was so impressed with the Saabaru I drove over to the local Subaru dealership. I test drove the Outback Limited 2.5i and lost no time trading in my 2003 trailblazerEXT.Yes folks I have a few cars but Ive got to tell you the Outback is the best all around 4 wheel drive for the money if you dont want to be married to a gas station. Try one and you will buy one!