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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  Now I love to drive - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Keith - April 3 - 9:16 pm

  Needing a four wheel drive vehicle, but wanting a sedan and not spending a fortune I chose the Legacy GT LTD. I do love driving this car. As a point of reference I do a lot of highway driving up mountains and going uphill I average 28 mpg, 31 mpg downhill, both with A/C on. A recent downhill trip without A/C proved 34 mpg.

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  uncommon sedan - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By bratman2 - April 2 - 11:03 pm

  We bought this car while visiting our daughter in Colorado as an alternative to a SUV. We also had owned a 93 Legacy fwd and still own an old 87 Brat. We drove the 1800 miles back to the east coast in three days in this car so we got a pretty good feel for it. All I can say is outstanding ride, handling. Fuel economy broke 29 mpg with three in the car and luggage day three. Just passed 30k in the car w/ no issues, just maintaince. 19k for a sedan w/ all wheel drive, sunroof and pretty 16" alloys I while pass on Camerys and Accords. We sold our 97 Mustang when we got home, though it was a V6 and straight line would out run the Legacy, the Sub has got the handling, rain or shine.

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  2.5i Limited with Power Moonroof - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Landman507 - April 2 - 8:33 pm

  I have had this car about a month and absolutely love it. The continuous transmission is incredibly smooth. Although the first time I drove it, it seemed odd to have a car accelerating, but not feel it go through the gears. With the 2.5i engine, you wont win any races on the track, but its more than fast enough for urban driving. That said, Im very happy with the gas mileage so far (27+ MPG in mixed driving).

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  Outstanding $ for Value! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Bee Dub - April 1 - 4:56 pm

  Ive owned my Forester almost a year now. Its not sexy but its extremely practical. Its been an absolute pleasure to drive and own. I live in CO so its been tested in snow, ice, mountains, dirt roads, etc. No problems. The 4 speed auto could be a big problem in mountain driving except the sport shift feature makes it into an easy to use manual transmission! Ive averaged 26.1 MPG since owning it, much better than anticipated.

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  A Blast to Drive! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By family guy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love this car! Jaw dropping acceleration, tight handling and grippy all wheel drive make this a blast to drive.

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  Reliable SUV - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By josesubaru - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Everything else but the cupholders over heat controls is excellent. 25 MPG Great in snow, rain etc. Great Visibility.

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  Love this car! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By shannonehill - April 1 - 7:25 am

  I have had my 2001 Subaru Forester since 2004 and have loved every minute of owning this car. My Subaru is nearing 200k and sadly starting to deteriorate (rust spots, transmission, and suspicious coolant leak) so Im looking for a new car. I would buy another Subaru in a heart beat if I was looking for longevity. I also love having all wheel drive. As long as my tires are in good shape Ive never had any trouble in the snow. Aside from normal maintenance of a high mileage car Ive spent little on my Subaru. My car has also never broken down. I swear the commercials brainwash you but really I love this car and would drive it till the day I die if I could.

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  Buy the Turbo - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By xttouring11 - March 31 - 4:14 am

  The Forester is a practical, reliable, and versatile vehicle. The only problem is that it uses a 170hp engine to power a relatively large vehicle. So, if you are planning on buying one I recommend you buy the turbo charged XT. this will power you up hills with no trouble. The storage space is great, and the panoramic moon roof is incredible.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By scottimus1 - March 30 - 11:10 am

  This is my first Subaru vehicle, and I am very satisfied with the car! It has surpassed my expectations (not an easy thing to do.) It is very comfortable, quiet, and handles better than I expected for a small SUV. The CVT transmission is quick to respond. Performance for the 2.5 litre engine is better than expected. Fuel economy is better than stated by EPA, averaging 27-30 MPG in mostly city driving.

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  I Really Like My Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Charles Cathey - March 30 - 10:06 am

  Traditional AWD Subaru features and handling. Slightly softer suspension than my 2001, but quicker steering ratio, a bit sensitive to driver input, but you get used to it. The BEST EVER in the snow and rain. (I have owned 11 Subarus since 1983). Very good noise isolation and body integrity. 360 degree visibility is excellent.