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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  Great find - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By Sandy - May 22 - 7:15 am

  Found a gem of a car. Very low mileage and in excellent condition. Nothing fancy, just a reliable workhorse. And if reputation holds true, should expect to get well over 200,000+ miles like many other Subaru owners already have with theirs.

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  Best Car On the Road - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Shirley - May 20 - 6:10 pm

  I wanted a SUV like vehicle which allowed me to sit up higher and gave me good visibility. Needless to say I found these qualities as well as many others it in the Tribeca. It handles like a dream; comfortable/quiet ride; superior sound system, great adjustable seats.

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  I hope this one lasts like the First - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By W Heller - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is a blast to drive, and stays flat in the curves. My only complaint is the little lack of power produced by the engine. Other than that it has a very strong build.

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  Wow, where do I start? - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By jillreyna - May 19 - 8:31 pm

  I have a 2003 H6 V3.0 with just 119,000 miles on it. It is hard to put this car and "reliable" together in the same sentence, not to mention that dealers in my area do not stock many parts for it. Averaging around $450+ per simple repair, after shopping around some. I would buy any other Subaru, but any reader who finds this a good car value is welcome to make me an offer. One-owner Arizona vehicle, driven by senior person. Maintained to point of exhaustion.

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  Subaricious! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By Kimberly - May 19 - 10:00 am

  After nearly 10 years, my Subaru Legacy is still running smoothly. Very reliable, comfortable, and great for the long haul. Subaru is a quality brand that lasts.

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  A big step backwards for Subaru. - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By Scott - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my third Subaru yesterday. Today, the Edmunds review lead-in sentence comes to mind - "Subaru Owners are fiercely loyal - were not sure why." Yesterday I would have said that Im loyal because - in spite of very low quality interior materials, the cars AWD system does truly rule the road. And even though all past Subies have plastic-chrome emblems that peel in months and carpets that wear clear though to the floor - the car is truly a blast to drive. It was the poor-mans WRX sports car. It was involving, exciting, made me think in was in a BMW or Porsche. Compared to 07, the new 2011 is bloated and slow, the body rolls on corners my old car didnt know were corners.

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  good car could be great - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Frank Gerechter - May 18 - 3:00 pm

  The car is solid and practical. Some small complaints. Lumbar support is not great. Could be a bit longer in size. CD player is fair. Power is ok for most conditions. Would I buy another one? Yes, but will look at several other similar models too.

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  VERY GOOD - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By summerdude3283 - May 18 - 7:23 am

  This car is great! I have had 4 other Subarus but this one is by far the best! It is soo nice! I recommend this to anyone who wants an in- expensive reliable car. Its really fun to drive and has lots of room.

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  My Dream Car -- Outback 2.5 XT Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Joy Ashton - May 18 - 12:23 am

  This car is very fun (and safe) to drive. Has firm and confident handling. Car is built tightly -- no rattles or noise of any kind -- except the growl of the turbo engine. Unbelievable pick up, especially compared to the 2003 Subaru I had last. The reduction in length makes it much easier to park. The passenger side accommodates very large people.

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  My Fiance Forbid Me To Sell This Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Russell Newquist - May 17 - 11:43 am

  Seriously. When I was having money issues and seriously strapped for cash, she wouldnt let me sell it - because she knew how much I LOVE this car! I seriously dont think I ever will, even when I eventually replace it with another car. This little machine is destined for classic status, just like the 60s era Mustangs, Corvettes, and Camaros. There are definite issues with this car (like with any car). The paint is pretty thin and chips too easily, and the interior is nice, but definitely not luxury. Gas mileage is mediocre (although pretty good for a car with this kind of performance). But when you get right down to it, this car is simply a blast to drive.