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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  Weird to look at...but Im on the inside - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By GlennH - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that I havent quite decided whether this car/truck is attractive or just goofy looking. But driving it is a kick! Sure it could use a little more power (but I hear Subaru is addressing that in 04 by adding turbo.) But this vehicle drives well...handling is good, interior comfort great and otherwise a well thought out, very versatile car/truck thing. I dont REALLY need a pickup - I learned this lesson from owning a Ranger and a Toyota Pickup previously, but I cant quite come to terms with owning a "family car." The Baja walks the line. So, if youre anything like me, this may be the vehicle for you (and god bless you!)

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  Family man sees the light - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By formawi - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Id been sentenced to the past few years to a Volvo sedan. Ive two little kids, and somewhere Id heard that Volvos were safe. But Id been eyeing the WRX for a couple years now, and finally took the plunge a couple weeks ago. It is a revelation. The feel is near- european, much superior to the mazdas and nissans I tested, though still not as vault-like as the Volvo. The acceleration is as filling-shaking as youd expect. More interesting is the handling. Throw it into a curve and torque it up, and theres not an ounce of slide or wobble. I dont get where people say the back seat is small. I cram my kids in there and they love it.

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  2nd subi in 10 months - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Soobi-tlc - January 27 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in my problematic Audi Allroad finally. Were very impressed with our 08 LL Bean Outback 3.0L that we bought in April. So I tested the Tribeca. I didnt like the interior design too much - spacey. I looked at all the other CUV/SUVs and other wagons that were so much more. Thought about used MDX. Liked the new Subi better. Agree with all comments on stupid nav system. They can fix that by issuing a new software update if theyre smart. Im getting 19mpg on 87octane buzzing around town and commuting 42 miles each way a day. The car has 1750 miles and will improve. Overall very comfortable and pleased. Driving in Sport only helps performance.

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  Good Bang for your Buck.. - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By nhrue - January 27 - 7:01 am

  This is my second Subaru, my first being a 2013 Impreza Limited. I stumbled on the Legacy at the dealership during a service and decided to take it for a drive. I was amazed by how the 2015s next gen CVT performed with simulated shifting on harder exceleration, it feels like any other 6 speed auto. The cabin is very quiet and the car provides a smooth ride. I ended up with the Legacy Premium and am very happy with my choice. The best part is even going to a larger car from my Impreza, the Legacy yields the same fuel economy. Its a no brainer, size, power, comfort and Subarus AWD system makes this the best bang for your buck as far as mid sized sedans. Drive one, you wont be dissapointed!

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  Worth the Wait! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By WesternPA - January 25 - 11:26 pm

  After straying away from German cars and owning several Japanese cars/trucks/SUVs, I was determined to get back behind the wheel of a German car, most likely the king of them all. However, after doing a lot of research and then test driving the new Subaru 3.6R Limited, there was no doubt that I wanted this car. The look and feel of the 3.6R Limited cannot be beat, especially for the price of around $29k. It wants to go fast and handles better than any other all-wheel drive car I have owned, including those with Quattro. If you are considering a pricey German or any other Japanese brand, try the 3.6R Limited first. If you can find one, you will not be disappointed!

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  Subaru Hatch - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By subie 08 - January 25 - 1:16 pm

  Just purchased an 08 hatch, premium w/ sat radio. Very impressed with the ride and build quality. I think the hatch looks very cool, and its already been handy.

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  2015 Subaru Legacy - Homerun!!! - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By djalbe - January 25 - 5:59 am

  Ive had a 2008 Legacy, a 2012 Legacy, but this 2015 Legacy Limited is AWESOME! I wasnt expecting a complete new look (thankfully), but the subtle exterior changes are nice. The 18" wheels are really nice. The fact that this car has safety features NOT EVEN OFFERED by its main competitors should be reason enough to give it a look. You get a lot for $30k, especially at trade-in time. I owned an older Mercedes and recall that the S-class had Distronic Cruise Radar for $3,000! The Legacy with EyeSight crash avoidance wont set you back nearly that much. It also has blind-spot monitoring. But in addition to the best in class safety features, I really like the upgraded interior.

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  2003 WRX Wagon - Manual Transmission - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By cjbruce - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The most fun car Ive ever had. This is the perfect blend of practicality and performance. It is as close to a full-on race car as most of us will ever need, while offering a good deal of safety and convenience in a very confidence-inspiring package. You cant help but love it after you drive it.

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  Super Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By thike72 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I think this is the best car you could buy.

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  Subaru WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NUTSACK - January 24 - 10:00 am

  ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT THIS CAR IS WICKED AWSOME..Its the best car Ive EVER drivin in my whole entire life and i recomend it to anyone