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:

• 

  I love it!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jobin - December 12 - 7:43 am

  First time Subaru owner. I was shopping around for a a new fresh SUV. Rav4 and CRV were on top of my list till a friend recommended I look at the Forester. I told him the wagon? He said no its got a whole new design and rated #1. Test drove the LL Bean Ed. and loved it from the start. My wife kept smiling at the salesman. Well we went home with it that same day. Now my wife and I fight over it.

• 

  Fantastic - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Mike - December 12 - 2:36 am

  2nd Subaru. I traded in a 2007 Impreza. Got tired of the styling and ride. New 5 door just great. Get over 27 mpg mixed hwy and city. Car not broken in yet. Smooth, quiet ride. Zigs zags in and out of traffic. Buy it! You will love it!

• 

  Best For Business - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Computer Bob - December 9 - 10:26 pm

  Cant say enough good things about my Forester. 29 MPG city, 31 hwy, smooth engine, superb visibility, plenty of thoughtful features (except too-small and tightly cramped cup holders). Seats give great support and comfortable for short & long drives. Beautiful paint and workmanship. Easy to do maintenance (oil, filter, brakes, etc.). Love the tire pressure monitor, outside temp gauge, stereo, storage space.

• 

  Nice when new - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Jim B - December 9 - 7:16 pm

  I am very pleased thus far, but then all new cars are usually pleasant. The Subi meets or exceeds all my expectations. It is quite, comfortable, dual climate control works perfectly. It handles very nice, snug and secure feeling. All the safety features are just riding along silently in the background.

• 

  Read all the reviews - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By South Dakota - December 8 - 10:10 pm

  I read everything on line about the Tribeca. It was frustrating as many of the reviews contradict each other (e.g. one says there is very little body roll, the brakes are great while another says there is too much body roll and the breaks are spongy). You have to drive it yourself to judge. I was a Chevy Trail Blazer owner (LTZ) and I have to say the Tribeca drives way better, is more responsive, and stops quicker than the trailblazer. Yes, a lot of reviewers say gas mileage is poor on the Tribeca. Indeed, but measure it against any other all wheel drive and none of them are any better (the reviewers seem to compare the all wheel drive of the Tribeca with the 2 wheel drive of other make

• 

  What a grrrreat CAR!!!!! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By steve - December 8 - 1:33 pm

• 

  xv crosstrex - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cory fouts - December 8 - 6:35 am

  Id buy another one. Recommend buying if looking.

• 

  Outback review - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By rw - December 8 - 4:12 am

  I compared the Outback with six other brands and found it to have the best features for my use.

• 

  New Subaru - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By misslou - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new 2017 legacy. I love the leather seats. Very Comfortable. I like the way it handles on the road. Very smooth ride. I am very pleased with my new car.

• 

  Great car! Fun to drive. Great performer - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By 2008XT - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever driven. The performance of a sports car in a functional everyday vehicle. We need to purchase another vehicle which will be another Outback, but I am not happy that Subaru stopped making the XT model. If you own one and would like be able to buy another one, call Subaru and complain. If enough of us do, maybe they will bring the XT back. In the meantime I guess Im stuck with the 6 cyl.