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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  Its a performance bargain... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Magicjnkie - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to love about an all-wheel drive 227 hp turbocharged wagon? With its boxer flat 4 engine mounted down low...you can actually feel where the center of gravity is...down low where, combined with the AWD system, promotes the amazing grip that this car displays. No matter what the road conditions, the driver stays in control. Yeah, this wagon hauls...

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  Fun Machine - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Ranes - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to use in bad weather because my rear wheel drive Mercedes is not exactly a snowmobile. I find myself gravitating to the Subaru even in good weather! Its great to drive and very comfortable even compared to my E320. I have the flat 6 engine with 212 HP and its very responsive. The handling and suspension are first class. This was my first choice of an all wheel drive vehicle at any price (except of course the all wheel drive Porsche Turbo, which by the way is not as comfortable as this Subaru, but it flies!)

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  AMAZING! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By drorcutt - November 14 - 8:28 am

  I previously owned Toyota, and was very hesitant to go away from a brand I have loved so much. However...once I decided to test drive a Subaru, I was in love! I was looking for something practical, yet stylish, and found what I was looking for in the outback. My family loves the outdoors, camping, etc., and we often move large items. The outback provides enough space to haul loads when you need to, or take the family on a camping trip as well. We love this car and will tell all of our friends and family as well!

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  Perfect family snowbelter - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By CT Subaru Buyer - November 13 - 5:30 pm

  This is our 3rd Subaru, 2nd Legacy. This week was the 1st ice storm test. Waiting at a signal in a line of cars, everyone did something other than go strait. When it was our turn, the Legacy showed no sign of being affected by the black ice that caused everyone else to lose traction. Turning corners on ice, stopping on ice, everything the legacy did said safety and control. The only fear was being patient for all the sedans, minivans and trucks to finish their sliding so that the Legacy could maneuver through them. In style and comfort, its no different than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion, but in snowbelt, I wish everyone else drove a legacy, would be safer for me.

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  First three days. Ill do a follow-up - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ned Sheats - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After driving several co by Hyundai, Kia, Saturn,and Ford and finding something missing in each I drove and then purchased the Forester. Standard full time AWD not an add on option was the first selling point. A 6way power seat for my messed up back was the second. Wasnt available last year. The points that made the sale were the handling and power available due to the low center of gravity and Turbo Four. Every other SUV I drove handled like a tub of lard on a hot stove. The Subee sticks and is truly a SPORTS utility vehicle. First distance drive on a 97 degree day with AC on and facing a 15 mph headwind returned 23 mpg at 70 mph. Im impressed

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  Puts the Sport in Utility - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Fred Bednar - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned sports cars, TR-4, TR-6, Mustangs, and SUVs: Jeep Cherokee Laredo, and Ford Explorer Eddie Bower. The Forester XT turbo is the "real thing" for fun and performance, on road or off. Its great on gas, terrific handling, and solid build quality. I traded my 1999 Forester in on the XT. Which was a major reason for buying another Forester, because the 99 was trouble free after 5 years of ownership, AND no squeaks or rattles either. It was PERFECT!

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  773 miles so far - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Lovin it - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned my XT Limited for about a week at this point and I believe its the best car purchase Ive very made. I know time will tell but so far its great. This cars over all road manner is unbelievable, just step on the gas and your gone. It handles well and has really impressed all the people who have taken a ride. The quality is second to none and in fact a lot of people mistake it for an Audi or Volvo. If you havent driven one what are you waiting for.

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  GREAT car overall - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By ITW - November 11 - 9:53 am

  Awesome power and handling. Very nice interior features with QUALITY build. Consumes a lot of gas but what do you expect out of a turbo car. I love the rumble of the boxer engine. Low beam lights are good for nothing since I can hardly see 20ft in front of me at night. High beams are wonderful though. It pulls nicely, but with more exhaust flow I can only imagine what this beast can do. I would buy this car over and over again.

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  Oh, my Tribeca! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Donna - November 11 - 7:50 am

  I bought this SUV used and I was kind of wary about buying used, but this SUV makes all that worry go away. I love that I can warm myself with the heated seats. That my kids have tons of space in the back. My husband loves driving it and changing from automatic to manual. Great family vehicle. Excellent trunk space. Not to mention you dont see them much here in Long Beach, California since I bought it Ive only seen 3 on the road.

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  Tribeca - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By busher - November 11 - 12:50 am

  Only have a few thousand miles on it but its everything its built up to be.