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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  WRX STI - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SubarufanJon - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I wish the price could be a bit more cheaper.And none of you young or older people could afford it only me cus im more into rally then you.

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  Solid performer - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By FuzzyJohn - October 27 - 11:36 pm

  I live on a dirt road and the B9 Tribeca handles washboarding like a champ, feeling little vibration in the body or steering. On paved roads, the ride is smooth and gives minimal feeling of sway at moderate speeds. The look takes getting used to but it grows on you quickly. I enjoy the fact the controls and readouts are simple and easy to use. The seats are comfortable and I dont feel cramped with the amount of room in the front seat area. The rear leg room leaves something to be desired but the seats are deep and can be adjusted to give adequate room for knees. Overall, I believe it is equal to most luxury cars and a big improvement on every SUV and off-road vehicle I have driven.

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  Subaru 2016 Outback Ltd. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Stephanie W. - October 24 - 11:17 am

  My husband and I are thoroughly impressed with this car. We test drove other brands, but the Subaru Outback impressed us the most. The quality of the vehicle along with the standard features it comes with makes this a very good value. It is fun to drive, and it looks sharp with its red exterior and ivory leather seats. I do mostly city driving, and so far Im getting 27 miles per gallon. I cant think of any negatives about this car, and I highly recommend it.

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  Never thought wed.............. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By K&M - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Never thought wed own a Subaru. In fact, Subaru wasnt even on our radar screen until we checked safety ratings. I went from a Durango to the Forester and I can honestly say that my wife and I love this car, er, SUV, er crossover, er, whatver they want to call it! Anyone looking Id say go to the Subaru dealer and just buy one! Its a great car year round, but especially in rain or in winter. Can fit plenty of things inside. Our Forester just plain works. Were now thinking of eventually replacing my wifes car with a Subaru. Were glad we discovered how good they are.

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  Rocket - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxne1 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  So much power, much better technology especially in the diffs) than the EVO. Amazing car in all ways. For the money, the best sports car you can buy. If you want the car is much more tunable than an EVO because of the larger displacement and lower boost. Great car.

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  2nd forester better than first! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Elizabeth Clarke - October 24 - 6:15 am

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  First Subaru hits the mark - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By trublusubaru - October 22 - 10:15 am

  This vehicle is basically the luxurious athlete of the crossover crowd. 2015 styling and consumer features are superior to 2014 and new CVT tuning is excellent. Quiet ride, lots of technology including Eyesight adaptive cruise control and lane departure/collision avoidance feature. Also got the blind spot detection. We added popular package 5 which amps up the utilitarian touches of an already practical design.

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  love love love it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By walter lawson - October 21 - 9:22 am

  Beautiful vehicle! Gas mileage is poor but I love the way I can cruise up mountains. I would get the four cylindar if you have a long commute.

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  Has fit the bill - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By kmeyer - October 20 - 12:56 pm

  I own a 2005 Legacy GT Limited and was looking for a utilitarian vehicle to tow my vintage motocross bike. Didnt want to test the 4 cyl. but the saleperson convinced me. The rate of acceleration was surprising. Great engine, MPG, power for a 4 banger that gets 26 MPG urban, 30 combined with 900 miles. People say its big-inside yes but shorter than the Accord I parked next to. Seats are very comfortable, HK stereo sounds great, dash uncluttered, great storage space, Bluetooth works flawlessly. Paddle shifters are actually helpful. Handling is fine-it is a vehicle with a high center of gravity after all. Quiet, smooth riding and comfortable cruiser. CVT is strange at first but works well.

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  Japanese engineering -feels like a European - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By chi - October 20 - 7:00 am

  All the cars I owned were Toyotas such as Corolla, Camry, Celica. I may have switched to Subaru from now on. It has the reliability of Toyota. in addition, the interior of Europe like VW and Audi. The ride is pretty firm like a sport car, very good handling and traction for a family wagon. The sunroof is huge. Although it will be nice if it come with a basic 200 HP engine will make it more fun and within the bargaining price range. Thinking about the Tribeca or Forester as our next car. Love the deep pitch sound of the flat 4 engine.