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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  Only Subaru - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By DavisJ - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Subaru and I love them. Picked up my new Forester today and I love it too. It is the perfect size. I almost got a CR-V, but its too big and trucky, sits a little too high. The Forester is perfect. Drives like a car and still has plenty of room for all my stuff. Subaru cars have been super reliable. You cant go wrong with one of these cars.

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  Top Notch - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By WayneM - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I looked at alot of vehicles, the Subaru by far is the best bang for the buck. I think there is a major mis- conception that the Subaru is too expensive.

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  First impressions-great - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By George Alexanian - August 14 - 6:46 pm

  Read 195 reviews for 2020 model before baying. Just got 2011 3.6R limited a few days ago. During test drive on freeway, had to slam on brakes. Stopped great, no swerving. Did not notice problem with passenger seat, or difficulty of closing hatchback as others reported in 10 model. V6 engine only way to go. No special financing or rebates-too new. Will write more after winter and drive in snow.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mike - August 12 - 6:56 pm

  This is by far the best SUV I drove when trying to decide what to purchase. I didnt know a vehicle could handle this well in the snow. Performance is excellent and the vehicle is definitely comfortable.

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  Wins the competition but Id like better - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By dusanmal - August 11 - 11:13 am

  As the title implies we got the car simply because no one does better in this category. Not because we are completely happy with it. We have had long and good experience with 2002 model. Quality apparently still holds. Gas mileage is somewhat better than sticker EPA estimate. Performance is appropriate for the purpose. Comfort is good and slightly better vs. 2002. Design is clean and appropriate for the CAR Wagon, what it should be (Subaru, please remove it from the SUV ranks). Minor ergonomic design errors (location of handbrake and pedals). Major utility design errors (wheels, cargo space).

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  Different Point of View - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By molder - August 11 - 2:38 am

  I have always been a GM person. A couple years back I went to work for a supplier to Subaru. It was time to buy a new car and after being involved as a supplier I found just how quality minded Subaru is. Its my job to over see the plastic molding for the doors and dashboards for the 2015 Outback and Legacy. We scrap any molding that has the smallest imprafection. We make 925 car units a day and after multi inspections they are ready to head for the assembly line at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana. In October I took delivery of a 2015 Outback and its just a very nice car to drive. I have a 16 ft travel trailer weighting 2400 lbs and this car pulls it very well.

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  Baja is Brava! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By OnlineJimK - August 11 - 2:00 am

  A great car/truck! Very good mileage + utility + car comfort. If you need more truck than car, try the Nissan Frontier, but if you need some truck, but more car, than this is the vehicle for you! Also, the Baja rules on New Englands ice and snow covered roads. 5 stars!

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  Love it - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By markrover - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Very unique design - a car that does not look like any other. I received compliments from strangers about it. It combines that practicality of a station wagon, while still very fun to drive. Very solidly built (a rare attribute today). The bumpers are not simply painted like so many cars are today, so that stratches to it do not show.

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  Great Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Bonestock91 - August 10 - 5:53 am

  This is my first Subaru. I was an all Honda guy so I decided to step it up with a Subaru. Great car. Nice design inside and out. Nice and powerful, wish it got better MPGs though

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  Amazing car - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By lovemyswagaru - August 8 - 8:27 am

  I must say that I am unbelievably pleased with my purchase. I have over 3600 miles on my Impreza now, and about to get my first oil change. The gas mileage going 70mph from Virginia beach through the WV moutains was 35MPG, not far from the EPA estimate. The car handles extremely well, and I never felt insecure even in torrential downpours. I could never ask for better brakes. Nothing feels cheap, the interior parts and pieces fit perfectly, and best of all there is absolutely no rattles. The only issue I have with this car, is that the stereo was far under par. But this issue was fixed with a new headunit. Even with the upgraded stock unit, it sounded horrible at any volume over 20.