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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  My Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By KathyK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car/truck. Fun and reliable.

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  Brute Force! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Rj - July 30 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is stiff suspension, whiplash power, and more wiplash power for the passengers!! This thing is a beast that can put the all 300 horses to ground. Thanks to AWD!

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  Fun in the sun - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By kevin kereluik - July 29 - 10:40 pm

  What a joy to drive; not only did I shave 20 minutes off my 2 hour commute, but I truly enjoy the drive. The acceleration, even when already in fifth gear is impressive. At the dealership I was not intending to purchase the WRX, however a 5 minute test drive left me wanting more time behind the wheel.

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  Fun to drive SUV - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Crv139 - July 29 - 1:28 am

  Not the fast vehicle out there, but it is very fun to drive. Very quiet and handles well.

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  Love the OBS SE - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By losthat - July 28 - 3:53 pm

  Bought this as a safe car for my 16 year old daughter..and to travel with my dog..guess what....I prefer it over my Infiniti QX4! Handles well, easy to glide into small parking spaces, and is fun to drive. Snow is not a problem! The SE package gives you so much extra for so little. I love drving it. Otherwise what a great wagon for the money. Try it, youll like it...thats if you can find one.

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  First impressions of a Legacy 3.6 R - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Subie Convert - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a Lexus IS300, I had high expectations looking for a car that was more practical but still fun to drive. My IS300 was not good in ice and snow, and one of my kids is now over six feet tall so I needed something better in foul weather with more interior space. I did a lot of research and found the 2011 Legacy 3.6R Limited. So far Im very impressed. Its a lot of car for the money yet Im not missing any features from my Lexus. It strikes a great balance between performance and comfort. Its a sleeper - innocuous with a bit of a kick. Good acceleration thanks to AWD and 3.6- liter torque. For a bigger car, it handles well around corners. Solid design - nothing seems flimsy on it.

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  Good Cruiser - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By New Subie - July 25 - 11:50 pm

  Only have 500 miles so far, but its been all good. Mixed city/highway on first tank yielded over 25 mpg, and on a 90 mile highway trip today, I got 33 mpg!! Plenty of power, great ride, and the new exterior design of the 08 is sharp.

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  Review Subie - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - July 25 - 10:12 am

  I have only had the car got three weeks but am very happy with the car so far. This may be more valid if I had 60 Thousand miles on the car.

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  Bat outta hell..... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By the flea - July 24 - 7:33 am

  This car is borderline over-the- top...the turbo kicks in at about 2600 rpm and you need to get off it or else youre looking at some serious legal issues....nice ride, quiet, little road noise....exponential improvement over my 2000 2.5i limited....$8k cheaper than a Volvo XC70, much better buy....they oughta put a turbo in the 6 cyl, but it may not be street legal (think the boxers definately benefit from the turbo)...

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  Best Sport Utility Ever! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Christina - July 24 - 7:26 am

  I researched for about a year before I made my purchase. I am now and always will be a Subaru owner. I try and sell people I know and dont know on these cars. Ive never had any major problems. This car has the best fuel economy, its comfy, its luxurious. I drove it in Washington in the snow every winter without getting stuck once ... Im a snowboarder! Now Im in Atlanta and it drives so wonderfully in the pouring rain. I feel very confident that my car and I will make it through just about anything.