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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  2008 Subaru 2.5i - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By skiboardebum420 - July 24 - 6:30 am

  375 miles, and so far, the car has been great! I commute over a 9,500 ft twisty mountain pass every day, this car handles the road great and even without the turbo has plenty of power. I, a die hard manual trans fan, purchased the automatic, VERY happy with the tiptronic auto-stick. First tank of gas averaged 25.7 mpg. Looking to be much better for second tank. Cant wait for the snow to fly so I can test the AWD system :)

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  best overlooked car - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By James D. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I never had a warranty or reliability problem with this car. One recall for oxygen sensor. Probably one one of the most ovelooked carsin the world.

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  2003 Subaru Legacy - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By RJDouglas - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I am the mother of three boys and I also work full time. I live in a rural area where the roads can be very hard to drive on in snowy or rainy conditions. This car has yet to fail me. It goes in the snow or rain like a dream. It is the dependable family car, but also is very nice in apperance. It comes with two moon roofs and a very nice CD player-stereo system. It is very comfortable to ride in on long trips and gets excellent gas mileage, especially on the highway. Also, being the parent of three kids, I needed something affordable and I found all of what I needed with the Subaru Legacy. I love this car!

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  Happy Days with My Subaru Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By PARA 958 - July 23 - 1:06 pm

  Have had 3 other Subarus but this is the first Baja. Love the looks of this car, the comfort of the well designed seats, and the fuel economy (20 city, 28 hwy). Love the comments I receive from people and the ability to haul light items in the bed. The bed extender was a nice touch. Looked at the Turbo model but decided against it because of having to use premium fuel. For those who need a car to zip here and there on errands, this car meets those needs. Back seats are comfortable and up above the front. Backseat passengers love it. Wish the rear window would raise up. But other than that, no complaints about my Baja.

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  what a blast to drive & own - 6,500 mile review - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By subaru_colorad - July 21 - 9:36 pm

  Purchased the WRX after test-drive & reading reviews of WRX and WRX STI - I liked the STIs acceleration, handling, and in particular the brakes, but did not care for the appearance of fin or stiffness. As a 40+ yr old, I was looking for a car that was fun, but non-descript in a corporate parking lot and comfortable as a commuter/pick up the kids vehicle. Ive driven the WRX 6K+ miles, and live in the Colorado foothills, windy road. It is a blast! Took awhile to get used to timing (turbo lag) and too many RPMs while shifting does release a horrible smell, but this only occurs when not careful. The car is very light; braking and acceleration = very responsive. Im 62 200 lbs.

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  My second Subaru! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Kaja - July 19 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased my first Subaru in 1999. The quality and reliability of my Outback Impreza convinced me to purchase another Subaru. I purchased a 2010 Outback in December of 2009 and Im very happy I did! Yes, I did test drives of many other top vehicle brands, but felt right at home when test driving the Outback - the nice thing is that I didnt have to learn a completely new layout of controls like headlights, windshield wiper, etc. As I live in Minnesota, my new Outback has gotten a workout in the snow and ice category, and has passed with flying colors. I also do a lot of stop and go driving and am constantly amazed at the gas mileage I get (average is 26-27 mpg.)

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  Best car for anyone! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Lili C. - July 19 - 10:17 am

  This car was a my dads midlife crisis, and when he decided it was time to teach his daughter manual, he gave me the subaru! Best car I have ever driven. I have owned it for quite some time now, and it still runs just as great as when we first got it. Its comfy and powerful. Mods are easy and the look of the car is beautiful. One thing I noticed is that local radio gets fuzzy when I turn on the back windshield warmers... But other than that, the car is everything I ever wanted.

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  Awesome! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By AppyTreks - July 18 - 1:13 pm

  Test drove and researched lots of SUVs: Pilot, Santa Fe, Sonata, Rav4, Highlander, Xterra, and Equinox. Came back to the Outback because it had the whole package, reliability, AWD, fuel economy, ground clearance, quiet and smooth ride. Ive had it a week now (300 miles) and have driven it up rough mountain roads, on the interstate and in town - Im very pleased with my Outback. My main concern before buying it was the 4 cylinder engine, but Ive got plenty of power AND Im getting 28 mpg. Got the limited package with sunroof option (no nav) - love the auto air, XM radio, Bluetooth and the overall layout and look of the dashboard (esp. at night). Looks great with the black leather interior.

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  Love the Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Nancy Jo - July 18 - 6:50 am

  I am thrilled with my Tribeca. The interior and exterior are well designed. It doesnt look like every other SUV on the road. It handles well and has good power.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By slajsa - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Crossover that rides like a car. Second Forester after 11 Volvos. Absolutely great vehicle and value for the cost. Im 66" and plenty of driver room and comfort.