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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  Real world performance - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By silky - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This is not the fastest car Ive owned, but it certainly does most things well. Build quality is excellent, my only problem in 10,000 miles was a cracked windshield. Gas mileage is ok at an average of 24mpg mixed city/highway. The ride is firm but supple and this car swallows up potholes and ridges with aplomb, unlike most sports cars Ive owned. Grip is limited with stock tires but still outcorners most other cars, in the wet, its superb!

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  Great Car at a Great Price Point! - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By Justin V - February 5 - 8:58 pm

  If you are looking for a well-optioned, all-wheel drive vehicle with a good amount of technology and safety features for under $30,000, you should seriously consider the Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited with the EyeSight and Navigation package. The safety features are extraordinary as demonstrated by our salesman during the test drive with the forward collision braking and rear brake assist. The options are competitive with higher tier brands plus this model has REAR HEATED seats--not many mid-level luxury brands offer this until you pass the $55k price point.

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  New Impreza outback sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By jeremy - February 5 - 7:36 pm

  We have now owned this car for about a month, and have had time to fully evaluate the car aside from the maintenance. All in all, we are very satisfied with the vehicle and get about 23.5 miles to the gallon with 80% city driving. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Overall, best in its class - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Marco - February 4 - 2:53 am

  After a few weeks with this car, it is definitely the best choice I could have made. The AWD is amazing even when simply accelerating from a stop. Fit and finish are great, and the ride is compliant yet reliable in the twisties.

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  Uber oo - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ann Onymous - February 2 - 12:06 pm

  I didnt think any car would seem better to me than my 2006 Forester 2.5XT (which Im keeping). We drove the 2010 Outback thinking maybe next year for my husband - and decided we had to have it now. I am so jealous. My only complaints - I like oil and temp gauges - not idiot lights; and no ashtray available is just silly. Love the CVT - this will give us great mileage and it has as much giddy-up as our Turbo - handy for merging on our interstates. Wonderfully smooth, quiet. Paddles for downshifting will be great in the mountains. The re-design is complete - looks nothing like 2009 Outback - way bigger inside. Wish I could afford two.

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  Great Car! I would buy another anytime! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian Adcock - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a WRX for one year now and Ive put 30,000 trouble free miles on this machine. This car is a blast to drive and handles like a dream. Only negative is the seat comfort - little skimpy on the padding, I see Subaru changed that for the 2004 models. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a sporty sedan! With 4- doors even - easy to sell this car as a family car and give dad a good time when by himself :)

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  Rally Car DuJour! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By BR549 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 Honda Civic EX in for this car and have NEVER regret it! I spent a year in England and remembered watching Rally races on TV. This car is without a doubt the best Ive owned so far. Its got sexy styling and after installing the short throw shifter, the changing of gears is a dream. My wife who does not care for manual transmissions even longs to drive my car! If you have one and have not tried it on a dirt road, DO SO! Other than that, it is a Mustand and Camaro killer. And I do not care what any EVO fan has to say, the rally races are still won by the Subie 90% of the time!

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  Poor Mans (11 Turbo - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Guyver - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Test one you will see what I mean.

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  I love my Outback - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By spotakus - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After almost 4 years of driving this vehicle, I would still not replace this with any other car. The ride is fantastic, the handling great, and the quality of assembly cannot be passed. I have had to perform only regular maintainance, and have not had any repair problems. I would, and have, recomend this car to anyone.

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  Have snow, will travel - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By slavik2014 - February 2 - 1:59 am

  The winter has arrived along with half a foot of snow, ice, and -20 wind chills - a perfect time to see what my new (just a month old) Subaru is made of. Happy to report that its more than up to the challenge. Drove it this AM through ice covered hills and it held its own nicely. Even at the intersections, where I used to sometimes slide around in my previous vehicle (Honda CRV), the Outback holds steady. And, its fun to drive!