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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  Lovin - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bob H - May 16 - 8:23 am

  This is a 2010 Outback. I have had it for two weeks and am loving it. I got it because of its towing ability with good mpg. I like the space that they have increased this model from the 2009 model. Car feels tight and has a good ride. The only thing I would change is that I would have preferred Subarus diesel.

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  Subaru impreza love it - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Cami - May 16 - 6:03 am

  Bring the quotes!

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  great car - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By aucat - May 15 - 2:15 am

  I have had this car now for six months and am thrilled with it. I previously had a 2006 Outback, and this 2011 Forester has more interior room and gets even better mileage than the Outback did. I consistently get 32 mpg and have gotten as high as 35 mpg. I attribute this to the manual transmission. This is amazing since it is full time AWD. I live in Montana so this is absolutely necessary. I tried to seriously consider other brands, especially those by Chevy and Ford, however, I could not get within several thousand. The Nissan Rougue has come out with a similar price since I bought the Forester. I try to buy American when I can, but I just couldnt find a competing model.

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  It makes you equal to the big SUVs - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By 2008 Subaru Forester - May 13 - 5:00 pm

  I loved this car immediately for the feeling of being equal and "up there" with the big SUVs. It has the small car handling with the bigger car space. The gas mileage is adequate. I feel good in this car.

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  It Grips - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By BargainBoy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Nice price for a nice handling good looking modestmobile. I really like its awd handling in the rain and in the mountains and hills where I live. Not fancy not frilly but very functional and quite comfortable. I wouldnt mind a little more zip at the high end or a little better mpg but Ive been very comfortable and satisfied with this car from Day 1.

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  amazing car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Nikqwerr4243 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  most amazing car ever..

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  Best all round value - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By raf1919 - May 11 - 7:20 pm

  This car packs a punch, people underestimate its power and speed all the time.

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  My 4th Subaru! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Trina Stephenson - May 10 - 4:06 am

  A few things not quite as good as our 2004 Subaru Outback. Built in dust deflector does not work as well as the add-on available on previous models, sport shift is great, the seat belt sound is annoying; if you want to drive 50 feet in your driveway it will make noise, the Weather Band radio on the 2004 was wonderful, why was it excluded on the 2006? My biggest beef with the new Subarus is the lack of a full size spare like my old Forester (2000) had. When you live in the remote areas of the US, you dont want a donut tire!

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  Nice Change For Us - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Andy S - May 8 - 1:50 am

  This is our first Subaru and were very favorably impressed. The car is quiet and handles very well both on the road and in the field when were taking feed to the run-in sheds. Fuel mileage is great for a full time all wheel drive vehicle. Safety and reliability were key factors in selecting a Subaru. These cars are legendary in both areas and their strong, cult like customer loyalty reflects it.

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  Great experience so far - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By MC - May 7 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my 2016 Outback for about two months now. So far zero complaints, and while I have not had winter to test the car, the heat & heated seats clearly work very well. I know plenty of others in Maine with 2016 Outbacks and zero complaints about heating, or winter features. I suspect that the previous review is a one off issue. Fuel economy so far has been averaging around 32MPG, with most driving on 35-50mph roads and not much traffic. Very comfortable and relatively quiet ride, and a well thought out car. Lots of space!