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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  Best Looking SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Bob Kelley - May 6 - 10:06 am

  The lines on the car are classic, no swoops, triangular windows or forced styling gimmicks. Great visibilty and feelings of safety. Getting 28+ mpg on road. Replaced a Kia Sportage. Its like going from a tin can to a bank vault! Driving it is fun, and the lower center of gravity permits very even and contolled steering. All in all,a great car.

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  Great car so far... - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By dsa - May 6 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Outback wagon with a 5 speed and the 4 cylinder engine last fall. So far, its been a great car: in bad weather (especially this past winter in New England), the AWD system is unstoppable. The car is comfortable and convenient and we appreciate the standard heated seats, CD player and power drivers seat. Our only complaints are that its a little underpowered and the frameless windows generate a fair bit of wind noise at highway speeds.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By J.R. - May 5 - 8:20 pm

  After this past winter my wife wanted all wheel drive but wanted a car not SUV or truck, factor in affordability and Subaru stands alone. This is our first Subaru and so far have been happy. We prefer the more grown up look of the 08 compared to the previous juvenile looking Imprezas. The interior is pretty roomy and comfortable and the exterior is generally pleasant even though it is mistaken for Toyota Corolla by people at first. The car has a nice ride and handles well, the back seat is roomy for a compact and the trunk isnt bad once you factor in the back seat folds down. The cloth seats have a nice look. Gas mileage has been in the 20s with 7500 miles driven.

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  Basics have come a long way. - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By MovinAlong - May 4 - 1:53 am

  I had a contract with Jeep to build a Compass with a M6 but they are holding production of manual transmissions, so I went with the Subaru. This turns out to be a wiser deal. The interior is much nicer and the overall quality of the Subaru is much better. I love the feel of running through the gears although I wish I could run first a little higher although it is beneficial to have a LOW gear for starting on hills. I still have a Jeep Liberty (wifes) and this is my first venture into a foreign (Ohio) car. I really have to say I am pleased with all that comes standard on this car.

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  Wonderful Go Anywhere Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Awake in Seattle - May 2 - 5:43 pm

  Had my doubts as to how refined the Forester would be coming from an 02 Infiniti G20. But I was pleasantly surprised by the solidity and finish of this vehicle. The size is just right for our soon-to-be 3-person household and the volume of the trunk cargo area is very useful. The fabric of the seats seems very durable, interior plastics are of reasonably high quality, and the dark gray color us nice. Visibility is excellent and the turning radius is nice-n-tight for in-city driving/parking (trust me, this does matter). The stereo speakers could use a little more low end oomph, road noise is bit loud, and the seats are not as comfortable as our Infititi but otherwise we love our new Subie.

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  Awesome - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By ATLMIKIE - May 1 - 7:06 pm

  I have had my Baja for almost 2 years I still love driving it. It still turns heads and gets compliments. I have had more people sit in it and ask about features than any other vehicle I have owned. I have a small pop up camper which the Baja pulls with no problems. I love the ride.

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  The B9 is fine - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Cliff Wallick - May 1 - 7:06 am

  We found the 2008 Tribeca to be superior in design and performance than any other vehicle in its price range! Its quiet, smooth, roomy and stylish, what more would you want? Did I mention it was also fun? It compares best to Acura and Lexus. Tremendous value!

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  Versatility is a quality itself - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Eugenio - April 30 - 11:50 am

  This car is the definition of versatility. You can have a big car, a sedan style drive, a reliable hauler. If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle, it is the best way to go. Yet to see a better way to carry my mountain bike.

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  Very happy! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By M Clarke - April 29 - 6:14 pm

  We have only had our forester for a month and we already have 1500 miles on it. We have driven Hondas and toyotas and feel you cant beat them but loved the features of the forester. So far we are very impressed with the quality of our new Subaru and with Byers Subaru dealership. The salesperson told us to bring our car in as much as we wanted for a car wash. I was pleasantly surprised when they even sprayed off the all weather mats and swept the interior!

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  Great comfortable ride. - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Frank - April 29 - 12:16 pm

  Had this for a couple of months now. Been up the mountain a couple of times, in three big snow storms and still on the icy roads every day. It all handle very well. Gas mileage in the city is not that great, but you cant complain about a 25mpg average from a ski trip, can you? For more power, you definitely need to know the clutchless gear shift option. Its easy and fun too. What more can I say?