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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  Good Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Ira - March 5 - 5:46 pm

  I like the size of this car because it fits perfectly in my small garage in San Francisco. Very powerful (you will noticed the difference from Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic). However would suggest to manufacturer to place a lock on the trunk door and have additional light in front. My new car had auto door lock problem (worked intermittently) but was fixed by the dealer satisfactorily. Ive had it for over 2 months and love it.

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  Denver to Moab on 1 tank of gas - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Tim-subaru - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This our second Forrester. We have a 99 L and we just traded in our gas guzzling Jeep Liberty for the 2003 XS Premium. Nice improvements a the same great reliable pratical mountain car. Good power with AWD and great gas milage.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By NigelPV2 - March 3 - 7:33 pm

  This is truly a great car. It is versatile, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. With 44.4 cu/ft of cargo space, 60/40 fold-flat seats, the car can handle anything I throw at it. With the cars AWD system and 6 standard air bags it offers a level of confidence on the road unlike any of the other cars I test drove. Lastly, Subaru has found a great balance between ride and handling. The car rides completely different then its predecessor with a subtle ride, yet still contains the prowess to be tossed into a turn. The car is not without its faults, though, as the hard plastic that completely covers the interior and tires seem to amplify the little road noise that find their way into the cabin.

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  Wonderful do-it-all vehicle at 6500 miles - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Tracker - March 3 - 6:03 am

  After multiple 15+ inch storms the Subaru really earned its keep. The new interior size is a plus; Im not a fan of the exterior design with the "lifted" look but it proved critical to getting through the deepest snow and a 700 foot long driveway. Very nice and competent in all weather. Wife said last week she cant imagine being happier with a car after several Europeans. Performance is leisurely if youre used to 300 HP family vehicles. Get the 6 if you want more power. The car keeps revealing how well thought out it is, like the way a downshift blip on the paddles will have the trans. simulate a downshift and will hold that gear downhill and return to normal full-auto operation.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Willa - March 1 - 8:50 am

  This was my first ever "brand new" car, and I have had an awful lot of fun driving it. Its zippy, and sporty, and the 6 speaker sound system really rocks! There have been times when the engine is so quiet Ive forgotten the car is still running. My dog loves this car too! I typically drive with only the 40% backseat in place, so he gets a lot of space.

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  THINKING, FEELING, DRIVING! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Linda - February 28 - 5:36 am

  Best car ever. The buying experience was non-pushy, caring and my sales consultant still is in contact with me ... amazing. Ive owned a BMW325 then a stupid KIA Sportage. Fish tail city on ice with the KIA. The Beemer was nice in bad weather, still slid on ice at rare times but ... my Forrester is just a sure footed, fun driving experience. Deep NYC rain, snow, ice, sharp cornering, passing; no problem. I look for reasons to drive. I call my car an engineering marvel. My honey, an electrical engineer says the same. I LOVE my Forester.

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  Impressed - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Samantha - February 26 - 8:56 pm

  This is my first Subaru and it probably will not be my last. I am quite impressed with this vehicle. I went from a 2008 MKX to this and probably will not go back. Interior is impressive and compares to the luxury versions quite easily. The V6 isnt as fuel friendly as others but it packs one heck of punch when you hit that gas pedal.

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  A winner - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - February 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is my 5th Subaru and all have served me very well. The handling and performance are excellent. It has a smooth ride and visibility is excellent. Subaru always produces a durable and well engineered car, so I expect this one to be no different.

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  I am in love with this car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By johncarl - February 26 - 5:20 pm

  I have been a huge fan of the 2000 impreza RS and was very disapointed with the re-designed exterior in 2002. Now, I have to say, I like the 2005 styling even more than both (even without the hood scoop). Not to mention that this car handles like its riding on rails and has plenty of power. This car is my first brand new car and I am a total subaru fanatic now. Also, this is one of the most inexpensive cars subaru makes. It was less expensive than some used 2002 WRXs and only a couple thousand more than a used 2001 RS I was looking at. Overall, I have fallen in love with this car and look forward to driving it everyday.

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  My new car. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By ellen torkelson - February 26 - 4:57 pm

  Just drove 230 miles and it was a pleasure. Very tall family and we all fit very comfortably.