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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  Sweet HB - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By kanjii - October 14 - 4:00 am

  Loved the car when I first test drove it with the CVT tranny, but wanted the 5 speed manual. Very happy with the decision. I love the secure feel of AWD and the car is roomy inside. Stereo was OK when listening to the stations, but much better sounds from CDs and MP3. Exterior is beautiful and the rims are awesome. Engine is good, not a racy type of engine at all. Throttle response is slow, but still fun to drive, especially around curves. The Yokohama tires hold the dry pavement great, but will know soon about the wet and snow.

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  My new baby - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By blu3 - October 14 - 12:37 am

  Love the car its my 2nd one!

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  Traded in 2007 Outback XT Limited - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Chassol - October 13 - 9:40 pm

  Going from the 2007 2.5 turbo to the 2011 3.6R was a great deal. The turbo was fun and got good mileage (avg 22 mpg). Nice to go from Super unleaded to regular, saves $.30 a gallon. At just over 800 miles avg mpg for the 3.6R is just over 23. Great for regular gas. Dont be fooled the 3.6R (256 hp) has guts equal to the turbo (243 hp). Also no timing belt in the 3.6R to replace at 105,000, as it is chain driven cam. Subaru has done amazing changes in 4 years time with everything - styling, trim, materials - everything. We plan on keeping this Subaru for probably, at least 6-7 years. Look at Subaru they are fantastic vehicles.

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  WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By BillR - October 13 - 6:43 pm

  The car is just plain ugly and looks like all the interior pieces are out of the bargain bin.

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  Needs Some work - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - October 13 - 12:10 am

  As a life long Audi owner I had a hard time converting but the price and test drive convinced me to go Subaru. So far after only 300 miles I have found the steering to be average with shaking at speeds above 60 (Subaru Service says this is a known issue with no known fix yet). Highway handling is fair with several corrections needed to keep the car straight. Compared to the German brethren this car lacks driving exhilaration. On the plus the car is roomy, and priced well. The styling actually grows on you. The braking is superb. Good utility car but dont expect a lot of driving wow. Ask about the wheel shake when buying.

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  Subaru...Love it! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By soulxchill - October 12 - 7:20 am

  I traded my VW Golf for the Impreza 2.5i sedan. I wanted the WRX but cant swing the cash. For the money, the Impreza 2.5i is outstanding. You can really feel the 170 HP because the car is so light. The boxer engine shifts smooth as silk. The AWD is also excellent. This car handles very well for its class and feels super solid when driving. it really is a blast to drive. I have no trouble getting on the gas at 60mph to blow by someone on the highway, the torque and HP are great. I ask for the power and its there! You really couldnt get a better car for the money.

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  Love My Subaru - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By MW3304 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 33k on the clock. Cant go wrong with this one, peppy, planted, sips gas, good looking

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  Sub #6 - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Passnthru - October 11 - 3:30 am

  This is Subaru #6 for us. Seems great so far, lots of features, quiet and smooth. Best mileage of the six, avgeraging over 30 mpg in the first 3,000 miles. It doesnt feel quite as fast as our 01 GT was. Nice alloy wheels. Storage is good. Love the black metal flake paint. Headlights are awesome, providing great lighting. Also enjoy the trip computer, outside temperature and two resetable odometers. And the fact that you cant lock the keys in the ignition anymore. Most outstanding is the value for the dollar. There is nothing that comes close for less than $20K. One friend said "that looks like a seriously expensive car!" Probably less than half the cost of her SUV!

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  From 4Runner to Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Lee - October 11 - 3:26 am

  Replaced wifes 2000 Toyota 4Runner. New 4Runner is too big for her & too expensive for me. Outback is a big improvement over 4Runner: much more stable, much faster, gets better MPG, and has a great interior with all the gadgets (Limited). Granted, we didnt use full capabilities of truck- based 4Runners 4WD. We are really impressed with the Outback not like the 1987 wagon I had! Very quiet & stable at highway speed. 6 cyl is fast, getting ~20 mpg overall after 600 miles of mixed driving. No evidence of front end "shimmy" some 2010 Outback owners reported. Really impressed so far.

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  Excellent choice - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Amanda - October 10 - 7:23 pm

  My only complaint is that the heater could be quicker to kick in.