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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  Great car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Darby - January 22 - 7:56 pm

  This is my third Subaru and the best one yet. I followed its development for months last year, and when I first encountered the Atlantic blue/granite trim 2.51 sport wagon, it was love at first sight. Comfortable, peppy ride. Tasteful appointments. Definitely the best car for me! Give it a try...

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  Three Years - 60K miles - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By spinski - January 22 - 3:03 am

  This car has been awesome. Great power, excellent handling. The Si Drive is super fun. The low ground clearance is no problem in snow. With Dunlop SP Wintersport M3s the wagon will power through 2 feet of snow. A great vehicle.

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  Sport and Utility - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By gibjer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Subaru, after owning a 2 door impreza L I found I needed a little more room. The rear folding seats allow for enough carry space to allow me to haul most of what I need around, and works perfect for transporting equipment for my job. On the weekends is when this car really shines, has enough power and grunt to keep me happy through the twisties, as well as on an autoX course.

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  Best Performance Bang for the Buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By hySTirical - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to like about a car that can give Porsche Turbos a run for their money on the road and cost you less than your average entry-level luxury snoozer? You get the convenience of 4 doors, an enourmous trunk, and respectable gas mileage. Plus, you get the safety of Subaru AWD standard. Nuff said.

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  Best Yet! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mary J - January 21 - 7:30 pm

  The Tribeca is the fourth Subaru I have owned and it is truly the "best yet"! At 15 years and 250,000 miles, I gave my 1990 Legacy to my mother-in-law and prepared to buy an Outback wagon--until I saw the "coming soon" promotion on the Subaru website. I am not sorry that I waited 4 months for the Tribeca. The styling outside and in is very sleek and eye-catching. The controls for AC/stereo are very convenient. The Tribeca handles very well and is as fun to drive as my Legacy. I have taken several trips to mountainous areas. The Tribeca holds the road in the curves extremely well and I have plenty of power climbing. It handled wet roads perfectly. Comfort, style, performance -- best yet!

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  Just like new - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Alan Pearson - January 21 - 6:02 pm

  5k and just like I brought it home, no issues. Was concerned from a lot of blogs on oil use....none in 4k miles until first oil change.

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  2003 Forester-Firdt new car in 30 years - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By JIMBOB17 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I tested the Forester on a long hill with full A/C and the manual Forester had plenty left. 25-27 mpg the last few fillups. Its quiet inside and fun to drive. My wife is disabled and its easier for her to get out of the Forester than the car she uses. Im 64" and there is plenty of head and leg room. Great visibility compared to competitors cars I test drove. When you get the Forester get the Rubberized cargo liner. It will save the carpet.

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  Outback is great - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Mac_Camper - January 20 - 11:08 am

  Have had our 2012 Outback Premium 4 cylinder for over 4 years and 70,000 miles. This is by far the best car we have ever owned. I cannot believe how amazing it is to drive in the rain and snow. We get over the MPG ratings often with the Continental tires. Highway between 32mpg or better. In town it is closer to 25mpg. Nothing sedan/wagon handles like an Outback, they are so fun to drive. The space in the back is excellent. We find this car so practical for traveling and especially camping with the roof box on top,...recommend Thule 6300, fits perfect on top. Only recommendation to improve this car is dont get the Ivory colored cloth seats you cannot keep them clean even though the fabric is excellent quality, it is the color,...too light. Recommend WetOke seat covers.

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  WRX squared - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Chad Garcia - January 20 - 3:57 am

  Loved the wifes STI so much we went and bought a WRX to match...

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  The Best WRX Yet! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By tomeeX899 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one of the first 2005 WRXs in my local area, and boy am I satisfied. I am very young but even before I could drive I had my eyes on the WRX. The car is very sleek, and very sneaky. Upon launch it feels like any other four-cylinder until the turbo kicks in right before 3000rpm, then youre flying. The AWD provides perfect handling in any weather condition. The 227hp Boxer engine sounds quite muscular. This car catches the eye and fools the ignorant. GO TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY!