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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  What an excellent value!!!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Son Son - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I am known to rate and love good values. The Acura TL, Mazda Protege, Nissan Xterra and 350Z, but this puts them all to shame. That said, Im done. Period.

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  Subaru outback 2001 - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By pjssatx - December 9 - 10:00 am

  head rests on back seats block view out of rear view mirror.

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  What a performer! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By The Subaru Nut - December 8 - 9:33 pm

  Had a 97 Outback and moved up to this because of the power and safety factors. Fabulous ride, much quieter than the 97 and does everything the old one did but better. The turbo is fantasic, fun and a wonderful enhancement. Mileage averages around 24.4 hwy/city, which I consider not bad for the fun derived. Had it 1 year now and love it! Terrific on snow and ice, and takes mountain passes here in Colorado with ease. Highly recommend to anyone, regardless of normal road conditions in their area. Would not get GPS again, my handheld Garmin is better.

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  Awesome SUV from Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Manoug Beurekjian - December 7 - 8:56 am

  Overall the Subaru B9 Tribeca is a joy to ride and is quite amazing with a number of features standard. My wife was going to trade in her 99 Mercedes E320 and was looking to replace with an SUV. After looking at a number of SUVs, primarily German and Asian, I chose the all new B9 Tribeca because of the number of features that were standard and of higher quality materials than Nissan and other Asian manufactures. Being a loyal Volkswagen fan I was looking for something with a German look and feel without the price tag and problems of German. After the B9 Tribeca came out I was quite impressed with the press pictures and after driving it didnt even think twice, I bought it.

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  Lovin our new Subaru - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Matt - December 7 - 4:53 am

  Im really pleased overall with the car. I love the smoothness of the ride, how well it handles, accelerates and brakes. The exterior design is wonderful and the interior is well laid out. Some of the interior panel fit is inconsistent but there are no rattles, squeaks or problems. I also had a great dealer experience and look forward to seeing them just for the routine maintenance.

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  Excellent Drive - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By VEHarlan - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Subaru Forester for about 6 weeks and I am so impressed with its performance. I dont see many on the road in El Paso and I think that everyone should own one.

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  Great WRX - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Robert Millsop - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the WRX

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  First Subaru 2010 Legacy Premium - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By natedog - December 3 - 11:33 am

  First time owning a Subaru and we are very impressed. Have put 3,000 miles on it in a little over a month and we are averaging almost 30 mpg, 5 mpg better than our HHR and it is a bigger car with AWD. Very comfortable and rides and handles great. The only thing I dont like is the excessive engine noise in the 2.5 Liter engine. Other than that it is a great car.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bobart - December 1 - 3:45 pm

  Storage for things like jumper cables and other bulky items cannot be placed out of site.

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  Small SUV with Spunk - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By ERM - December 1 - 8:36 am

  Good power on steep hills while rather smooth ride for an SUV. Great value for the cost.