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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  Fun, roomy and comfortable - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Max - January 25 - 7:10 pm

  This is my first Subaru after 16 years in a five-speed manual sport wagon. I find the Forester roomy with a comfortable ride and economical on the gas. The comfortable ride and tall body give somewhat more body roll and more flexible cornering than my old stiff-sprung wagon. Unlike the old wagon, the long-travel suspension handles whatever the road dishes out without crash-bang noise and discomfort, and the Subie is more stable in bumpy corners due to this. Im very satisfied with the 4-speed automatic which does its job smoothly and appreciate the simplicity and economy unlike some of the six- and seven-speed monsters of other brands that get no better mileage than my old Cherokee.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Emma - January 25 - 12:23 am

  Amazingly a good value with extra features and good performance. Safety rated and safety features make this an outstanding value. Comfortable interior with the luxury of a car and the space of a midsize SUV...very happy.

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  WHERES THE TORQUE? - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By ROSALIE - January 24 - 6:13 pm

  Truly a great car except that there is hesitation and lack of torque. I love the styling, sound system, steering, interior (except rear leg room).

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  Excellent Car - Liking it more and more - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By loanthony - January 22 - 9:46 pm

  This is my second update of our Impreza 2.5i sedan with auto. Car continues to impress with excellent reliability, sharp handling, and solid construction. Interior fabric is holding up better than expected (I mentioned previously that it may wear out fast) and the size is still just right for moving up to four people and some stuff. Stability on the freeway is outstanding even in cross winds and the engine power is mated very, very well to the auto trans. I really like the Silver color which matches nicely with the dark gray interior. Only complaint is the gas mileage which is dramatically different between city and freeway driving. Getting around 19- 20 in the city and nearly 30 on the fwy.

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  Highly Underrated Performance Sedan - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Eric D. - January 21 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had my 2009 Legacy 3.0R with nav for almost three months now and I absolutely love it. Its 3.0 V6 is incredibly smooth and quick, the interior (mine is black leather) is gorgeous -it looks like a much more expensive car on the inside- and its exterior styling is unlike other cars. I love that you dont see many Legacys on the road. It makes them somewhat unique. The AWD, 18" rims, Bilstein shocks, paddle shifters, and SI Drive make it a performance sedan. Although its a four-door, it doesnt feel like one on the inside. It sits low and is narrow. Its the perfect size. I do wish the car had more technology features like an improved nav system, proximity key, HID headlights, etc.

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  Ive loved this car from the word GO! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By foxfirekenzie - January 21 - 12:56 pm

  I bought this Subaru in 05 with just over 50,000 miles on it. I LOVED it so much. It rallied in the snow, I never got stuck while living in Utah winters. I did have to replace the tie rods and cv joint but that is understandable having 127,000 miles on it. I love the way the car rides and feels substantial on the road without being luggy. The gas mileage was around 20-24. The head gaskets did seep oil and the check engine light had a mind of its own but the car ran like a champ! I am a Subaru fan for life-this was my third one. I sold this car a week ago to buy a newer one and I am very much regretting that choice because I miss it! Great for towing, camping and hauling all of sorts.

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  Moms New Car - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Fitz - January 21 - 9:27 am

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  Excellent - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By CBalchin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle which we have driven hard in its first year. Highly recommended especially if you live where the winters are rough.

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  Wagon Love - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Uncle Jay - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The motor went bad at 24000 miles. It was a manufacturing flaw. AWD is very nice. I have a manual and like to shift but I wish the center differential was an intelligent one like on the automatics.

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  suburu wrx wagon - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By keith taylor - January 21 - 2:00 am

  this car runs great & steers realy good under cornering, has lots of power & looks good to. my wife chose this car for her & she is happy with it. it;s a little small for me but i injoy driveing it also, we realy wanted the all wheel drive system so we can go when the weather is bad. over all we like the car & have had no prolbems with it as of now.