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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  Was looking for a Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Stan - December 1 - 2:26 am

  I was looking for a Subaru because of the reliability, AWD, and performance. I saw the Tribeca in the showroom. I have seen one or two on the road before, but did not fancy the front so it did not come to mind when I was shopping for a car. I did not like the Impreza WRX, because it was a little too small, so I asked the dealer if I could test drive the Tribeca. Once I sat in the car, I fell in love. The console design is amazing. It drives and handles like an expensive luxury car. I was impressed by the safety reviews and the standard list of options that came with this car. So I ended up buying it and its truly a remarkable vehicle.

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  Subaru once again amazes me - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Crocks - November 30 - 11:13 pm

  This is our 6th Subaru and this time subaru has really outdone themselves. Ive always loved their reliability and longetivity with my 98 have 230K on it and runnig strong. We decided to replace our WRX with something more Family orientated. The outback XT was it. We have all the luxury and comfort of our other outback but a style and the power to blow you away. Saidly to say my WRX would be left behind by our new family wagon. The turbo is much smoother than that of the WRX but it has more power. What a great combination of the family wagon and a sleeper sports-car. Gas mileage is a bit different then our previous outbacks but the performance makes it all worth it.

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  Great Reliable Car! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Todd - November 30 - 11:04 pm

  Most practical, reliable car Ive ever owned! Ive put 165,000 miles on my 2011 Outback so far and have had 0 issues. I drive it off road and in deep snow a lot and the AWD and ground clearance are fantastic! Seat ride height and comfort good for a tall person (im 62"). MPG great for a car this size as well. Acceleration isnt great, but more than adequate for any situation Ive run into. My only complaints are the compass on the rear view mirror doesnt always work, and the light colored cloth seats stain easily (recovered them with leather). Cant beat the reliability, practicality, and resale value of a Subaru!! I would definitely buy another Subaru.

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  Perfect car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jstrap - November 30 - 4:45 pm

  I traded in my 2008 camry for a 2012 outback and Im extremely happy with it. The level of comfort and smooth ride matches the camry only it sits up a little higher. I went through a broker so I didnt get my first choice in color but got a great deal. For $22.8k you cant beat it. The base stereo is satisfactory and its not quite as quick as the camry but its a lot of fun to drive and has AWD which comes in pretty handy in Colorado. This is the best car Ive owned.

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  I Love My Subaru! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By mbarie - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Although Ive only had this car for 4 months I LOVE it! I also drive an Escape. To compare my Forrester to the Escape is like comparing apples to raisins. This is my 5th new car, but its the first car Ive ever been totally excited about. Ive never owned a Subaru before, but Im sure it wont be my last. It rides well, handles well, and is very comfortable. I also like knowing that it is highly rated when it comes to safety. Its culture shock on the days I have to drive the other car! If my early experience is any indicator, Im hoping to be driving this car for many, many years to come.

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  My 3rd Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By MK - November 29 - 4:16 am

  Subaru makes great cars. This is my third. After having owned 2 used Legacys, over the last 10 years, I decided to spring for a brand new Impreza. For a small car the larger than normal 170 HP really gives it some kick and the AWD and stability control make it do amazing things. Best car in its class. In fact it outclasses everything else which is why it is so under reviewed. It must just confuse auto reporters about how this car fits in with everything else.

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  Why buy this subaru forester? - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Jessica - November 28 - 12:07 am

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  Impreza WRX wagon - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Hasanairforce - November 26 - 9:43 pm

  I love the car so far! It has a lot of room and the ride is really smooth!

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  Subaru Baja - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By fyr1 - November 25 - 9:36 am

  Great utility truck, only complaint is mileage dives 30% when towing 2000 lbs. It really could have used an extra speed in the automatic which would of made it more economical. At 70mph the engine is revving 3000 rpm. For a daily commuter and utility truck it is great more comfortable and economical than the Ford Ranger I traded in.

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  Subaru for ever. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Josef Goralik - November 25 - 2:00 am

  After thorough research on Edmunds, talking to friends and comparing with RAV-4, CR-V, Audi and Escape, Subaru came out clear first for the money spent and buying experience.