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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  Amazing car!! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By ScoobyRex - September 5 - 11:16 pm

  I bought my 05 with 15000 miles on it. Great performance car, with minor (about $1500) engine upgrades its at est 285hp/285 tq and runs with most cars on the road!! And I can still haul my daughter and a trunk full of groceries without a problem. I get 22-28 mpg AFTER being tuned to almost 300 hp. I have driven on horrendous winter roads with it (and Blizzaks) and it is amazing--more controlled and sure-footed than the 4wd Explorer I owned in the past. My only regret is not buying one as soon as they hit the US shores in 2002!

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  Something amazing... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By mkaczorowski - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Im not gonna go on for hours and fill this page with its max # of characters, ill simply say.... this car is not only amazing in every way but shows other car producers that they are far from catching up in making such a perfect and reliable car!

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By wg - September 4 - 1:56 pm

  Traded a Loaded Dodge Dakota AWD for this to save gas and for added longevity. This is like driving an adult go-cart, with a great stereo. Average 22mpg mixed driving with a lead foot(80-85 hwy). Also I find the seats very comfortable; however no long distance drives yet. And this car handles all weather very well.

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  Safety, value, and FUN! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Justme - September 3 - 2:00 am

  After moving to the east coast from CA, I was determined to buy a 4WD or AWD vehicle. I spent the past 6 months doing research & test driving the Audi, Volvo, Highlander, 4Runner, Pilot, CRX etc. No other car offered the safety, gas mileage, reliability, AWD system quality, driving fun & environmental friendliness at a comparable price. The car is a dream for me to drive, w/ plenty of zip, and Ive felt SO MUCH safer in snow & bad weather. Im 54" & its a perfect fit, but my 63" husband enjoys driving it too. My Subaru dealer was wonderful--I paid invoice, & he put leather in it for me, so I got all the extras & still have a 5-speed, which I love.

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  1 year and still lovin it - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By 2fast - August 28 - 2:00 am

  nothing bad to say

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By pgh8959 - August 26 - 4:13 am

  This is the 4th Subaru that I have bought. It is a blast to drive. A true sleeper when challenged. I have left a few cars in the dust thinking they can out run me. I have the WR blue and get a lot of compliments on the looks. I would recommend Subaru to everyone. Spend the extra money and get the turbo. You will be glad you did.

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  Well Engineered - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By yooper - August 26 - 4:13 am

  AWD is flawless. Pulls my boat out of water with ease!! Quiet interior at 70 mph. I tried several small SUVs, none drove in a solid controlled way. It challenges my BMW 323. With 3000 miles, Im averaging 26 mpg total, includes 60% city/40% highway. Pulls utility trailer with ease. Simple interior controls are breath of fresh air.

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  Happy with new Suburu - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Glen Bowen - August 24 - 5:23 am

  Had to order the car, since we wanted the 6 speed manual, so far, it was worth the wait. Price was very good, for this much vehicle. So far, I am very happy.

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  Perfect car - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By rzerobis - August 24 - 1:00 am

  This is a perfect, everyday car, to drive in various conditions. The first time I drove it, I was shocked how much power and low end torque the 4 cylinder boxer engine generated. The drive is very compliant, but dont expect cornering like on rails, this is not a sports car. Then again, on a very wet and rainy day, you will see sports cars in your back mirror, 4AWD and hefty ground clearance has its advantages. Tall people will love ample space inside, with comfortable front seats, and plenty of space in the back. Fold down the back seats...and you will be pleasantly surprised again how much space there is inside to haul all of your stuff.

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  Full time car, part time truck - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By c0yote - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a truck, but with my 2 yr old son, was limited to a few models to choose from that had a full back seat. I didn?t need a whole lotta truck, just for the occasional trip to Home Depot, etc. So, other than having some kind of truck bed, I was more concerned with the day-to-day items (handling, fuel mileage, comfort, reliability, safety). The Baja is the only truck that excels in all of these items. Yes, I know I can?t haul 4x8 sheets of plywood, but that?s what borrowing / renting full-size trucks are for. Why buy a truck that you?ll fully use one day a year, I?d rather drive one that fits my needs for those other 364 days a year.