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:

• 

  this thing kiks ass - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bikerboy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  hella awsome kiks the pants off a camaro

• 

  Love my new 2010 Outback! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By infotogo - August 21 - 7:33 pm

  Trading my 2002 LL Bean Outback was not easy...but the new 2010 is such a great vehicle I could not resist. We compared it to the Toyota RAV 4 V6 and found the Outback to be more comfortable and smoother, overall. We needed to be able to tow a small camper, and the Outback has the towing capacity we need, without going to a V6. Gas mileage is posted at 22-29, and in the city I am getting almost 25 so far. And did I say the leather seats are soooo nice? This is our 5th Subaru, and we have had good experiences with every one.

• 

  First Subie Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By RDL - August 19 - 7:03 am

  Want a non luxury vehicle with lots of features and bang for the buck ? Look no further. This is my first Subaru, and I love it ! The updates for the 2017 Forester are great and much improved from previous models. It is extremely quiet, more refined interior...I have the Saddle Brown leather...beautiful ! Exterior is Dark Gray, and looks sharp on my Touring model. The premium stereo sounds awesome, and the bluetooth is very clear. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and it offers no blind spots which is rare these days ! While it is not a fancy interior, everything is practical, and offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Lots of technology in the upper trim levels along with memory seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 4wd is the best out there, so get it one and go !

• 

  great car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By AJ - August 15 - 1:57 pm

  go to several dealers get Edmunds quote. get the best price for your can then get Edmunds price for the new car

• 

  Good gas mileage - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Brunte48 - August 15 - 4:26 am

  We had a 2006 Forester, but it was automatic and we needed manual for behind RV towing. We are really happy with the car. Weve never seen lower MPG than 29 and never above 33. (32.5 would be @ 70-80 mph driving from coast to coast) Ony 2 issues: slow driving, like 10 mph in a campground is an unpleasant experience (jerky, very jerky). Passenger seat belt locks and stops my wife from reaching anything on the floor or glove compartment. I expect that issue to be fixed at next service, but the jerky slow driving is a "built in" feature.

• 

  Love my Subaru! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Tracey Lake - August 15 - 3:48 am

  I can get a bicycle in the back with the fold down seats. Great power on the road, very comfortable on road trips.

• 

  Love my Crosstrek!! - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Nicholas - August 12 - 3:50 am

  Crosstrek are amazing cars!! Perfect for a single adult (either gender) or small family. I have leather and heated seats and my girlfriend and I really enjoy taking trips in it. Rides easy and you feel safe no matter the road condition that’s to the steering and AWD. I highly recommend!!

• 

  Best Ever! - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By shilo - August 11 - 7:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many. The Baja handles great in rain and snow. It is just plain fun to drive. There is nothing that I do not like about it. My last car was a horrible 2003 Mustang convertible. I will be a Baja owner for as long as Subaru keeps them in their lineup.

• 

  Best Ever! - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By shilo - August 11 - 7:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many. The Baja handles great in rain and snow. It is just plain fun to drive. There is nothing that I do not like about it. My last car was a horrible 2003 Mustang convertible. I will be a Baja owner for as long as Subaru keeps them in their lineup.

• 

  Great value with a few peculiarities - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By coffeeslug - August 11 - 3:06 am

  Loving this car so far in the winter weather. My front driver I traded in got stuck 3 times this winter and Id had enough of that. I got the premium trim with the moonroof and navigation. This is a nice car at a very inexpensive price point at this trim level. 7 inch screen is gorgeous and the stereo sounds great even though its not the 12 speaker one. I got the auto dimming mirror with homelink as well and this is great if youve ever had a battery getting low on your garage remote. If you can live without leather, this is a great trim level to get.