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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  Forester: Still learning - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Dale Prohaska - June 13 - 11:06 pm

  We had several car choices to tow behind our motorhome. We chose the Forester for quick handling, solid and quiet driving, power and interior room. We have 1000 miles on the vehicle now, still happy with the purchase.

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  AWSOME - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By JPINGY - June 13 - 10:00 am

  AWSOME CAR, AWSOME DEALERSHIP

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  Confidence to drive anywhere! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By kaddison - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Our main reasons for our decision in the purchase of the Subaru were safety and reliability; we found both in the Outback. This car will give you the confidence to drive anywhere, even on rough terrain

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  Ups and Downs - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jt51 - June 11 - 10:46 am

  Fail in love with car at first sight. Fun to drive, handles very well. Love the sound of the engine.

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  Great vehicle to own - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Mary Colletti - June 11 - 5:50 am

  For the most part I have had a lot of fun with this vehicle. People stop me and ask if its a car or a truck. It has had a few problems lately but for the most part it has been a reliable vehicle and I would buy a Subaru definitely again. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Disappointing - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By knahs25 - June 10 - 6:12 pm

  Third Subaru I have owned. Less power than my 2004 Impreza with no significant increase in miles per gallon (got 28 mpg on 2004 and getting 30 mpg on this). There is a really stupid gague to let you know how to drive to get better mileage - shows I get good mileage going downhill and bad mileage going up hill. Still not designed for a short people - sliding armrest helps but still about 2 inches too short. I dont think the low profile is going to get me through a whole lot of deep snow. I wouldnt have gone with this except for Consumer Reports high rating. Wish I had gone with the Hyundai Elantra GT instead which is almost the same car dimension wise (interior and exterior).

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  2004 Forester Junk on Wheels - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mike Foley - June 10 - 1:23 am

  This car was rubbish from day one. Brake noise. Faulty converter, hard starting, and the cam shaft and one lifter failed after 12000 miles. For $24K. Do not believe Consumer Reports.

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  fun... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By beaver - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is great...Ive owned 7 Subarus...Ill buy more...this car is fun!

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  Only one on the road - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By el_picardo - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Could only afford the RS, but I love it. In bad roads and even worse weather its the best. It is a bit hard to drive slowly though, it just wants to run.Im a newbie to manual transmission, but this is an easy car to drive. Ive only had it for 2.5 months, but any car I dont have to take in for warranty during the first week, is good in my book.

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  Amazing Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Wernsman - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car in the world I would seriously take that car over a Dodge Viper any day. And if I won a Viper I would sell it and get 2 of those badass machine. No Kidding. Rock on Subaru!!!!!!!!!!!!!!