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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  A+ - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By matar - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I would purchase the Forester again, given the decision over again. Im never buying anything but Subaru!

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  Great car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tom Farina - June 15 - 9:18 pm

  Rides better than the Forester I traded. Quieter too. Blind sight tech is great. Completely surrounded with protection. Like the ice silver color too.

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  2010 Outback Ltd - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By wt - June 15 - 4:46 am

  We bought 2.5 outback in Nov. I drive mostly on weekends. Wife loves the car. Its very comfortable and quiet on the road. The CVT and the bluetooth are great. Its kind of hard to do parallel parking on the street in the city. I already scratched it few times.. too bad.

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  Good to go - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Osman C Kurtulus - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Drives like an Audi with 2/3 of the price.

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  It Scoots! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By richgimmel - June 12 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Cadillac STS... but this Outback XT is at least as good a performer, and a much better buy. Its nimble, very quick and responsive with a surprisingly solid feel. Both my kids are drivers, and they thought I had lost it big-time when I told them I was replacing the Caddy with a Subaru. But after driving the new wheels, theyre believers!

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  My Latest Outback (Its my Fourth!) - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By BuzzCT - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I had heard something great was coming with the 2005, and I heard right! I bought the first one the dealership got, and I love it! I cant believe how much better this model rides and drives than my previous, 2001, model. The turning radius is great, and the sports mode automatic is terrific! I had thought Id buy a 6-cylinder, but the $2 plus gas prices scared me; this new transmission gives me all the power I need. The interior is a big improvement; its spacious and airy, and very comfortable. All in all, its my favorite Subaru ever - and this one is my seventh!

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  Best All Around Vehicle!!!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By rwilcauskas - June 12 - 5:00 am

  Recently traded in our 1997 Ford Explorer due to age and recent repairs. Researched all vehicles in the compact/midsized SUV Class. Drove the Nissan Rogue ,Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4. Then drove the Forester. The Forester has an exceptional amount of cargo and passenger room for a "small" SUV. The vehicle handles great due to standard all-wheel drive. We did have leather installed because the only drawback was the cloth seats did not feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this vehicle because of the great gas mileage (27 > on highway, and 26 combined) and the multitude of safety features. The Swiss Army Knife of all vehicles! Great value, performance, and reliability!

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  Instant Love Affair - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Carl - June 12 - 4:26 am

  The moment I saw the car I fell in love with it. Traded in my 2005 Impreza on it. Build quality is great. Subaru thought this one out well in advance -- they didnt leave much to be desired in an exceptionally valued car. Crawl underneath it and youll see how nicely everything is tucked in. Easier than my 2003 Jetta to work on by far. This is the third Subaru I purchased this year, and have been happy with all of them.

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  LOVE my WRX - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By lilhoot - June 12 - 12:18 am

  I bought my 2008 brand new when I graduated college. Id been in a few older ones and knew how fun they were, but the 2008+ model years really add a touch of comfort and practicality whereas the previous models just felt slightly cheap. It is a blast to drive and anyone who Ive let behind the wheel has fallen in love with it. The AWD has exceeded my expectations in the our tough Utah winters. My only complaints are the interior could be a bit more exciting (esp dash), but I think they did address that in later models. Stock wheels are a joke (mine BENT the first year on small potholes) but just replaced them w/better looking one. Overall, a great car with far more pep than youd think

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  Not just best for money, best in class! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By GTHeaven - June 11 - 8:20 am

  I got my GT back in May and cant ask for anything more. I have wanted the car since 1998, back before it didnt even have the turbo. It was sure worth the wait as it drives like a dream. I take it up in the mountains and it just hugs the curves as it slices up the road. Subaru really stepped up their interior quality for this year. I get compliments from everyone who gets in it.