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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  Love it...and all our other Subarus - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Bob Mallon - June 10 - 12:13 pm

  Picked up this Paprika Red Premium Edition 5-speed a couple of days after buying a 2010 Forester for my wife. Very nice driving, handling and shifting car. Cant beat the deal that I got ($3,000 off sticker and 0% financing). Very happy with the equipment and features for the price. They sure know how to build them at the Subaru Factory in Japan.

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  Subie rific! - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Lynnie Tracy - June 9 - 9:08 am

  First time Subie owners. Only a few complaints regarding interior- no place for my change or sunglasses! Seats arent that comfy and at this price point they should all have power seats! And a safety question - shouldnt the heated seats time out? Well, they dont. I do wish I had a sunroof but that package made the car too expensive and at that point I could have afforded a Volkswagen alltrac. I like the fuel economy, eyesight, lane assist, back up camera and the tracking headlights! The instrument panel is a bit fussy for me- TMI. Overall; for under 26k, this car has been exactly what we needed in terms of all wheel drive and safety features the only BUT is that I do miss a little pampering.

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  A fun package - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By ranjix - June 8 - 2:00 am

  After about 4 months of driving my new Legacy GT 2.5, can say that its definitely a solid choice, in all regards. Quality of interior and exterior design, comfort, AWD, power, brakes, are all there. (A lot) more car than anything else at same price point and much better looking. Small issues, which made me wonder at the beginning if I made a good choice, the more I drive the less they bother me. All in all, is a fun car to drive.

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  Highly recommend - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By BJ Lim - June 8 - 1:10 am

  Great car, I heard many good comments from my colleagues in past few years and finally bought it. Id recommend highly. Both I and my wife love this car.

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  Early Review - 500mi. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By STI USAF GI - June 8 - 12:46 am

  Im a race fanatic. Ive driven Acuras RSX Type-S and ridden Suzukis GSXR 1000, taking both through their and my limits. Hence the term speed junky to describe myself would be well used. The STi has been by far the best bang for the buck Ive ever experienced. Just like with motorcycles, Im not going to tell you that one car is the best for you; it boils down to driving preference, comfort, and affordability. For $31k I was considering the MazdaSpeed6, and the MazdaSpeed3. After our last few snowstorms here in CO I settled for an AWD sedan with a good punch. The STi has been by far the best refined AWD sedan I tested within this price range/category (sports-sedan).

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  AMAZED! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By pfriday68 - June 6 - 5:21 am

  AMAZED! Took delivery on Friday and put on 378 miles going to the coast. Over mountains, up grades, in rain, got 34 MPG on the first tank! On the hwy with cruise set at 60 was getting 36! More power than expected. No power loss up hills or plenty of power for passing. Comfortable with terrific visibility! Traded 2010 Xterra OR due to horrible mileage (14/18). Gave up towing power but that is all! This easily has the pep of the Xterra in the mountains! Eric D at Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR went above and beyond and I had a terrific sales experience! I love this car. It does it all for me and Ive been looking for this for a long time! Maybe there is something to this Subaru Love stuff!

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  This car is great! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Woodyboy - June 5 - 6:50 pm

  In 34 years I have owned a lot of sports cars and SUVs. The Subaru GT is my favorite. It provides almost sports car like power and handling. It rides like a comfortable sedan. It takes the Utah snow without any drama. I get 28 mpg hwy and 22 mpg around town according to the trip computer. That includes jumping on it a little. I am considering installing the SPT exhaust system, heat shield and high flow exhaust. The factory quotes 30HP and 30 ft-lb torque gains.

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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By CB - June 5 - 11:13 am

  This is my first Subaru. To date I am very satisfied with the SUV. Handles well and is fun to drive. Certainly meets all of my needs from shopping, golfing and traveling.

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  Superior Subie - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Vinny - June 4 - 10:25 pm

  Just purchased the new 2018 crosstrek limited with eyesight. So far it seems a wonderful car. Very safe, comfortable ride, and it feel very sturdy. We purchased this for my wife, and now I may be a big enough fan to trade I my beloved Tuscon and get a Crosstrek also! I think we are Subaru fans now.

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  Typical Subaru Greatness! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Subaroid! - June 3 - 11:36 am

  We bought this car in 2009. For a 2005, and it had low mileage for a 4-year old Subaru (65,000). It looks great (for a station wagon), and the build quality is typical Subaru. No problems so far at 65K. Subarus flat 4 cylinder engine was re-designed in 2005 and is great! Quiet and smooth. Past Subarus (besides the WRX models) had poor acceleration, but this one really goes! Its very fun to drive this car. The all-wheel-drive is great! Subaru took everything good about the Outback and in 2005 made it better! Brakes- Great Steering- Great Handling- Great Features- leather, huge sunroof, performance tires, 17" wheels, turbo engine, power everything, heated seats/mirrors, AWD.