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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  The beauty of AWD - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Hogan Jr. - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Outback for over a year and love it. 30000 miles without a hitch. Good power, decent room, and AWD for security. A black and silver Outback sport looks so much better than any WRX Ive seen. If youre considering the protege5, Matrix, or Jetta wagons, you better check out this car. It beats all those AND has the AWD as a bonus.

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  Best Sports Car for 25K - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By MikeMax - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports car for under 25K! You really have to drive it for a while to appreciate how good and fast it can be. It is a great tool for the performance-oriented drivers. If you do not like interior/exterior, spend 15K more on S4.

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  subaru outback wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By bbou - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I just love this vehicle! It is a perfect size and handles wonderfully. It is fun to drive and very comfortable.

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  New Forester w/Eyesight - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By George Rostrup - March 28 - 9:39 am

  I’ve only owned the vehicle for 2 weeks so reliability is excellent! Lane keep assist is not great but having Eyesight operating in the background is a reassurance. The ride is firm but comfortable and quiet. The Harman Kardon audio with SiriusXM is awesome. Probably not the fastest car but plenty fast for me.

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  My outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ralph Monge - March 28 - 1:48 am

  This is our 4th Subaru. Weve had 2 Foresters and a Legacy previously. With all the new features we feel safer that we did with the other 3 cars.

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  A car for the mountains - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Majszak - March 27 - 6:23 pm

  This car is so tight on the mountain roads that its almost a sin not go looking for bad weather to drive in. I was actually snow plowed in up to the windows and this car drove out like it was going over a speed bump. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  G35 replacement - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Zyg - March 27 - 7:00 am

  I have not had the car a long time, but it was a replacement for my 2003 Infiniti G35. The color is exactly the same - Garnet Fire Pearl and is a deal breaker for me. No red of distinct quality = no chance for a sale. The Legacy has 250hp compared with 260hp for the G35 sedan. The G35 has a more instant response, but the GT is every bit as fast once the turbo kicks in. The G35 became a rattle trap and had brake problems. I drove it 26K and had the front rotors turned twice and the rears once. The Legacy has the same outside road noise, but the interior is far quieter. I am trilled with my Legacy GT over my old G35. No regrets at all!

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  2016 Outback Premium with Eye Sight - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Rauf Che - March 26 - 10:04 pm

  I went for Eye Sight in lieu of Limited with leather. I still have power rear gate, heated front seats, dual climate zone, etc. as they come with the Eye Sight package for Premiums. I dont like the leather much anyways. Hot in summer, cold in winter. I love the car. The only thing I dont like is the CVT transmission. When you shift from R to D, it takes literally 2 seconds before it engages. Its not instant like a normal transmission. It can be an issue when you back up on a busy street. Check that out when you test drive. Its not as bad for me though. I think Im getting used to it.

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  Subaru Baja Turbo (all silver) - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By pditty97 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had the baja turbo for a little over a week now. I must say this caruck (pronounced car-uck) is a great vehicle. All reviews that I read before buying this truck mentioned the lack of space overall when mostly compared to a pickup. I bought this vehicle for the little home projects that i want to do, my active lifestyle (biking/hockey, etc) and this vehicle suits my needs well. You get the vesatility of being able to go to home depot or you get the great feeling of leaving everyone in the dust off of the start/w/turbo around the neighborhood. ...steering wheel always hitting my leg on the way in and to cumbersome to raise and lower.

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  Fun Drive! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By GeoArtGal - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Protege5 and Jetta wagons before deciding on the Subaru Imprezza wagon. The Jetta was too small for my husband, and the Subaru was so much more fun to drive than the Protege. I havent had it long (10 mos), but the only problem Ive had is that it is difficult shift into reverse. I can fit a ton of stuff in the back, rubber cargo mat is excellent when driving dogs around, and at the end of an 8 hour drive, we are still comfortable. I hope this car remains as trouble free and fun to drive as it is right now.