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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  Winter Driving in Wyoming - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By kneyda - November 24 - 4:00 pm

  Just bought this car yesterday. Lots of fun to drive. It went easily up to 7800 ft, wouldnt spin out on ice, and did a 3 point turn in a snow bank. That was the test drive. Today we had 60 mph winds so went out to test it on the highway with high winds and blowing snow. Trackor-trailers were stopped but not the car. In fact, we took it out to the mountains and went off roading in the snow again just for fun!

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  Legacy 3.6R limited with Navigation - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By senseless1 - November 24 - 7:59 am

  Between the Infiniti G37, Audi A4, Ford Fusion and Lexus IS250, I decided that the Subaru Legacy 3.6 Limited was the best AWD value. I have to parallel park this car often, so the relatively short length was important. Speaking of which, its EASY to park this car, especially with the backup camera and the general visibility overall. I drove the 2.5 four cylinder and then the 3.6 six and its like 2 different cars. The Boxer 6 is smooth, quiet and effortless. I prefer the conventional 5 spd automatic that comes with the six cylinder, even with the small trade-off in fuel economy. The leather seating is awesome and the drive is secure and peaceful. Theres some highway wander over 70mph.

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  Zippy - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By saintcase - November 23 - 6:20 am

  I am really enjoying my new Crosstrek Subaru. Never had one before, and hopefully wont be the last. Really liked working with Steve Lewis Subaru, and they gave us a better deal than the other ones in the area. Would definetly recommend this new vehicle and Steve Lewis Subaru.

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  Versatile and Fun - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By socalh2oskier - November 21 - 11:56 pm

  This is my fourth Subie. I have owned all sorts of cars, from a Mazda Miata to a Mercedes CLK AMG, Mercedes SL, Jaguar XK, Jaguar XJ8, Lexus and several others. Subaru is one of my all time favorites, especially the Outback. This is a reasonably quick, versatile car with reliability second to none. This is truly one of the most comfortable vehicles you would ever want for a long trip. The ride is quiet and smooth, and gas mileage is suprisingly decent. I average about 17-20 in city driving, with 26-30 highway. Handling is much better than most SUVs, the driving position is high with excellent visibility and it has character. Great value.

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  Small SUV with a HUGE Attitude! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dr. Nutty - November 21 - 10:00 am

  A great car to drive! Instant power for passing, and a AWD system that keeps you glued to the road in all weather conditions. This is the most enjoyable car i have ever owned. The XT has plenty of room, plenty of creature comforts, including an awesome stereo! I drive 80 miles roundtrip daily to work on a two lane country road, and needed a car that could safely get around logging trucks, etc and handle the snow and ice we get during the winter. After 18,000 miles, i think i picked the perfect car for living in northern Idaho.

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  Solid as a rock - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By cskyun - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Current employer bought this car on my request, for the work that requires me to drive 48K miles a year. I have not had a single problem with this car and got me out of many sticky situations (some were intentional, just to see how it performs). Drives sure-footed way in rain or snow of Kansas. Descent gas mileage and with that price and safety rating, this is the best value out there. Currently own Chevy Sub and Lexus ES300 but I prefer and feel safer to drive this car in any weather, qith the family. The brakes also deserve a praise. I remember a reviewer compare the handling as if it was running on "rail", and I can not find a better description

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  what fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Sterie - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This wagon is a stealth sports car.Excellent performance, fun to drive, great sun roof. Roof Rack is stronger we carry double kayak and tandom bike on top. Can also carry mountain bike inside with out disassembly. Wife had a hard time accepting payment for an ugly station wagon, but has since changed her mind and always wants to drive. Good cd player, great heated seats and individual heat controls.

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  Were so happy - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Jeff - November 21 - 9:50 am

  With our new White satin Pearl Forester ltd. Have had one month now and very pleased. Ride is "tight". Car seems solid. No rattles ( I was a little concerned about this after reading reviews before we purchased-but so far so good). 4 speed trans is better than expected as "sport shift" mode makes for crisp shifting and even in normal "drive " position the spacing between the gears is such that the final rpm at highway speed is not too much higher than a 5 speed might be.

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  Good Family Car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By tm - November 20 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had this vehicle only a few weeks and already love it. I traded a Toyota RAV4 2007 for the Outback. The Outback is a lot quieter. I have an 8 year old and a 3 month old and swear the back seat is wider. I love the space in the back.

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  Rides Hard - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By EricB - November 20 - 7:50 am

  I test drove 7 vehicles before buying my Subaru 2.5 GT LTD.(auto). I like the car a lot, however the ride is sporty, i.e. rides a bit hard if you are coming out of a car like an Accord V6 like I was. Power is great. The left-side rearview mirror is distorted and getting replaced (dealer was helpful, no problem). I miss a few things like radio controls on the steering wheel. I have the optional subwoofer and the radio sounds great. I find the seats a bit hard but finally found a good adjustment for me. No turbo boost gauge. My first tank I got 19.6 mpg., fair enough considering I was in the go pedal a bit. I love the way it looks, mines black. So far, so good. I recommend it.