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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  great car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By steven persaud - May 13 - 10:00 am

  its a fun car i own 3 so far and they all drive better than hodas

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  This is a Subaru??? - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By NateThomas - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Two years ago I almost bought a WRX. Last year I almost bought a Forester XT. I am glad I waited for the Outback XT. This car is so superior to the 99 Outback I had before. Looking at the interior I would think it was a German car. The performance is unreal and the reliability is excellent. The tires are a weak point and they will be replaced with Falken 512s soon. For the price, this is the best car available. I love that added ground clearance. It will definately come in handy during New England winters and during camping trips in the White Mountains.

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  Snow Buggy - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By some12talk2 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st subie and with the inside out changes for this year gave me enough reason to buy one. After driving the car for a month now, I find this to be the ideal car for the day tripper or weekend warrior. Very fun to drive and pass SUVs, especially on windy roads. Its not affect by high winds and has little body roll on sharp turns. Very nimble handling, feels like youre driving a small car. The turbo lag is minimal even at high altitudes. The ground clearance allowed me to take it on the backroads. Cant wait for the snow season to test it out. Has a very stylish interior/exterior. Suites me perfectly!!!

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  not much to say - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By mac - May 12 - 1:26 pm

  This car rocks. I consider myself a car enthusiast at the age of 25. This car was in my budget limits, and there is nothing out there that comes close to the value that you get out of this car. 227 hp, AWD, FUNNN!

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  Third Subaru Wagon - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By llmccal - May 10 - 12:33 am

  This is my third Subaru Outback wagon and the quality and workmanship of each one keeps getting better. More interior space including driver legroom and the 250hp engine allows me to keep up with any traffic flow on the freeway and interstate. The gas mileage is much better than anticipated. I presently have 4,000 miles on the car and am getting 24-26mpg for all my driving.

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  Sweet ride! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Shoju - May 9 - 1:30 am

  Ive had the car for six months now, and I love my car very much. 5 speed manual with all weather package. I get about 22 MPG on my daily commute to work. I can get between 25-32 MPG on long freeway drives. Living in sunny Southern California, the heat causes a unique experience within my Subaru. When it gets hot, the plastics of the interior give off a nauseating smell. The interior looks great to me. Its just that being plastic makes it not as good. The stereo is great. Those who complain about the stereo when using a MP3 player need to learn that AUX jacks means the volume is controlled on the device! Turn it up on the device and then it will sound fine through the stereo!!

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  Great value for the price - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By peter kung - May 8 - 4:01 pm

  Its a SUV so expect a little more wobbly ride than a sedan.

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  2009 Subaru Forester ,Hearts Delight!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Pat B. - May 8 - 1:10 pm

  I love my Subaru Forester. I havent been this happy about purchasing a vehicle in a long time. I truly love the new design of the Forester and the panoramic moon roof is the best. I get the best gas mileage with this car, and I feel very safe in this car. I am sure that I will keep this car around for a very long time. I feel good about my purchase.

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  B-9 is Beautiful! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By CBrunner - May 6 - 8:33 pm

  Wow, I have waited 2 and a half years for this car and all I can say is WOW! I love the way the B-9 drives; it is hard to believe that you are that high off the ground! All I can say is drive one and you will own one; perfect size, love the extra two seats and the rear heat and air is great for guests. It isnt the most powerful ute out there but it sure does great with what its got. I love the engine sound and the exhaust note, it just screams sporty!

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  Fun Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By porkfarm - May 4 - 11:50 am

  I chose this over the EVO MR, because of the interior and the cruise control. I do have to admit that the EVO MR looked better from the outside; then again, I can’t see the outside when I am driving. STi is definitely built for the fun/excitement factor, not for comfort. It took a few days for me get use to that much hp and turbo and control, but now, it puts a smile on my face every time I step into the car. This or the EVO probably are the best performance machines (ignoring the comfort) for a sub $40k purchase. Definitely a car to consider before having kids. Other cars I considered were G35, 330i, TL, IS350, GTO, Cobra, 350Z.