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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  HAL - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Smith - May 23 - 7:53 am

  Nice car with good safety systems. Dealership easy to work with. Happy with selection.

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  Forget comfort & good mpg - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By gala7 - May 22 - 11:34 pm

  The leather drivers seat is remarkably uncomfortable. None of the available adjustments mitigate this badly designed seat. The big touchscreen is a glare hazard and not at all user friendly. Its hard to see the time and temperature. The car is incredibly noisy on the road. And the gas mileage is not even close to Subs advertised 25/33. More like 23/30 at best. We can do better than this "me, too" car.

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  Best Sport Wagon on the Market - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By mattzart - May 22 - 4:43 am

  Okay, so Ive only had it a week and Im still in the honeymoon phase. But this a solid little car. Its versatile, good looking and fun to drive. Corners very well, like its on rails. Engine has plenty of pep.

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  Im in love with my car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Quad - May 22 - 3:46 am

  I love it when I start it, when I drive it, and when I lock it up. I love it in the middle of the night just knowing its in the garage. The power. The brakes. The handling. The roar. The POWER! And the looks I get -- driving into the parking garage at work ... dropping my kid off at school (from the other parents) ... pulling into the 7-11. You can take your 350Z, your Evo, your (cough) S2000 and keep them. Keep them out of my way, that is.

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  A WRX trapped inside a Volvos body! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By withdrew - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We have a baby now so we needed something more versatile than our previous car (02 BMW 325i) but just as sporty and fun to drive. The Subaru Outback delivers in every way. Its a great looking wagon inside and out, the build quality is solid and in 2.5 XT form, its more powerful than our old BMW. I couldnt ask for more. The Outback is smooth and powerful and feels like a much more expensive car. Its very quiet and low-revving, I barely go over 4,000 RPM. Theres plenty of room in the rear for a baby-stroller, groceries, luggage, golf clubs, etc. In our old sedan that was a major issue. The 5 speed manual is responsive and crisp. The 2.5 XT Limited is the best Outback available, period.

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  9 months after purchase - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jbeckr - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car that we like better all the time. Utility and ease of use are high points. Surprsingly good handling.

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  great car for the $$$$$ - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By hates snow - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive .. tough on brakes and tires ... hugs the road like a more expensive sports car and is great in the snow!! Its my wifes car and she loves it. Although its becoming a bit small for my 62" son and all his hockey / lacrosse / football gear. He thinks we should get a new car and give him this one. Such a dreamer, but it would be a great 1st car .. lots of safety features ... Id buy it again!

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  works for me - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By practicalfun - May 20 - 10:00 am

  boght the forester used and have had for a year now. no problems, fun to drive. I live on a steep, winding canyon road - the car handles the curves great. Lots of room in the back for stuff. Ive bought 72" bookcase and carried it home no problem. Gets 24 mpg. I needed a basic, reliable car that could tote around a lot of stuff, with AWD because of where I live, and this was it. Happy with the purchase.

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  One Word... Awsome - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Eric_W - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever purchased. The handeling in the car is great and hugs the road on curves. The auto trans is better then expected. Ya, there is some power loss, but none that you could tell. With just a slight press on the gas petal... youre off. Im glad the fixed the design from the bug eyed modle from before. Also, I was waiting for the moonroof and it is finally avalible in the 04. Dont pass one of these up!

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  Good Basic Transportation after 20k miles just OK - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By electricvette - May 19 - 12:02 am

  This is my wifes car. I tell every one I do not like it for the following reasons. 1. The front seat will not go full horizontal so my wife has two towels in the back. 2. road noise is terrible. 3. heavy steering... its like they put the smallest freekn power steering pump in to get better gas mileage and you have to work the wheel on trips. 4. radio knobs are not log enough. 5 poor ride comfort. MY GMC Denali rides soooo much better than this. 6. seat comfort is poor. Will not be a repeat customer. Looking for something quieter on my next car.