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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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Retired Captain FD - May 9 - 9:36 am

  This is my first Subaru. Have had 8 Mazdas and just returned a 5.7L Chrysler Aspen. Needed smaller fuel efficient vehicle. So far very satisfied with the Forester. Have had it for two months and it is fun to drive, handles well, and my around town fuel mileage is more than double the Aspen. I have the Dark Gray Metallic and Platinum Cloth Interior. Nice color combination but not sure the seats will hold up for the duration. Nice looking vehicle and it is 100% more practical than the Hemi Aspen I used to drive. No rattles or problems requiring it to go back to the dealer for "adjustments." Rough idel when first started, A/C worked well during last heat wave. Weird square cup holders.

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  The WRX is a really fun car to drive! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By WRX in ABQ - May 9 - 7:23 am

  Just under 1,000 miles so far, which means I can start going a little higher on the revs. Thats scary, because even at 4k-5k, the acceleration is phenomenal! Outstanding pick up at low mph or highway level. Very smooth. Got two window roll-downs from other drivers on my first day saying it looks great and asking how it drives. That just doesnt normally happen. I wish the front under-fender (Im not really an expert, so Im sure thats not the name) were a little higher for curbs, but I think I can get that changed. Averaging 24 mpg so far, but Ive been driving it pretty hard, lots of city, and its still breaking in. Most fun car Ive ever driven. Cant wait to take it skiing!

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  Adventures of my 2017 Impreza - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Tanya - May 9 - 2:44 am

  Its great on the road! Very comfortable, solid, responsive. The console outlets are awkward to get to. Drivers side door didnt latch properly; had it replaced; still doesnt latch properly. Sadly, two weeks after purchase, got caught in a hailstorm, and the car is in a body shop to repair or replace roof, hood, doors😢

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  Great Car! More fun than newer models! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Anonymous - May 8 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a Subaru Impreza sport wagon. Its funny because it was more of a hatchback than a station wagon and it handled amazingly well. I recently totaled it but came out without a scratch! When I test drove the new 2008 Imprezas, they were clunkier, heavier, and didnt take turns as well. I know 3 years isnt long, but I never had a single problem that brought me to the dealer. Im a huge fan and wish they didnt redesign the imprezas so I could happily buy another one! Great gas mileage, handling, braking, acceleration (for its price and engine), lots of storage space on the wagonI

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Michele - May 8 - 7:06 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Great handling and control of the road. We had much snow this winter and this vehicle can get through anything. Overall a wonderful experience.

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  Impreza - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By nukegirl - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is super practical for a single, active person and really fun to drive. Acceleration and handling are great. I cant think of a better fit for me at this time in my life.

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  This our Second Outback! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By dwv - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We have lived in the mountains for a number of years. We have found no other car this reliable in the area of service and winter performance.

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  My 1st Subie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JP3 - May 6 - 8:03 pm

  This is my first Subaru and based on what Ive seen so far it wont be my last. We had some pretty specific requirements for our next vehicle: A vehicle in which the whole family could fit including the dog. AWD (especially after this winter) Sunroof Manual. Not ugly. We looked at the Outback, RAV4 and CR- V and the Subaru beat the CR-V for real world driving. CR-V concerned me with part time AWD. RAV4 and Outback are more expensive with same options. The RAV4 actually has a 4x2 option? I also liked Subarus dedication to safety. Side curtain air bags, active head restraints, roll over sensors and VDC all standard. There are a lot of extras in this SUV.

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  Vette Eater. - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Cobo - May 6 - 10:10 am

  A monster on the streets. This car is a blast to drive. Great power from the 4k to 7k RPM range. Put a few upgrades on the car. (Downpipe, Cat-back, ECU) And what a difference it makes. Great in the Michigan winters. The only downside with the car is a slight problem with the battery wanting to die, and slight rattles in the winter. Overall a 10+.

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  Fun Snow Car - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By COBeav - May 5 - 4:30 pm

  Ive put about 1500mi on my Subie. Love it! I was very surprised by its pickup, even with the auto. Its handling and power are much better than the other cars in its class, especially for the basic model. Getting up around 34 mpg hwy, 25 city (stop-n-go), not bad, especially just breaking it in. Had a few snows, and it just zips along. Love being able to just go, even starting uphill. The handling is fun in the snow, it seems as though I can feel the different wheels gripping.