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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  Dodge Ram 4x4 to WRX!!! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By ram11213 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  What a switch!! All I have ever driven has been a full size truck. My last was a Ram. I feel like Im driving a Go-Cart!! I love it! I think the car has awesome bold styling and nice headlights. It is an absolute blast to drive. Its like having a toy and a commuter car all in one. The WRX is so versatile, sports car or hauler!

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  Not Just for Fishing - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By JohnnyKay - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Baja as a third car for hauling fishing gear from the shore house to the marina in Cape May. But with the wild winter in the NE, I had lots of experience driving in the snow, rain, and ice. Now, Im hooked - thinking of using it year round. Love the AWD. Bargained for the vinyl bed cover, and glad I did. Great looks, handling, and fun to drive. Great deals.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Patrick Hogan - February 22 - 5:03 pm

  So far so good. I test drove the new Outback, not please at all with the drive. The Forester however is easy to maneuver, no major blind spots. Leather is a must, other models w/o leather seem sub-par.

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  I hoped they fixed problems w older Imprezas! - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By sjgordon26 - February 22 - 1:34 am

  We had a 2002 Impreza Outback Sport (the hatchback Impreza). At 150,00 Head Gasket and Catalytic Converter went. They broke again 50,000 miles later. The 2002 model only lasted 200,000 miles and Subaru Annapolis and Subura National Customer Service said it is not worth fixing a 200,000 mile car; buy a new one. What?!? That is why we bought a Subaru- to go the distance more than other cars....Id be scared to buy this one unless you get it for the price of a Hyundai!

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  Excellent so far - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Nick Mitlo - February 22 - 1:11 am

  Driven for one month and love it so far! Problems with set up of My Subaru thru Dealership error and poor Customer Service at My Subaru web site and their Customer Service! But the car itself Is a dream car!

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  Dependable - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By SeattleSub - February 20 - 6:46 pm

  Bought new, now covered 72k miles in all conditions. I am a confirmed Subaru driver and this car has lived up to my expectations. This car gets me everywhere I want to go in any weather. The performance of the 2.5i is adequate. The 4-speed auto needs another gear and quicker response. Why did they put such poor tires on at the factory? Problems included: 1) Burning out headlight bulbs regularly. I no longer leave the headlights on all the time and the problem has gone away. 2) Wheel bearing went at 59k. I now have a 1 year old son and this model is too small in the back for the car seat and Mum. I am 65". I will probably buy the new model as it has much more leg and shoulder room.

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  SUV - Significantly Underpowered Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - February 20 - 6:06 pm

  An OK car, but nothing to get excited about. I dont notice any particular benefit to the AWD, but northern NJ has pretty tame weather. The 4 cylinder is kind of wimpy in this fairly heavy car. Disappointed by cheap plastic in the interior. First day pulled the coin tray clear off the dash. Also, there are these silly little doors in the back that dont really close over storage areas. Most annoying - after 3 years, developed a whining sound at highway speed - exactly like our 2002 Impreza. Dealer wants $492 to replace some window gizmos. I think not. Our 97 Dodge Caravan doesnt sound like this. Probably last Subaru Ill buy.

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  My 2004 Subar WRX STI - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By zeroGsti - February 19 - 5:43 pm

  I love this car! I own a little 92 Honda Civic HB and I tell myself that Im going to drive the Civic to work for commuting but I cant resist driving the WRX because its so much fun. If you like fast cars like me youll love this car. Before making any judgments on this car I suggest you go to your nearest Subaru dealership to test drive it to see for yourself. After that the price doesnt seem so bad.

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  still lookin - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By johnny - February 19 - 6:19 am

  seems to be concern about the tire wear for the outback and some folks claim to change out the standard tires

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  fast, fun, and a winter ride - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Sean Glazar - February 19 - 2:43 am

  I bought my Subie for the AWD system because i live in Pittsburgh and winter driving can be tough sometimes. Thanks Subaru for a great all around ride that drives great in the snow; so far an 8 inch storm hit the area and I drove everywhere a slip here and there but never got close to stopping - always going forward.