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 Value - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Caysey - October 21 - 6:56 am

  This is a lot of car for not a lot of money. Interior room is comfortable, not a lot of wasted space, giving passengers more room. Powerful engine, tight steering, really fun to drive.

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  Happy at 5000 miles - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Bill Fitz - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Researched competing models and found Forester to be best value for the money. Bought it as a second car and now it is our favorite. Great for highway and around town. Pulls our boats with no problem. With a luggage box on top carried all our gear, two adults, two kids and a dog across four states and back. Subaru reliability was a big decision factor, being fun to drive cinched the deal.

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  Grocery getter?? NOT!!!! - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Kalibos - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Outback. Traded in a Civic EX for it. The handling is superior to the Civic and a lot of other cars in its class. Recently went on a drive with a bunch of 2002 WRXs in the mtns. My car handled just a well as they did on the turns and curves. Granted they had more horsepower. But where the road ends the pretty little road cars have to stop and I can go on. Its a blast to go to the local offroad sites and play around with the BIG Monster truck type. Seeing the looks on their faces is truly rewarding.

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  the bess car ever - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By romuel chaves - October 20 - 10:00 am

  great handling and great speed a real rally car to be recognized

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  Subaru takes a step up. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Docaloha - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Subaru fan for about 15 years, but felt it was always underpowered. The new H6 solves the problem nicely. The car is very smooth, and glides through traffic. My wife has a new Subaru Legacy sedan, and whenever she or my daugther take my car, they always remark on how much better my Outback handles, and how smooth it is. While it lacks some of the luxury features of the next class up, pricewise, it does have the best of them including heated seats, great stereo, very comfortable wheel, and auto climate control.

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  Repeat buyer - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By John Kocialski - October 19 - 8:44 am

  Nothing... Just buy it...... Great

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  Not Bad At All - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By ATC - October 17 - 4:13 pm

  Im only 52"... not a lot of cars out there that can provide me with much needed comfort for visibility... But the Forester has changed it all. It is a joy to drive at all the times but up to a 45 degree up hill to the high way from a complete stop. I have the most joy driving through the severe snow storms!!! Unbelievable control in 6" snow! LOVE IT!

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  Solid, Fun to Drive - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ringer - October 16 - 3:10 am

  I picked up the new Outback during an intense Northern Ohio blizzard!! It was love at first drive. Handles great with the AWD; Solid feel; Very roomy back seat for kids, plus plenty of cargo space. I get lots of positive comments on the Outback from friends, as well as strangers! CVT took some getting-used-to, but like the salesman said, "it just goes!" Not a rocket by any means, but it seems to help on fuel. Mileage has been pretty good at around 26 mpg in the city.

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  Pleasantly surprised with first Subaru - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By T - October 14 - 11:47 pm

  The acceleration and handling is excellent. When I drive it it feels very stable and sure around obstacles. It is also surprisingly roomy inside.

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  My first Subaru - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Silversoobiegirl - October 13 - 5:36 pm

  I bought my Impy just over a year ago, and it has been the best car Ive ever owned. The steering can only be described as "silky." I have a few wishes for Subaru: Add some maplights in the front, and a compass/outside thermometer. I agree with one of the other people, Id like to have heated seats and a moonroof. I got the foglights, which are great, but would have paid extra for the moonroof and heated seats (Soobies first winter was very snowy and cold, and the AWD was awesome!). Im so glad I didnt buy a Corolla, theyre great cars too, but my Subaru is the best!