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:

• 

  Is it really a performance car? - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By AirLokita - November 8 - 9:07 pm

  So I always wanted a WRX and decided to buy one to replace a BMW 135i. I have to say, a little disappointed. Everything everyone has written is mostly true regarding outward visibility, ergo, handling -- all excellent. Very confidence inspiring in the twisties. But theres a big problem: its slow. Its just a slow car. Would be quite surprised if this dynod at the advertised 270hp. Not Prius slow, or stay out of the left lane slow, but its really not quick. The aforementioned BMW - and Id guess any x35/40 series of BMW, would eat this for breakfast/lunch/dinner on almost any given road. The salesperson insisted I keep it under 4K RPM on the test drive, and I just sort of assumed there was a more active part of the powerband above 4K. Nope. I like the car though. Its companionable, and I trust it (unlike the BMW). Not a bad value. Shoulda bought the STI.

• 

  I love my first brand new car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Subenut87 - November 8 - 6:06 am

  Get the manual transmission to get the best performance and the most fun. I really recommend this product. This is my second Subaru, my first one was a 93 Legacy without AWD.

• 

  Trading in my Outback on another Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By danwatson - November 7 - 11:51 pm

  Ive been very satisfied with our 2011 3.6 Limited Outback. But, its approaching 70,000 miles and at some point it needs to be replaced. They are making changes to the 2015 model including a CVT transmission for the 3.6, six cylinder engine. The 14s still have a 5 speed auto in the 3.6 models. I dont like CVTs so Ive decided to trade in a well worn but reliable 11 Outback. With almost 70,000 miles on a 3 year old car, Im still getting $17,000 in trade for a new one that was discounted nearly 10% from sticker. This will be my third Subaru and Im very pleased with the brand.

• 

  Five Star Overall - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Lillianna - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  The safety features are outstanding compared to all other models in its category. Safety is number one for me, because I have a new driver to share this new auto with me. So, as you know Mom is always concerned about the childrens well being, and safety comes first. The Subaru Forester is equipped with all the latest technology and up to date gadgets anyone can possibly think of. Yes, including a USB Port in the middle compartment. Oh, and several outlets for charging all the external stuff, like games, cell phones, and anything else that might need to be charged. The interior leather seats are very comfortable, both up front and in the back. The cargo area is large enough for suitcases and a good size ice chest, plenty of room. I am enjoying my new forester...

• 

  Undercover blast - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By custom_junky - November 7 - 3:52 am

  This is my second Subaru Legacy, the first one being a 2005 2.5i Limited 5-spd. Liked the chassis so much I decided to get a Spec. B version, if for nothing else the extremely strong 6-spd tranny and drive train over the GT models. The Si-Drive allows simple daily driving as well. The interior is as expected, nav, aux-in radio, heated front seats and soft touch areas where needed.

• 

  2005 Subaru Toy. - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Carlos Juan - November 6 - 3:46 pm

  Its a great performance bargain, bought mine used for $13,000 with only 37,000 miles. The car runs flawless 227hp, 24/28mpg and AWD makes this one of the best choices for a good all around car. Dont let the teenager car looks fool you because it can surely put a smile in your face. Excellent in city and highway. Easy to make most sports cars look like an economy car from 0-60 and all on a budget.

• 

  Build these again!! - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By bluebaja - November 5 - 10:50 pm

  When our 03 Baja was getting high miles, there was only 1 choice to replace it - another Baja! We found our 06 6 hours from our home still under factory warranty. The only complaint I have about the Baja is SOA didnt keep making them based on the new Outback. Comfortable, capable off road, great in the snow - what more could anyone want from a daily driver? If you dont need the towing capacity of a full size truck and still want decent gas mileage with a truck bed (plywood and drywall as well as dimensional lumber fits), the Baja is your vehicle! If SOA had advertised them, they would have sold like hot cakes. 3 people bought 1 after seeing our 03.

• 

  No Better Car Out There For The Money - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian & Erin - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Having parents that have owned two Subarus for years and hearing how great a car they build, we decided to go out and buy one. After owning the car for a little over a year now, I can honestly tell you this is the best car Ive owned. I am NOT a family car type of guy and I love driving this car. From the solid Subaru build quality to the All-Wheel drive and the suprisingly well cornering ability. The list goes on and on. At around $20,000 this car is a steal.

• 

  STI vs EVO - Ive owned then Both Now. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By bobspeed - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just got rid of a 2003 Evo after 1 year, and just got a 2004 STI: Both cars are just like the press says - But I give an edge to the STI. One big blast of a ride, the STI does have a more forgiving a ride than the Evo, has a better interior, and has a cruise control (Mitsu you listening?). Seat of the pants tells me the STIs 29 more horses and 27 more lbs torque are for real. Handling - both handle different and require different techniques on hard cornering. The Sti just a little lift throttle oversteer to set the apex, then punch it and watch the thing scream. Im a speed junkie and the STI is just that much more than the EVO.

• 

  Great all climate car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By A Flyer - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This is our 5th Subaru and it is driven 60 miles round trip everyday and we use it to visit our daughters in Westchester and Fairfax counties every 3 to four weeks. This H6 is by far the best Subaru weve owned. The ride is very good, stable, responsive on the expressway and most of all reliable. An added plus is that it looks great. The car earned our confidence. Living in Rochester NY, we do get a lot of inclement weather; ice, snow, sleet, wind, etc. When that happens the Saab 9-5 stays in the garage and the Subaru becomes our workhorse. Cant say enought good things about the car.