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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  The More I Drive It the More I Like It - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By 1stsubaru - June 19 - 7:00 am

  I have a base model 5 speed Impreza sedan with over 2500 miles on it, the only options being the all weather mats (which are nice) and a jack for an ipod or something. This is my first Subaru, which I purchased as its the first Subaru that appears to get decent fuel economy. Ive only been in snow a few times, the most being about 5 to 6 inches which presented no problems in spite of the poorly rated tires. Average mileage for mainly stop and go with short highway driving has been 27 mpg to 28 mpg, which seems as rated. I drove sport bikes for over twenty years and dont expect cars that Im willing to pay for to provide the performance levels that I was accustomed to, so for me cars are just comfortable transportation and the Impreza is fine. The Impreza hp is about the same as a Ford OHV Taurus, the torque about 20 lbs/ft less, we.ve done many road trips in a Taurus with a family of five so I expect the Impreza can do the same.

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  Japanese feel like a European - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By slickmetal - June 19 - 1:43 am

  Its my first Subaru. I always have been a Toyota fan. I have been an owner of a Corolla, Camry and the 2000 Celica. I wanted a AWD, thats why I want to try the Subaru. Its a solid car. I have always like the interior of European cars like VW and Audi. The Legacy is the first Japanese car I feel like Im inside an European make. The traction is excellent and cornering doesnt feel like youre in a wagon. Subaru should put in a base engine with 200 horse power to make it more fun to drive without paying the premium price for GT turbo model.

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  Big mistake - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By andyp331 - June 18 - 11:39 pm

  I will never buy another Subaru product as long as I live. Biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. The quote un quote AWD is a joke, I backed my car around the back of my house to unload some bricks out of it, and it got stuck in the grass and made ruts in my yard. AWD really? It slides in the slightest amount of snow. No power, rides rough. All around it is horrible.

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  Fantastic Car - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By michaelz08 - June 15 - 1:39 pm

  This is the first Subaru weve ever bought, and we have no regrets about it. Its a fantastic car, and thats even before you look at how much value it offers; for example, a similarly optioned Ford Fusion costs upwards of $5 thousand dollars more! And the features arent even as good or refined. The Eyesight adaptive cruise is awesome, and it is completely worth the extra money. The Harman/Kardon sound system is better than some in more expensive cars. The interior is roomy and the seats are very comfortable, and even the rear seats are heated. Thats something you dont see in some $60 thousand Mercedes! The navigation system is really good, and its easy to use. On that note, the rear vie

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  Home Run! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By A.R.G. - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I first drove it for two blocks, and was almost sold, until I flexed the Scoobies muscle. It is the grown up version of the WRX: smooth, quiet, soild. I bought it the next day. It keeps impressing me. Great car!!

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  four POWER - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By celldtrx - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This four cylinder is comparable to some eights. Acceleration is very impressive.High speed acceleration is very good.All other brands take note or this will be the only car on the road.

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  Subaru reveiw - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Luis Cruz - June 13 - 8:10 pm

  You get a lot for your money and you feel the safety in your vehicle

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  Very Fun & Practical - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By brian - June 13 - 11:23 am

  I love to drive my WRX. It handles great, and the wagon has enough room to make runs to the hardware store. Main complaint is the slight turbo lag. Otherwise the car is great for roadtrips and is built rock solid.

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  A GREAT LITTLE SUV WAGON - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By JIM - June 12 - 6:46 pm

  What a great little SUV wagon, try it you love it. Drive it and you will be convinced that it is one of best all-wheel drive wagons on the road in this price range. This is my second Subaru Forester that I have own,

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  ETC problems - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Jaime - June 11 - 9:06 am

  The ETC hesitates when you are needing quick acceleration. This hesitation is a dangerous situation when you must accelerate now. I have had three situations with one very near miss serious accident due to vehicle hesitating when I needed to move quickly to get out of the way of another vehicle about to rear end me. Other than being dangerous it also takes the fun out of driving it as it contributes to poor performance. Subaru says it is a common complaint for the 2,5i. Really, arent they concerned about the safety and welfare of the people in Subaru vehicles! This has been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Division. Dont buy this vehicle.