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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  OK But Doesnt - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By lukewarm - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We went the Suba-route once the repairs on our 90 Volvo 240DL wagon became prohibitive. Many if not most of our friends drive Subaru wagons (mainly outbacks) and LOVE them. Unfortunately, I dont. The Legacy is quite a low rider, and the interior design seems to hinder visibility and is a bit cramped. Im not that tall (58") and I find the drivers seat a bit snug. The interior styling could be a touch more sophisticated at this price point. But on a positive note, it handles wonderfully in poor weather.

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  ? - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By karenmoorebrunelle - May 18 - 2:00 am

  My third Subaru. First a legacy wagon then two outbacks. All great cars. Reliable, functional and still f

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  Great Deal - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By The Analog Kid - May 18 - 1:36 am

  This was my first car purchase, and for the money, gas mileage, performance, safety, and reliability I am very glad I bought the Forester. Great design, fun to drive, and great in the snow/ice/wet roads. The mountains are no match for this car and I have had no qualms or buyers remorse. Lots of space, good for highway or city commute. I would recommend Subarus college graduate program for it too. A lot of car for the money.

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  Fun car - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By blueklister - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I didnt plan on buying another Subaru. We have an Outback, which was great for skiing and well put together. But I needed a new car and drove the Hondas, Toyotas, Golfs, Passats, etc. Great cars all, but no soul, no real road handling. Found myself back at the Subaru dealer test driving a Legacy sedan. Not the prettiest car -- but what a great road handling car! I guess its the AWD that gives it that great road feel. My only complaint after 22,000 miles is it is a bit jerky at low rpms. Incredible brakes, zippy when passing on quiet country roads and handles so incredibly well in the corners.

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  Enjoying this car - better than expected! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By beachbum78 - May 17 - 7:47 am

  Started leasing a base, 4 cylinder, Outback a month ago and my husband and I are very happy with it. The mileage is good for a car this size - averaging 31.4 in mixed city/highway driving. Seat comfort is good for both of us, it handles real well and feels solid and well made. I did not want all the extra bells & whistles, so the base model was just right. As a person who always drove (and loves) manual transmissions, the automatic/CVT was almost a deal-breaker, but Im satisfied with it and my husband loves it. I checked EMF (electromagnetic field) readings on quite a few new cars of different makes & models, since I am sensitive to being engulfed in too much electromagnetic radiation, and the base Outback had the lowest readings, which is a good thing for me. (I did not measure the other Outback models.) Looking forward to driving a car with 8.7" ground clearance this winter. If this car had a manual transmission and a higher horsepower turbo engine, it would be perfect.

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  The Little Old Ladys Turbo - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Annina - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I went from the hard to get into Jeep to this comfortable smaller SUV. It drives like a baby carriage and and flies up the onramp. Perfect car for freeway driving and looks good too.

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  Best all around - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By zablocwj - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Handle great on turn! Great fuel millage! The most comfortable ride!

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  1st Year LL Bean Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By LLBeaner - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Would recommend it to anyone!

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  Scoobaroo - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Victor Reasinger - May 13 - 10:19 pm

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  Was a good car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Rh1112 - May 13 - 12:50 am

  Just in the last 2 years I feel like this car turned into the What Next car. Headgasket replaced during warranty, at around 34000 miles. Needs it again at 113000. Last year rebuilt the tranny and replace CV boots, $2500. This year rear O2 sensor, $500, due to check engine light. Then the catalytic converter, $1500, also due to check engine light. Still needs head gasket and oil leak repair, would be around $2500. I put in $4500, I cant afford another $2500. I have to DUMP THIS CAR! I was really hoping to drive this for a few more years, but now have to get rid of it.