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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  wow, best in class by far -- must drive! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By VJ - March 9 - 12:16 am

  We bought ours yesterday and were sold from the minute we sat in it. We were comparing between a CRV exl a BMW x3 and a lr2. The Forester handled the best, had the most options for the most reasonable lease price and our sales rep at irvine Subaru was second to none. We ultimately chose to go with the Subaru because of the overall quality of the vehicle and the person we dealt with.

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  I am Impressed! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Robert Clarke - March 8 - 10:40 am

  I just got my Legacy a month ago and I could not be happier. We broke it in on a 3,000 mile trip to SC. It cruised through rain that had people pulling over because they could not see. We averaged 70 mph with the A/C on and the mileage was 31! Great safety with the 6 airbags and traction control. I have been told it had a 5 star rating. Great HK stereo, very quick with the 5 speed. Steering is precise and the roadholding is fantastic. I had two Audis and I like this more. Plus, if it did have a maintenance problem (which I dont think it will) it would be cheap to fix. A lot of car for 19K.

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  05 2.5 X is dreamy - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By jeremy in AZ - March 7 - 3:36 pm

  I feel I got a lot of car for the money. Has been great in all conditions: highway, snowy weather, muddy backroads, rough and loose jeep- type trails. Lots of cargo room. A nice balance of performance and gas mileage. Yes, the upgraded models have a plusher interior...but the X is bomber as is.

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  Built for race! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By abugslife - March 7 - 10:00 am

  What else can I say? It is simply amazing once you start the car. All fun just begin.

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  Blue 04 WRX sedan - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Rick Dunham - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I live in Massachusetts, so having all wheel drive is a big plus.It is a fun car to drive in any kind of weather. I test drive the Mazda6s,WRX, and Nissan Maxima. Subarus reliability, all wheel drive, and the fun to drive factor really sold me.

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  All around great car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By 35th Legacy Auto - March 7 - 9:06 am

  This is an all around wonderful vehicle. Everyday performance is good but in rain or snow, good quickly changes to great. Nothing Ive ever driven has compared to this car. I cant see any reason why I wouldnt buy Subaru in the future.

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  2nd Forester and more to come - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By patton4457 - March 6 - 4:33 pm

  Just bought my second Forester by trading in my 04 gem. She had close to 100,000 miles on her already and had never had one simple thing go wrong with her. Hated to part with her but love my new forester even more. Didnt think that would be possible. Also, didnt think I would get as good of gas mileage as I have so far. Avg. 25mpg both city and highway and it is nowwhere near broken in. Extra room is awesome. Ride is awesome. Would recommend one to anybody.

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  Great little suv - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Doug - March 6 - 11:36 am

  I drove 2 Lexus RXs for 6 years before this little suv. I wanted better gas mileage at $3 per gallon. I am surprised at how pleased I am. Great handling. Much more fun to drive. And still pulls my boat adequately.

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  Excellent value - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Minnie - March 6 - 12:53 am

  I never considered a Subaru until looking at all the others and not finding what I wanted. As soon as I sat in my LL Bean Forester I was hooked. Everything felt right. I love the AWD, the sunroof is amazing especially at night on our country roads with stars twinkling overhead, the heated seats are great, the wood accents on steering wheel and shifter make it look rich, and it handles like a dream. Youd never think this car is a 4 cyl as it has lots of power. Getting 26-28 MPG with just over 3500 miles on her. Ill never own anything else. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee I had for fourteen years and I hope to have this one as long.

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  Happy wife, happy life - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Mark Wynn - March 4 - 5:39 pm

  I researched and drove demos for nearly a year before buying a Subaru Outback Touring 3.6. Ever make a purchase where everytime you drive youre thinking, "damn, Im so smart!" Thats what our Touring 3.6 in Brilliant Brown does for me. The performance, styling, technology, advanced safety features, sound insulation and comfort are comparable to luxury SUVs I drove costing $20,000 more than the 40K I paid for the Outback Touring 3.6. I dispute Edmonds comment about lack of accelleration. Perhaps they were thinking of the 4 cyl. engine. The 3.6 is very strong and works seamlessly with the new CV transmission. The braking and handling is solid. The Subaru all-wheel drive is superior to most other marques 4wd. Im somewhat embarrassed for being so over the top complimentary, as thats not usually my style ... but Im really impressed with the Touring 3.6 model. I suspect theyll jack up the price by next year.